Miss Earth SA 2015 Regional Finalists, Denicke Cronjé (left) and Andrea von Gunten (right) celebrating with Grant Newton – Groot Constantia’s Marketing & Sales Manager
Monday 13 July saw Groot Constantia celebrating its 330th birthday in what was a fun and festive day for young and old alike – with free wine tasting, free massages from Mangwanani Spa, fun kiddies activities and more on offer.
Capetonians joined Groot Constantia en masse to mark this special day and the estate enjoyed the site and sounds of families having fun and making memories on what is South Africa’s oldest wine producing farm – with an uninterrupted record of wine production since its inception in 1685, boasting a proud heritage of 330 years this year.
“This is an achievement that cannot be claimed by any other wine farm in South Africa – nor in the Southern Hemisphere,” says Grant Newton, Sales and Marketing Manager for Groot Constantia. “The 13th of July is the date that the original deed to Groot Constantia was signed way back in 1685, and to give context to the age of this historical estate – the Groot Constantia trademark is also one of the oldest surviving trademarks in the world today.”
Standing the test of time
Newton explains that over the years the wine produced on the estate has caught the attention of influential people across the globe. “Aristocracy made sure that they had enough stock of this acclaimed and precious product. It is recorded that Louis Phillipe (King of the French) was a regular client of Constantia with several repeat orders. A glass of “Constantia” wine was one of Napoleon’s last wishes before he died in exile on St Helena. The British Royal family as well as Frederic the Great of Prussia, have also all appreciated the Wines of Constantia.”
Raking in the accolades
330 years of production later and Groot Constantia’s wines continue to rake in the awards with the estate having won a total of 89 top accolades since 2003.
In fact, the estate has won a total of 18 gold awards over the last 12 months alone, with the last four months seeing Groot Constantia add five impressive awards to their already extensive list of accolades.
Most recently, and an exciting achievement for South Africa’s oldest wine producing estate, Groot Constantia made the list of Top 10 South African Wine Producers as chosen by the SA Wine Index. Closely preceding this, Groot Constantia’s 2013 Shiraz achieved a Gold medal and placed in the Top 10 at the 2015 Syrah-du-Monde awards, as well as being selected amongst the top 12 out of 202 entrants at the Shiraz SA Wine Challenge. Groot Constantia’s 2012 Grand Constance wine achieved a Grand Gold award at the 2015 Monde Selection International Wine Contest in May; and Groot Constantia’s 2013 Chardonnay was judged as the Best in the World at the 22nd annual Chardonnay du Monde competition held in March.
These latest awards come close on the back of the 2015 Taj Awards where Groot Constantia walked away with several coveted trophies – including being selected as the “Most Iconic Producer” – indicating that this 330th year is a bumper one for Groot Constantia.
Jean Naudé, General Manager of Groot Constantia, reiterated what a momentous achievement 330 years of wine production is. “This is a very special moment in Groot Constantia’s history. We look forward to a long and successful future for South Africa’s oldest wine estate.”
“Groot Constantia’s 330th birthday was celebrated in style and I am sure those that joined us on the day will concur that the festivities were a great success and enjoyed by all,” says Newton. “Thank you to everyone that contributed to making this day, and indeed the year so far, a resounding success. Thanks must also go to all the friends of Groot Constantia that joined us on the day and continue to support our efforts.”
Newton goes on to say that visitors to the estate can expect rich history, a beautiful setting, friendly people, memories to be made, fun to be had and, of course, wine to be savoured and enjoyed. “The estate boasts two top-notch restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simon’s where visitors can eat after they have finished exploring the beautiful old manor house Iziko Museum and its surroundings. Visitors can also enjoy a cellar tour and wine tasting and for those looking for something a little more sedate you can spend time relaxing in the shade of the old oak trees.”
Come and enjoy the 330 year old Groot Constantia experience and tell your friends and twitter followers about it – #330GrootConstantia @GrootConstantia – and for more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za.
Ends
Issued by Fusion Design Integrated Brand Agency on behalf of Groot Constantia
Contact: 0861 321 777