Lauren Shepstone | 27 May 2025
Hi, I'm Lauren!
Just your average Durban-born, Cape Town-based girl who’s absolutely in love with South Africa and all the beauty it has to offer. This past weekend, I visited Groot Constantia, and it felt like the perfect experience to share with you all. Hope you enjoy it!
Ageing Like Fine Wine
Groot Constantia, South Africa's oldest wine farm, has been crafting exceptional wines since 1685. Located in the well-known Constantia Valley, it is home to many internationally award-winning wines.
For an experience that blends heritage, wine and stunning scenery, we recommend the Visitor’s Route Experience. Not only will you taste some of the estate's finest wines and enjoy the best views the vineyard has to offer, but you'll also dive deeper into the rich history of this iconic wine estate.
Vistors Route - Quick info:
- R180 per person
- Access to the Manor House Museum
- Cloete Cellar – Guided or self-guided tours available
- Wine Museum & Cultural History Museum
- Audio Walking Tours
- Wine Tasting (+R75 for chocolate tasting)
- Souvenir Groot Constantia wine glass
My Experience Of The Experience
I brought a friend along for the Visitor Route Experience, and although my expectations were already high, the experience exceeded them.
Guided Tour
The guided tour (which runs on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) was far more engaging than I anticipated. I found myself absolutely hooked on what our guide had to say. Granted I didn't know much about wine production before this tour, but even if you do have a good basic knowledge of wine and the wine making process, I believe the tour is still fully worth it! Not only was it interesting but it was also short and sweet! It was only about twenty minutes, which was the perfect amount of time to learn a lot, ask a few questions and never once feel bored.
Wine Tasting
If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend spending a little extra to try the wine and chocolate pairing. The handmade chocolates are crafted to complement each wine perfectly, making for a truly indulgent experience. Keep in mind, though, that you can't choose your specific wines with this option so if you're a picky wine drinker this may not be for you. Also, not all wines are available for tasting. That said, my absolute favourite was the Pinotage paired with the milk and blackberry chocolate! You also get to take your wine glass home with you and these ones are definitely worth keeping (especially because they're stemmed!). Also note that the last wine tasting starts at 2 p.m.
The Manor House
The Manor House felt like a true time capsule - it was incredible to see. I skipped the audio tour, but most of the items were numbered with accompanying descriptions, which provided more than enough information for me. Unfortunately, photography isn’t allowed inside, so you’ll just have to visit and experience it for yourself.
If You're Hungry
Groot Constantia offers two restaurants to choose from: Jonkershuis and Simons'.
Jonkershuis Eatery
Restaurant, Picnics, Weddings and Events
Simons’ Restaurant
Restaurant and Events Venue
Fun Facts From My Guide:
- Groot Constantia is the oldest wine farm in the southern hemisphere!
- The location was chosen due to the soil and climate being perfect for growing grapes.
- The Groot Constantia Trust is a non-profit organization.
- Groot Constantia also produces their own brandy.
Some Final Thoughts
I highly recommend visiting on a clear, sunny day, ideally one that’s not too hot, as the estate grounds are expansive and absolutely beautiful to explore. We even saw a few people walking or jogging on the estate for exercise which gives one an idea of the scale. There's no need to book the experience online in advance; you can simply arrive and purchase your ticket on-site. The restaurants and outdoor areas are dog-friendly, which I felt was a lovely touch. This experience is perfect to enjoy with friends, family and even your furry companions (though I’m not entirely sure if dogs are allowed inside the cellar or Manor House).
Time to head out and roam Groot Constantia!