10 Reasons to Visit Groot Constantia

In the Constantia Valley in Cape Town, just 20 minutes from the city (on a good traffic day), is Groot Constantia. Not only is it South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, steeped in history, but it’s also quite awesome.

Regardless of whether you’re a visitor to Cape Town or you live here, here are some of the many reasons to visit Groot Constantia:

Image: Supplied

1. It’s a part of history

It was founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, and one of the founders of Cape viticulture (wine-making). So, it’s like a really big, mostly outdoor museum, but one that serves wine.

2. It’s where Grand Constance comes from

The vineyards produced by Simon Van Der Stel produced ‘Grand Constance’ or ‘Constantia wyn’, which is still made today but was particularly famous internationally in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It was Napoleon’s favourite dessert wine: Napoleon Bonaparte had this wine shipped to him while he was in exile in Saint Helena. If it’s good enough for a fallen emperor to sip while brooding about Waterloo, it’s definitely good enough for me (whether brooding or not).
It was Jane Austen’s cure for a broken heart: In Sense & Sensibility, Mr Jennings recommends this wine to cheer up Marianne Dashwood after her heartbreak. (Or so I’ve heard, I’m way too ADHD to read a book like that.)
Charles Dickens was a fan: He celebrated it in his literature, specifically in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, where it is also used to lift a character’s spirits. (Again, not that I would know.)
Frederic the Great of Prussia and King Louis Philippe also enjoyed it.

You can find out more about it here.

3. Wine tastings

If you want to do a wine tasting, you have options. There’s a Production Cellar, The Cloete Cellar (the original wine production cellar from 1791 that’s now an interactive museum and tasting room), and the bottom wine & gift shop (the one right by the entrance, if you just can’t wait any longer after entering the property).

4. Some of Cape Town’s best cheesecake at Jonkershuis

I have taken it upon myself to find Cape Town’s best cheesecake and selflessly put on a few kgs in my very committed research of the subject. That’s just the type of selfless blogger that I am. (I really need to post that blog soon.) The Jonkershuis cheesecake, which comes served with lemon curd, is definitely in my top three! Sitting under the oak trees on a pleasant day, illuminated by dappled light, sipping on a cup of tea and eating that cheesecake is a special kind of bliss.

Jonkershuis also offers a classic, cosy Cape Malay-influenced menu of savoury food, which can be enjoyed inside, outside or in the courtyard.

5. Simon's is a restaurant that is full of colour and character

A restaurant is never just about what’s on the menu. Simon’s has the most awesomely charming decor with vibrant colours, mismatched furniture, gilding, bright flowers suspended from the ceiling, chandeliers, over-the-top wall art, and more gilding. It’s awesome!

They offer high teas, wine tastings (yes, more venues for wine tastings), braai’s (yes, really), quiz nights, picnics on the lawn, occasional live music, and generally amazing food. They also have an event venue for your wedding reception or year-end function.

The decor at Simon's at Groot Constantia

6. You can take your dog

True story! Groot Constantia is dog-friendly (well, parts of it - I wouldn’t try to take Winnie the Poodle into the museum), but if you go to Simon’s, there’s even an entire menu for dogs.

7. The Manor House Museum

The Groot Constantia Manor House is a museum that offers a fascinating look into Cape Dutch history, slavery at the Cape, and the evolution of winemaking. (No photography is allowed, which is why I would never post any pictures here that I may have accidentally taken before reading the sign. Hypothetically.)

8. The Carriages

There’s a gap between the buildings near Jonkershuis, and if you happen to get lost looking for the bathroom, there are a whole lot of historical carriages parked in garages with glass doors. A museum-quality exhibit and no ticket required.

Having a terrible sense of direction = adventure!

Carriages at Groot Constantia, Cape Town

9. You can frolic in the vineyards

You’re allowed to wander the beautiful grounds of Groot Constantia. I discovered this during the pandemic when the safest way to see your friends was outside, and I took full advantage!

A lot of people walk here in the mornings and then get coffee from Simon’s, which is available from 7:00. (Or so I have heard, I am not a morning person, but if you are, please check it out and let me know.)

The oak-lined avenue leading up to the museum building is also peak frolicking territory! If you like a scenic stroll, or you’re looking for a spot for a pic, this is a great option. Also, if you’re a whimsical little space fairy like myself who identifies not as an “aunt” but rather a “female funcle”, this is a great place for an impromptu game of hide and seek. Some of the oaks are even hollow, if you really want to freak out the kids. (Follow me for more tips!)

10. It’s a national treasure

Groot Constantia is part of the Cape Town Big Six, the top six attractions that visitors to Cape Town should experience (along with Cape Point, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Robben Island Museum, Table Mountain Cableway, and the V&A Waterfront).

I also just learnt that it was purchased by the Cape Government in 1885 and is actually owned by a non-profit company called the Groot Constantia Trust that preserves it as a national heritage site. So, yes, it should be an essential destination for any tourist visiting Cape Town, but if you’re South African, it’s also very much ours.

Groot Constantia is like that geriatric relative you should visit once in a while, except you actually want to. She’s interesting, very attractive for her age, so much fun, and she serves amazing treats. Plus, she always has wine!

The wine estate just released a new short film, “Rooted. Preserved. Shared”, a tribute to the people, practices and purpose that preserve South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm for the future.

The Sharonicles was there for the premiere (and finally got a chance to taste the Grand Constance that Napoleon was crazy about). You can check it out here:

Visit Groot Constantia

While there are many options for enjoying this wine estate, the Visitors Route Experience is a great way to get a taste (and a tasting). For R200 (*correct at time of posting), it includes:

Entrance to the Manor House Museum
Access to the Cloete Cellar with a guided or self-guided cellar tour
Wine Tasting (5 wines of your choice)
Souvenir branded wine glass
Free access to three audio walking tours of the vineyards, historical manor house and modern-day production cellar

Book here