Groot Constantia is the oldest vineyard in Constantia. Back in 1685, after the Dutch East India Company came to the Cape, one of their number, Simon van der Stel was granted land that stretched between Steenberg and Zwaanswyk. He developed this beautiful setting into a wine estate and named it Constantia, and as for why he gave it this name, to this day it remains a mystery.

Besides being in the heart of the valley of Constantia, which provides such gorgeous sights, the vineyard offers wine of the truest quality and was awarded 5 gold medals at international wine awards. This is definitely one estate that is well worth a visit.

Prices & Operating Hours

Operating hours: 09:00 – 18:00

Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day

Cellar Tour (No tasting)                                      R 25.00 per person
Daily Tastings (5 wines)                                      R 40.00 per person
Cellar Tour & Tasting                                          R 50.00 per person
Evening Cellar Tour & Tasting                           R 100.00 per person (for a minimum of 30 guests, if less than                                                                                     (from 17:00 – 20:00)                                           30, then the minimum cost will be R 3000.00)
Chocolate & Wine Pairing                                  R 75.00
(Includes 4 chocolates with 4 wines)
Cellar Tour with Chocolate &                            R 90.00
Wine Pairing
Students (8-18 years) Cellar Tour &                 R 20.00
Juice

Tickets for tours and tastings can be purchased online via Webtickets.

With Groot Constantia being so rich in history as it is, it is fitting to find two Iziko Museums on the estate. Open from 10:00 to 17:00, they are:

The Orientation Centre, which exhibits photographs and artefacts showcasing the estate’s history, and the Homestead, that contains a collection of Cape furniture that was a donation from the late Mr Alfred de Pass in 1927, which originated from his home in Falmouth, England.

Tel                                                                         +27 (0)21 795 5149/40

Museum Prices

Adults                                                                   R 30.00
Children (6-18 years)                                         R 15.00
Family Ticket                                                       R 75.00
SA Students and Pensioners                            R 15.00
Fridays for SA Students and Pensioners        Free
Booked School Groups                                     R 5.00
School Groups not booked                              R 8.00

While you’re at Groot Constantia, surely you didn’t just come to enjoy some quality wine, but also to indulge in alluring dishes while appreciating the gorgeous views that surround you. There are two establishments in Groot Constantia, they are made up by the Jonkershuis Restaurant and Simon’s Restaurant.

The Jonkershuis Restaurant can be found in the heart of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate right by the Homestead and enclosed by ancient oak trees. The eatery is extensive with various eating settings, including an interior dining area by the fireside, to the vine-sheltered court and the front lawn where the children can play. The menu is at its core of the classic Cape Malay trend ensuring you get authentic and delicious indigenous cuisine.

In the summer, enjoy al fresco dining at Simon’s restaurant under the welcome shade of the welcoming trees and in the winter relax in the cosiness of the interior by the fireside. The menu at this establishment is of the Cape style but dashed with elements of the French Colonial.

Their operating hours and contact details are as follows:

Jonkershuis

September – April
Mondays – Saturdays                                         09:00 – 21:00
Sundays                                                                09:00 – 17:00

May – August
Sunday – Thursday                                             09:00 – 17:00
Friday – Saturday                                                09:00 – 21:00

Tel                                                                         +27 (0)21 794 6255

Simon’s

Monday – Sunday                                               12:00 – 22:30

Tel                                                                         +27 (0)21 794 1143

If you’re interested in any art exhibitions, you can find just that at Groot Constantia. Art @ Constantia is a firmly established exhibition in the sales and tasting hall and in the cellar aenquiries@grootconstantia.co.zaenquiries@grootconstantia.co.za

Monday – Friday                                                  09:00 – 18:00
Saturday – Sunday                                              10:00 – 18:00

Tel                                                                         +27 (0)21 794 2945
Cell                                                                       +27 (0) 72 119 2166 – Lyn Atterbury                                                                                                                                                                                                                 +27 (0) 83 418 3101 – James Hodgson

If you like what you find at the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, for your convenience you can buy the wine online – and you will get free delivery for orders that exceed R 2000.00.

The wine estate’s contact details are:

Tel                                                                          +27 (0)21 794 5128
Email                                                                     enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za

Make sure to visit this gorgeously set wine estate of Groot Constantia should you be in the area on holiday or just planning to come and enjoy the beauty of the area of Constantia.