Groot Constantia’s Grand Constance has once again taken centre stage on the global wine platform by being recognised among the top ten Muscats worldwide, claiming its multihyphenate status as an icon of South African wine. This achievement was solidified with a gold medal at the 25th Edition of the Muscats du Monde International Wine Competition, held in Burgundy, France, on 10 July 2025.
The Muscats du Monde International Wine Competition is a prestigious global event dedicated exclusively to celebrating the finest Muscat wines globally. The competition, organised by Forum Œnologie, upholds rigorous quality standards and employs a panel of 55 international expert judges to ensure that only the highest calibre wines are awarded. This year, 35 medals were awarded, including 20 Gold and 15 Silver, marking these wines as exemplary in their category. With esteemed partners like La Revue des Œnologues and SAQ Logistic, Muscats du Monde not only honours excellence but also fosters a global appreciation for the diverse and aromatic richness of Muscat wines.
Jean Naude, CEO of Groot Constantia, expressed his pride in this recognition: “Achieving a place among the world’s top ten Muscats is an honour for Groot Constantia. Receiving a gold medal is a celebration of our wine’s excellence and an acknowledgement of the dedication and passion that goes into every bottle. We are proud to uphold the legacy of Groot Constantia and continue to offer wines that are of exceptional quality.”
Grand Constance has long been celebrated for its unique flavours, dating back to the Napoleonic era when both emperors and royalty favoured it. Today, it continues to intrigue connoisseurs around the world with its sublime taste and historical significance. This latest recognition at Muscats du Monde serves to further solidify its reputation as Cape Town’s premier sweet wine.
Beyond the literal translation, ‘Groot Constantia’ and ‘Grand Constance’ emphasise great consistency, achieved through the efforts and many late hours of the team, from the vineyards to the cellar door. This commitment to producing outstanding wine is amplified by the deep understanding of the soil, a process that nurtures perfection. Winemaker at Groot Constantia, Daniel Keulder, captures this essence: “In crafting our Grand Constance, we embrace the delicate art of blending both white and red varietals, creating flavours that dance on the palate. With the addition of red muscat, Grand Constance reveals a bright amber hue, accompanied by notes reminiscent of delicate floral rose petals and a refreshing finish.”
Grand Constance’s accolades are a reflection of its consistent quality. In recent years, it has garnered numerous awards, including top honours at the Monde Selection International Wine Contest in Brussels for its 2012 and 2013 vintages, and achieving Platinum at the Decanter Asia Wine Awards. Notably, the 2013 vintage was also celebrated as one of the Top 100 SA Wines in 2016, and the 2014 vintage gained a Gold Medal at the Muscats du Monde. This specific wine is one of the reasons why Groot Constantia receives over 450 000 visitors annually to the estate.
Each bottle of Grand Constance shows the long history of Groot Constantia, which started its journey in 1685. With over 340 years of winemaking, the estate is a strong symbol of skill and craftsmanship. This dedication is evident in every sip of Grand Constance, a wine that has graced the tables of Napoleon during his exile and inspired literary greats such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. The meticulous recreation of this remarkable wine by the estate in 2003 has ensured that its rich legacy is preserved and celebrated.
Groot Constantia’s dedication to excellence and its commitment to preserving the heritage of Grand Constance resonate in every bottle. This recent accolade at the Muscats du Monde International Wine Competition is a fitting tribute to a wine that continues to inspire and delight, standing as a proud emblem of Cape Town’s rich winemaking tradition.
