Groot Constantia proves that you’re never too old to learn…
When faced with an opportunity to enjoy world-class food and wine at a gorgeous venue such as Groot Constantia Wine Estate, you grab that amazing opportunity with both hands!
That’s exactly what I did when the good folk at Fusion Design invited a few media, influencers and bloggers to their #MotherEarth lunch to celebrate a 333-year anniversary of the estate as well as being recognised as Conservation Champions by the WWF South Africa. WOW! What absolutely phenomenal achievements, wouldn’t you agree?
Being the oldest wine farm in South Africa, there would naturally be room for adapting and improving on the methods of finding a balance between nature and farming. Besides being avid water stewards and ensuring that they improve the soil to retain water (particularly important during Cape Town’s drought!), they also promote positive changes in the way that they farm that would enhance and conserve the Cape’s biodiversity. This and many other amazing things are being done at this beautiful wine estate and they are on a constant journey of improvement.
You can read more about these #ConservationChamps HERE
Our day started with the most decadent canapés served outside the Jonkershuis Restaurant where we got to meet and mingle with other bloggers, media and influencers, all of whom were already huge fans of Groot Constantia! CEO Jean Naudé, welcomed us to the estate beneath a canopy of beautiful trees while we were treated to a glass of Gouveneurs Reserve.
Thereafter, Events and Tours Manager, Karen Woodcock, delighted us with stories of the farm as we walked around the estate and through the Cape Dutch Manor House and Cloete Cellar. The Visitors Route is a must for everyone to experience. If you’re looking for something to do, which includes a delicious wine-tasting in the beautiful Constantia Valley, then check out details of the Route HERE
Once we had a brief introduction into the history of Groot Constantia, we were ready to sit down and enjoy a delicious lunch. The perfect way to round off a day at the estate.
Our table was setup in a private dining area and was decorated with pots of fragrant herbs. Our first course, which ended up being my absolute favourite dish, was the pole caught fresh Tuna paired with the Groot Constantia Shiraz. I am surprised I paused long enough to snap a photo of this course!
Our Mains were Oudtshoorn Ostrich fillet served medium rare, with bone marrow and the most delicious roasted sweet potato and veg. This course with paired with a beautiful Groot Constantia Gouveneurs Red – officially my favourite wine! Must be those ripe plum notes…
The lunch was rounded off with the perfect Winter dessert – Spiced Apple Crumble with yummy salted caramel ice cream and accompanied with a glass of their sweet Groot Constantia Grand Constance. This wine was a little too sweet for my palate, but good for a sip (or three!).
Throughout our lunch, the estate’s winemaker Boela Gerber, talked about his wines and the farming with biodiversity in mind.
Joan Isham, of the World Wildlife Fund South Africa, enlightened us on the various responsible environmental practices put in place by Groot Constantia and other farms who are making decisions based on good ecological principles and dedicating their work to good farming practices.
Amidst chats on which wines we enjoyed to growing our own herb gardens at home, this was a wonderful way to spend an early Friday afternoon. As I am not a newbie to Groot Constantia Wine Estate and the various eateries available on the estate, I knew I would be back. And now, knowing that we will be supporting #ConservationChamps, this was definitely a huge reason to love them even more and return to enjoy their offerings again and again…
