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South Africa Travel + Tourism Guide: Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Groot Constantia

The exclusive, leafy, residential area of Constantia in the Winelands of the Cape lie only 10 miles from the center of Cape Town in its southern suburbs.

The area of Constantia contains the oldest winelands in the region, begun by Simon van der Stel in 1685, governor of the Cape. His estate here was named after his daughter Constancia and has been producing wine since 1705.

After van der Stel's death in 1712, his vast estate was divided up and it was the Cloete family who owned Groot Constantia and popularized its famous wines in Europe. Now the estate and buildings are owned by the Groot Constantia Trust.

The Manor House is a classic example of Cape Dutch architecture and is a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Cape Town. There's a small museum with period furniture, ceramics and a small slave quarters under the main building. The estate offers two excellent restaurants (Simon's Restaurant 021 794 1143 & Jonkershuis Restaurant 021 794 6255) and tours of the wine cellars with tastings.

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The other divisions of the original van der Stel property are now Klein Constantia and Buitenverwachting on Klein Constantia Road. Both can be visited and produce fantastic wines, including the Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia, a sweet dessert wine once the favorite tipple for such European strongmen as Napoleon, Frederick the Great and Bismarck as well as the British novelist Jane Austen.

The Buitenverwachting restaurant (Tel: 021 794 3522) is one of South Africa's best and also serves picnics in its lovely grounds from November to the end of April.

Groot Constantia
Private Bag X1
Constantia
7848
South Africa
Tel: 021 794 5128

Groot Constantia Access

There is no public transport out to Constantia. Take a taxi or drive along the M3 and take the Groot Constantia exit.

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