Groot Constantia Celebrates 338 Years of Wine Production

Groot Constantia, the oldest wine-producing farm in South Africa, celebrates an unbroken record of wine production since 1658. To commemorate its 338th anniversary, the estate will open its Vintage Vault, offering a limited number of its famous collectible wines for purchase and tastings. This marks the first time Groot Constantia has made the Vintage Vault experience available to the public.

The Vintage Vault Experience

From 13 July to the end of August, guests can enjoy the ‘Vintage Vault Experience’ on the estate, featuring an exclusive tasting of these rare wines in the historic Manor House. The Vintage Vault is located beneath the Groot Constantia Manor House and holds an atmospheric charm, with a cool, dark, and mystical ambiance providing an ideal environment for storing wine. A new selection of wines from the Vintage Vault will be opened daily, ensuring each tasting is unique.

The Legacy of South Africa’s Wine Industry

According to Jean Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia, sharing these wines is part of the estate’s mission to preserve and promote the legacy of South Africa’s wine industry. Groot Constantia is a Provincial Heritage Site, a living museum, and the birthplace of the country’s wine industry, currently under the care of the Groot Constantia Trust.

The Success Factors

Naudé attributes the estate’s long history and ongoing success to factors such as dedication, commitment to sustainability, and its status as a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Conservation Champion. The estate aims to ensure its legacy endures for another 338 years or more.

Award-Winning Wines

Recently, Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2013 was awarded the Best in the World at Chardonnay du Monde, while the Sauvignon Blanc 2019 won the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the International Wine Challenge. Furthermore, Groot Constantia has been named the Top Wine Producer in South Africa by the South African Wine Index (SAWI), and nine of its wines were listed among the Top 100 wines in South Africa by the South African National Wine Challenge in 2019.

The Vintage Vault Wines

The limited-release Vintage Vault wines will be available from 13 July until the end of August at the Groot Constantia Estate and can also be purchased online. These wines represent the values, story, heritage, and quality of Groot Constantia. Some of the iconic wines in the vault include a bottle of Groot Constantia’s Grand Constance from 1821, produced and bottled in the Cloete Cellar, and JP Cloete’s Pontac wine, which gained acclaim at the 1855 International Exhibition in Paris.

The Vintage Vault Experience Booking

To book a seat for the Vintage Vault Experience, visit Dineplan, as bookings are essential. The cost of the experience is R500 per person.

This unique opportunity to taste wines of such historical significance offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts. In addition to its rich heritage and award-winning wines, Groot Constantia’s commitment to sustainability and conservation ensures that this living legend will continue to thrive for generations to come.