11/02/2026
Visit to Groot Constantia wine farm with my guests Dimitri and Létitia Deneele from France. They enjoyed the chocolate and wine pairing experience.
Short History of Groot Constantia, established in 1685 by VOC Governor Simon van der Stel near Cape Town, is South Africa's oldest wine-producing farm. Renowned for its high-quality sweet dessert wine, known as "Constantia Wyn" or "Grand Constance," it achieved global fame in the 18th and 19th centuries, famously enjoyed by Napoleon, Frederick the Great, and mentioned in literature by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
Key Historical Milestones:
1685: Simon van der Stel is granted the land, establishing the estate for grape cultivation.
18th Century: Following Van der Stel's death in 1712, the estate was divided; the main portion was later acquired by the Cloete family in 1778, who expanded production and built the famed Cloete Cellar in 1791.
19th Century: Constantia wine became a favorite of European aristocracy and was exported widely. The Cape government purchased the estate in 1885 to serve as an agricultural model.
20th Century: A major fire destroyed the manor house in 1925, followed by restoration. The estate continued to operate, becoming a popular tourist destination and wine producer.
Today: Groot Constantia is a South African National Monument and a fully operational wine farm, with its historical buildings operating as museums.