Explore the Legacy of Groot Constantia: 340 Years of Winemaking Excellence

Nestled at the edge of Constantia’s leafy suburbs, Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine farm, boasting a history of more than 340 years and attracting more than 400 000 visitors each year.

Founded in 1685, the estate has witnessed centuries of change, including the creation of neighbouring properties Bergvliet and Hoop Op Constantia in 1712 and the admiration of former sea captain and VOC vice-admiral Harmens de Marre in 1713.

Over the years, Groot Constantia has faced numerous challenges, from the devastating Phylloxera outbreak in the late 19th century to a fire that destroyed the Manor House in 1925. The homestead was restored the following year and opened as a museum in 1927, and in 1984, the estate and Manor House were declared a National Monument.

In 1993, the Groot Constantia Trust Act paved the way for a not-for-profit company to own the estate, a testament to the dedication to preserving South African wine culture.

Groot Constantia CEO, Jean Naude has been at the helm for the past 24 years. Mr Naude said it has made a mark in international society.

“Their products are sought after; it is known as a brand that sells luxury wine in Europe; to carry this legacy into the modern world, it still holds a rightful place in society,” he said.

Mr Naude said that even though they have a long history of winemaking, they want to preserve their trademark in top-quality winemaking.

The Groot Constantia farm also has two restaurants, a museum, gift shops, and Mr Naude encourages visitors to experience a wine tour.

Mr Naude said the estate even has two bottles of its oldest wine on the premises - a red wine from 1821. He added that two bottles of this vintage had been sold at auction, with one fetching R460 000 and the other R960 000. 

Cellar master, Daniel Keulder said he would describe their wine as finesse, elegant, and restrained. He says the current climate that they are experiencing is better for the cultivar of grapes needed to make wine.

“My vision of the next 50 years at Groot Constantia is that we would not have to change many cultivars,” he said.

Mr Keulder says wine produces a new vintage every year.

“We need to adapt and change to get to a different end result; you must have a connection to the land; the more you are outside, the more you have a gut feeling that comes from that,” he said.

Longtime foreman, Daniel Thana, originally from Robertson, has worked on the wine farm for more than 33 years, where he currently stays on site.

Mr Thana says he oversees a team that does vineyard work, which includes managing the soil in the vineyards, putting safety wiring around the vineyards, and picking the grapes that go to the wine cellar.

“I love working with the people, enjoy the beautiful background and the environment,” he said.

Garden supervisor, George Jacobs, originally from Beaufort West, has been part of the Groot Constantia family for 36 years.

“We were working as a team on the farm grounds to water and maintain the plants on the property,” he said.

Mr Jacobs says that he is assisted by eight people who are part of his team, though they do liaise with outside contractors who help to maintain the large Groot Constantia areas.

“I enjoy working here; it's a really beautiful environment,” he said.

Mr Naude said that the world has undergone various changes over the past 300 years, in economics and climate, though Groot Constantia survives because it could adapt to change.

“Going forward, it is all about fine-tuning and making sure we utilise this property to its fullest without spoiling the history and ambience,” he said.