Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, celebrates its 338th birthday by opening its Vintage Vault for a limited time, offering wine enthusiasts a unique tasting experience and the chance to purchase rare and collectable wines dating back centuries.
South Africa (11 July 2023) – Happy Birthday, Groot Constantia! It’s that time of the year again when we raise our glasses to South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, which turns a remarkable 338 years old.
Can you believe it? Since 1685, Groot Constantia has been producing legendary wines without interruption, making it a true icon in the world of South African heritage.
It was 13 July 1685 when Simon van der Stel, the Governor of the Cape at the time, founded Groot Constantia. Back then, Bordeaux’s famous wine production area, the Medoc, hadn’t even been developed, and the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon wine varietal didn’t exist. Fast forward to today, and Groot Constantia stands tall as one of South Africa’s most beloved wine farms, consistently earning accolades, awards, and international recognition.
In celebration of its 338th birthday, Groot Constantia is giving us a reason to cheer by opening its Vintage Vault on the Estate. This means that a limited selection of their famous and highly sought-after wines will be available for tasting and purchase. These wines are not only collector’s items but also great investments and perfect for those special occasions that call for something extraordinary.
And from 13 July to the end of August, Groot Constantia is offering this unique Vintage Vault Experience on the Estate.
For the first time ever, you can indulge in an exclusive tasting of these coveted wines in the intimate alcoves of the historical Manor House. Can you imagine the ambience? It’s an opportunity to step back in time and be part of something truly extraordinary.
Every day, a fresh selection of wines from the Vintage Vault will be opened, ensuring that each tasting is a unique experience. These tastings take place in the enchanting arched spaces beneath the Groot Constantia Manor House, which dates back to 1778. The Vintage Vault has an alluring, cool, and mystical atmosphere, making it the perfect place to store these vinicultural wonders. It’s fascinating to discover that Groot Constantia has stored a portion of every vintage produced over the years. The Vintage Vault is like an Aladdin’s cave, filled with the finest treasures and a testament to Groot Constantia’s enduring legacy. Among the rare wines stored here, you’ll find the iconic Grand Constance wine produced in 1821, the oldest bottle in the vault. There’s also JP Cloete’s Pontac wine, which gained acclaim at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1855, and a few bottles originally crafted for the Duke of Northumberland.
Groot Constantia’s wines have a history of impressing distinguished figures throughout the centuries. From Louis Philippe, the King of the French, to Frederick the Great of Prussia, and even Napoleon himself, these wines have left a lasting impression. Not to mention their appearances in literary works by Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, where they were celebrated as the cure for a broken heart or compared to a lover’s lips. The accolades continue to pour in, with Groot Constantia’s wines consistently winning awards worldwide.
If you’re looking for proof of their excellence, look no further. The Groot Constantia Chardonnay 2013 was crowned the best in the world at Chardonnay de Mond, and the Sauvignon Blanc 2019 took home the International Sauvignon Blanc trophy at the International Wine Challenge. On top of that, Groot Constantia has been recognized as the Top Wine Producer in South Africa by the South-African Wine Index (SAWI). In 2019, nine Groot Constantia wines were also listed among South Africa’s Top 100 Wines by the SA National Wine Challenge.
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But it’s not only about the wine.
Groot Constantia is on a mission to preserve and promote the legacy of South Africa’s wine industry. As a Provincial Heritage Site and a living museum, this historical estate is under the care of the Groot Constantia Trust. Sustainability is at the forefront of their efforts, and they’ve been recognized as a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Conservation Champion. Groot Constantia’s commitment to its legacy spans more than three centuries and is poised to continue for another 338 years and beyond.
For more information, be sure to visit their website at www.grootconstantia.co.za or connect with Groot Constantia on social media. Join the celebration by using the hashtag #since1685 to share your Groot Constantia birthday experiences. Let’s toast to 338 years of excellence and raise our glasses to Groot Constantia’s bright future!
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