Eat and Sleep Wine Route. Groot Constantia

Start Your Wine Route in Cape Town: Discover Groot Constantia

If you’re planning a wine route in South Africa, Cape Town is the ideal starting point, and what better place to kick it off than Groot Constantia Wine Farm in the heart of Constantia, Cape Town? Steeped in history, this remarkable wine estate has stories that date back to 1685 and continues to produce some of the world’s finest wines.

The Historic Roots of Groot Constantia

Did you know that Groot Constantia isn’t privately owned? The City of Cape Town holds this iconic wine estate. Groot Constantia was originally established in 1685, when Simon van der Stel, the governor of Cape Town at the time, was granted 763 hectares of land in Constantia. Known for wines “fit for royalty,” Groot Constantia has a fascinating legacy.

Notable figures from history, including King Louis Philippe of France (1830–1848), Frederick the Great of Prussia (1712–1786), and Napoleon Bonaparte, all sought out the wines of Groot Constantia. South African wines, including those from Groot Constantia, are renowned globally, often rivaling even France’s top selections.

Where to Buy Groot Constantia Wines

While the wines of Groot Constantia are not commonly found in retail stores, select wine shops in Cape Town stock them. Fortunately, if you’re in other parts of South Africa, you can order these wines online and have them delivered straight to your door.

A Closer Look at Groot Constantia’s Wine Collection

Groot Constantia produces a range of exquisite wines, each with unique tasting notes. Here’s a look at some of their most popular offerings:

Groot Constantia Rosé
A beautiful pink hue with pear, biscotti, and cinnamon notes, offering a seductive and tropical charm.
Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc
Layers of guava, passionfruit, pear, and lemon create a crisp and fruity experience.
Groot Constantia Pinotage
Dominated by blackberry and ripe red fruits, this wine features notes of strawberries, plums, and melon.
Groot Constantia Shiraz
A complex wine with hints of cherry, white pepper, coriander, and licorice.
Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve
An elegant deep red wine with flavors of ripe plums, blackberries, cedar wood, and a subtle hint of cigar boxes.

Groot Constantia Wine Prices

Here’s a quick guide to some of Groot Constantia’s wines and their prices:

Brut Rosé: R290.00 per bottle
Blanc de Blanc: R290.00 per bottle
Rosé 2024: R550.00 per bottle
Lady of Abundance 2020: R190.00 per bottle
Merlot 2020: R325.00 per bottle
Cabernet Sauvignon: R370.00 per bottle
Pinotage 2022: R370.00 per bottle
Shiraz 2021: R325.00 per bottle
Gouverneurs Reserve Red 2020: R600.00 per bottle
Lady of Abundance 2019: R460.00 per bottle

Groot Constantia also offers some delightful dessert wines:

Cape Ruby 2021: R420.00 per bottle
Grand Constance 2019: R1,010.00 per bottle
Cape Brandy VSOP: R1,030.00 per bottle

These prices give you an idea of the cost per bottle, so you can plan your tasting experience or purchase with ease.

Exploring the Estate: A Historical Journey

During our visit, my co-host Angelique and I enjoyed exploring the Constantia Manor House, which has been converted into a museum. The estate’s Jonkershuis Restaurant was a cozy and welcoming spot to take in more of the area’s rich history. Interestingly, the manor was built because the owner’s son preferred not to live in the main house; an underground tunnel connects the two buildings. The estate offers such an enriching experience that you could easily spend an entire day exploring.

Next Stop: Klein Constantia

Tomorrow, we’ll be sharing our experience at Klein Constantia, another gem along the Cape wine route. Stay tuned for more wine adventures, and don’t forget to visit Groot Constantia for a taste of history, elegance, and world-class wines.

Have a great day, wine lovers!