This Heritage Month, Groot Constantia, the birthplace of South African wine, invites you to celebrate our country’s rich and diverse cultures and wine legacy.
Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm. In addition, Groot Constantia turned 336 years old this year – even more reason to celebrate.
As the oldest surviving South African wine brand, dating back to 1685, the Estate was one of the country’s first tourism attractions.
With it being Tourism Month, the Estate has planned an exciting ‘pairing’ of family-friendly heritage and tourism festivities and experiences during the week leading up to Heritage Day, which appeals to all ages.
Visitors are invited to the Estate to enjoy the emotionally charged power-performance of the energetic Langa Rainbow Youth Academy Choir, which is set to get your feet tapping and your head bopping on Friday, 24 September.
With spring in the air, visitors can really look forward to something for everyone:
“Hidden River Exhibition” by Constantia Heritage and Education Programme
Date: Friday, 03 – Thursday, 30 September
Venue: Iziko Origination Centre next to Jonkershuis Restaurant
Fee: Donation based entry
This is a travelling multi-media exhibition about the forced removals on Strawberry Lane in Constantia during the Apartheid era. It tells the story of the people of Konstantie – and highlights the importance of fostering integrated communities in South Africa that acknowledge the country’s multiple histories and its diverse heritage.
Found objects are incorporated into Hidden Rivers, including items from community members’ homes, as well as objects from the natural environment that evoke memory: cow manure once used as the flooring of farm cottages, local flowers and plants, and barrels of water.
Meet Cape Town Tourism’s Thando and Themba the Penguin
Date: Wednesday 22 – Sunday, 26 September
Venue: Various locations on Groot Constantia
Fee: No Charge
Cape Town Tourism presents Thando, Themba the Penguin and the Big Digital Screen, who are spending the week on the Estate to welcome visitors and showcase what Cape Town has to offer.
Limited Release Heritage Selection
Date: Tuesday, 21 – Thursday, 30 September
Venue: Cloete Cellar, Production Cellar, and Wine & Gift Shop
Groot Constantia will launch a limited release of Heritage Selection boxes, which comprise a selection of six wines, made up of three current vintages and their three respective Vintage Vault counters.
Meet the makers – show and tell
Date: Wednesday, 22 September
Venue: Wine & Gift Shop
Fee: No Charge
Groot Constantia’s recently opened Wine & Gift Shop is filled with lifestyle art and collectables inspired by the heritage of Groot Constantia. The artists and contributors are all locally based. Visitors can meet the makers and discuss their art forms from 12h00 – 15h00
HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATION
Date: Friday, 24 September
Venue: Across the Groot Constantia Estate
Free Tours
Free Iziko Manor House & Cloete Cellar Tours for the day
Free Youth Choir Performances
The Langa Rainbow Youth Academy Choir will perform outside the Manor House (opposite Jonkershuis Restaurant) and outside the Cloete Cellar (opposite Simon’s Restaurant) at 13h00.
Simon’s and Jonkershuis Restaurant
Enjoy a Heritage Day à la carte menu at Simon’s with the sounds of the Rivertones band. To book call (021) 794 1143, (021) 794 7724 or email info@simons.co.za.
Join Jonkershuis Restaurant, overlooking the beautiful Cape Dutch Manor House, for a traditional Cape Malay lunch. To book call (021) 794 6255 or email info@jhuis.co.za.
Special Heritage Wine Voucher
Date: Saturday, 25 September – Sunday, 26 September
Patrons at Jonkershuis Restaurant and Simon’s Restaurant will receive a 20% Groot Constantia Wine Discount Voucher that can be redeemed at the Cloete Cellar, Production Cellar and Wine & Gift Shop on the Estate.
For more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za or connect with Groot Constantia via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GrootConstantia.