In the history of winemaking, one name stands as an honourable testament to the enduring magnificence of the Constantia Valley—Groot Constantia. This esteemed estate prepares to celebrate its 340th birthday on 13 July 2025.
On Thursday, 6 February 2025, the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event honoured the achievements of five remarkable individuals in the South African wine industry for their exemplary standards worthy of emulation.
The anticipation for the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is palpable as the South African wine industry prepares to celebrate its 366th year. This gathering will take place on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at the historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate. The event honours the origins of the South African wine industry and recognises the achievements of those who inspire new levels of excellence.
Groot Constantia, the oldest and most iconic working winery in South Africa, scooped 14 top awards at this year’s prestigious National Wine Awards – including three Grand Cru Awards, a phenomenal six Top 100 and Double Platinum Awards, as well as two Double Gold Awards, and three Double Silver.
Few events are as keenly anticipated, nor held in as high regard, as the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, which took place on 1 February 2024 – marking the momentous occasion of the birth of South African wine, while also paying tribute to the country’s rich wine heritage, and calling for a blessing on the new harvest.
Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2024 has awarded 12 of Groot Constantia’s wines with top accolades in the 44th edition of this popular guide – annually one of the most eagerly anticipated listings of top-performing wines.
Groot Constantia was founded on 13 July 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the then Governor of the Cape, at a time when the famous wine production area in Bordeaux, the Medoc, was yet to be developed, and the Cabernet Sauvignon wine varietal did not yet exist. Today, the Estate is one of South Africa’s most iconic wine farms and is no stranger to accolades, awards and international acclaim.
This coming February, South Africa will celebrate the most significant event on its wine calendar: commemorating the wine industry’s birthday by celebrating the 364th South African grape wine harvest.
Kindly be advised that all picnic baskets must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance from either Jonkershuis or Simons Restaurant. Additionally, guests are not permitted to bring their own picnic baskets or food onto the estate.
Kind Regards,
The Groot Constantia Team
