OUR LEGACY
ABOUT US
Groot Constantia continues to produce legendary wine since 1685. It is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm
The farm is an important part of World Wine Heritage and a world-class international tourism destination. So much so that it captures the rich and diverse heritage of South Africa. The farm delivers a unique cultural, social and historical experience, to locals and tourists alike. It delivers world-class, quality wines, sensory encounters and special experiences. It is an iconic example of the preservation of South African culture and heritage.
OUR LEGACY
ABOUT US
Groot Constantia. South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, continuing to produce legendary wine since 1685.
The farm is an important part of World Wine Heritage and a world-class international tourism destination. So much so that it captures the rich and diverse heritage of South Africa. The farm delivers a unique cultural, social and historical experience, to locals and tourists alike. It delivers world-class, quality wines, sensory encounters and special experiences. It is an iconic example of the preservation of South African culture and heritage.
GROOT CONSTANTIA STANDS AS A PINION OF EXCELLENCE
Groot Constantia has a history of more than 300 years. With this in mind, the farm is still a fully operational farm. It is one of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions. On the farm a wide range of quality estate wines are created and sold.
The farm offers remarkable restaurants & museums. A visit to Groot Constantia becomes an unforgettable experience. The Estate has been divided a few times due to many owners.
DIRECTORS WITH SKILLS, EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
The Estate was transferred to a Not for Profit Company (Ringfenced) in 1993 through an Act of Parliament. In terms of the founding document, the company has 13 directors. They represent different stakeholders that have the right to nominate candidates.
The board appoints the directors at the Annual General meeting.
The directors represent a wealth of diverse skills, expertise and experience. This includes winemaking, education and heritage. Further expertise include history, community development, tourism, finance and legal aspects.
The Groot Constantia Trust NPC RF has no shareholders. It is independent, self-reliant and sustains itself in every respect. Financial surplus goes back into the operations and maintenance of the Estate. If any funding required, it is obtained from banks at normal lending rates.
Directors serve the company without any compensation. Pride and passion keeps this South African landmark flourishing.
Groot Constantia Trust NPC RF has several stakeholders, partners and associates. These stakeholders live locally and globally. These include stakeholders from the wine industry, tourism and heritage. Furthermore, stakeholders from government at all three tiers, media, and community bodies. We value and remain committed to these ties in order
to preserve its legacy.
the origins of the commercial South African wine industry
Our rich history shows how one man’s love of wine established South Africa’s first wine farm more than 330 years ago. Furthermore it shows how those 891 morgen of land formed the origins of the commercial South African wine industry. The most compelling evidence of the farms success being Emperors and Kings such as Frederick the Great of Prussia and Louis Phillipe (King of the French) buying ‘Constantia Wyn’ at auctions across Europe.
South Africa’s oldest wine became renowned consequently appearing in Jane Austen’s novel ‘Sense and Sensibility’ as a cure for a broken heart. Furthermore its wine is drunk to lift a character’s spirit in ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’ by Charles Dickens.
Markedly it possibly soothed Napoleon as it was served during his exile on the island of Saint Helena.
VINEYARD INFORMATION
1,100 mm rainfall per annum
78% rainfall from May to October.
Total hectares: 160
Groot Constantia is situated on aesthetic Cape Peninsula overlooking False Bay. Even more, the vineyards are tucked in the steep valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain.
1,100 mm rainfall per annum. 78% Rainfall from May to October.
Total hectares: 160
Groot Constantia is situated on aesthetic Cape Peninsula overlooking False Bay. Even more, the vineyards are tucked in the steep valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain.
650
160
90
60-280
Tons: Pressing capacity
Hectares under vines
Metres above sea level
Total Hectares
Tons: Pressing capacity
Total Hectares
Hectares under vines
Metres above sea level
650
160
90
60-280
Nine different soil types exist
on the farm and careful planning ensured the selection of the best possible clones of chosen varietals. However, this is done in harmony with the specific slopes and soil types.
~Recipe for Excellence~
~Recipe for Excellence~
Nine different soil types exist
on the farm and careful planning ensured the selection of the best possible clones of chosen varietals. However, this is done in harmony with the specific slopes and soil types.
Major Varietals
Red (70 %) | White (30 %)
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot
• Shiraz
• Pinotage
• Muscat de Frontignan: Grand Constance naturally sweet wine
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Semillon
Major Varietals
Red (70 %) | White (30 %)
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot
• Shiraz
• Pinotage
• Muscat de Frontignan: Grand Constance naturally sweet wine
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Semillon
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
We, Groot Constantia, are a WWF Conservation Champion – acknowledged as an environmental leader in the wine industry for our commitment to conservation, responsible production practices, integrated environmental management systems, and spearheading innovations in water, energy efficiency and climate adaptation. With 95% of wine growing taking place in the unique habitat of the Cape winelands, WWF participates in a pioneering partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector – one that Groot Constantia is proud to be part of.
