Constantia Wine Region
Constantia Wine Region
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The Constantia Wine Region is the oldest wine producing region in the southern hemisphere with an uninterrupted history of winemaking since 1685.
The name Constantia is linked with the most famous wines ever produced in this country and it all began at our very own Groot Constantia.
Today the Constantia Wine Route consists of 10 farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines.
A Short History of the Constantia Wine Valley.
In 1685, during an annual visit to the Cape, Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede granted the grounds of Groot Constantia to Simon van Der Stel, the VOC (Dutch East India Company) Governor of the Cape of Good Hope.
Van Der Stel built the house and used the land to produce wine as well as other fruit and vegetables, and for cattle farming.
Following Van der Stel’s death in 1712 the estate was broken up and sold in three parts – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet.
In 1779 the portion of the estate including Van der Stel’s Cape Dutch style manor house was sold to the Cloete family, who planted extensive vineyards and extended and improved the mansion by commissioning the architect Louis Michael Thibault.
The wine cellar was added by Cloete in 1791.
The house remained in the possession of the Cloete family until 1885, during which period the estate became famous for its production of Constantia’s dessert wine.
Enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte and royalty in the 18th century, the Constantia Wine Route Route’s unique combination of terroir and climate produces some of the world’s finest wines that continue to this day to win accolades and international awards for consistently high standards and quality.
In 1885 Groot Constantia was purchased by the Government of the Cape of Good Hope and was used as an experimental wine and agricultural estate.
Following a disastrous fire in 1925 the house was extensively restored.
The manor house completely burnt down in 1925.
Funds were raised to reconstruct it to its original Cape Dutch splendour.
In 1969 the manor house became part of the South African Cultural History Museum, and in 1993 the estate passed into the ownership of the Groot Constantia Trust.
The Wines of the Constantia Wine Valley.
Cradled between the majestic Table Mountain range with its glorious Floral Kingdom and the coastal False Bay area, the perfect microclimate produces world class wines distinctive in character and style.
The Constantia Wine Valley is only 15 minutes’ drive from Cape Town.
To start with, Constantia is world famous for its legendary dessert wine Vin de Constance.
Today, Constantia is known for premium cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux Blend wines and, of course, modern dessert wines.
Things to do in the Constantia Wine Valley.
Constantia has a rich history of Arts and Culture.
This wine area is very close to the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Silvermine Nature Reserve.
Added to this there are numerous bike and hiking trails and, of course, the white sandy beaches of Cape Town.
Festivals and Events in and around the Constantia Wine Valley.
There is always something going on in this area.
- Constantia Food and Wine Festival
- Constantia Fresh
- Constantia Gift Fair
- Various Farmer’s Markets
- Various Harvest Festivals during harvest season.
Whatever your reason for visiting Constantia we know that you will be having the time of your life and we look forward to your visit.