Taste history at Groot Constantia – MzansiBride

Winona Griggs

Taste history at Groot Constantia

“Drinking Groot Constantia wine is a truly patriotic act if you’re South African!” exclaims Boela Gerber, the winemaker for the esteemed Groot Constantia. And he has a point, considering that this is the oldest wine estate in the country.

The captivating tale of Groot Constantia

Hey there! Can you believe that Groot Constantia has been around for a whopping 328 years? That’s right, the wine has been flowing at this place since way back in 1685. And you know who started it all? Commander Simon van der Stel of the Dutch East India Company- a pretty big deal at the time.

Word about the incredible wine from Groot Constantia got around, and it wasn’t just any ol’ people taking notice. We’re talking about some seriously influential folks here. Even the British Royal Family and Frederic the Great of Prussia got a taste of this liquid gold. And here’s a fun fact for you: King Louis Philipe of France was so impressed that he ordered the entire batch of Groot Constantia’s wine for a whole year.

But wait, there’s more! Everyone’s favorite French military genius, Napoleon, was a big fan too. Rumor has it that even on his deathbed in St. Helena, Napoleon asked for a glass of Groot Constantia wine. Now that’s some serious dedication to a vineyard.

Hey there! Did you know that Groot Constantia, a historical wine estate, is not just a beautiful place to visit, but also a living museum and a National Monument? It’s true! Nowadays, they sell about 400,000 bottles of wine every year.

Interesting Finds: Groot Constantia Bottles

Here’s something fascinating: treasure hunters and archaeologists have discovered Groot Constantia bottles, bottle shards, and bottle seals that date all the way back to 1774. What’s even more amazing is that they found these artifacts in some unexpected places around the world!

Imagine this: one day, a diver exploring the depths of the archipelago outside Stockholm stumbled upon a remarkable discovery. At the bottom of the ocean, they found a lone bottle, lost and forgotten. Little did they know, this discovery would unlock a fascinating history that spanned centuries.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, historians were piecing together the story of a lost shipwreck in the Delaware Bay. Among the wreckage, they found a fragmented piece of bottle, bearing the seal of Constantia. It was a telling clue to the cargo of the ill-fated Severn, which had met its demise in 1774.

But the intrigue didn’t stop there. In a castle cellar near Belgium, three more bottles were discovered. These bottles, dating back to the years between 1760 and 1840, provided yet another glimpse into the legacy of Constantia.

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And just when they thought they had seen it all, archaeologists in Germany made a remarkable find. Buried deep within the earth, they unearthed a crude, ancient example of the Constantia wine seal. This humble artifact, far older than any other, seemed to hold the secrets of a time long past.

All of these incredible discoveries can now be witnessed firsthand at the museum and tasting room at Groot Constantia. Step into history and immerse yourself in the world of Constantia wine, where each bottle tells a story waiting to be uncorked.

Taste history at Groot Constantia - MzansiBride

As I step into the new tasting room at Groot Constantia, I’m immediately struck by its charm and elegance. Boela Gerber, the winemaker, has truly outdone himself with this beautiful space.

Exploring the Delights of Wine at Groot Constantia

The original wine tasting room at Groot Constantia was a cozy place where 20 people could enjoy the estate’s finest wines. It was perfect for an intimate gathering. However, with the increasing popularity of Groot Constantia, especially among tourists brought in by the City Sightseeing Bus, a change was needed.

So, the tasting room has been revamped to meet the growing demand from wine enthusiasts from all over the world. Now, more people can experience the joy of wine tasting at this historic estate.

Hey there! Have you ever wondered how they make wine at Groot Constantia? Well, let me take you on a cellar tour where you can see firsthand their old-fashioned methods. They pay extreme attention to detail, have exacting standards, and use only the finest hand-harvested ingredients. The best part? Their bottles are even labeled with historical labels!

After the tour, you can kick back and relax in their brand new, modern tasting room. Trust me, it’s super fresh! And while you’re enjoying the cozy atmosphere, you can sip on some of their award-winning wines. Guess what? Four of their wines were recently ranked in the Top 100 SA Wines 2013 awards. How cool is that? The winning wines are the Chardonnay 2012, Grand Constance 2010, Shiraz 2010, and Gouverneurs Reserve Red 2010.

Oh, and here’s a little tip for you: when you visit, make sure to check out the new label on their Gouverneurs Reserve wines. They decided to bring back an original, historic wine label that features a beautiful sketch of the Manor House. It’s really something special!

Hey there! I’m excited to tell you all about the amazing experience you can have at the tasting room of Groot Constantia. Let’s dive in!

The tasting room is open every day of the week from 09h00 to 18h00. They only close on two special occasions: Good Friday and Christmas Day. So, you have plenty of opportunities to visit and have a great time.

When you step into the tasting room, you’ll be in for a treat. They offer cellar tours and tastings on the hour. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the fascinating process of winemaking and discover the unique flavors that Groot Constantia has to offer.

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And that’s not all! If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to know that you can purchase their exquisite wines from their wine shop. It’s a wonderful chance to take home some of their exceptional wine and enjoy it at your leisure. Plus, they have some beautiful paintings by local artists and other thoughtful gifts available for purchase. You might just find the perfect souvenir.

If you have any questions or want to get in touch, you can contact them at Tel 021-794-5128 or email them at [email protected] . And if you want to learn more, you can visit their website at www.grootconstantia.co.za. They have all the information you need to plan your visit.

The tasting room at Groot Constantia is a fantastic destination for wine lovers and anyone looking for a unique experience. So why wait? Go ahead and make your way to Groot Constantia for an unforgettable adventure. Cheers to good times!

Taste history at Groot Constantia - MzansiBride

Groot Constantia is a place that has amazing wine and a fascinating history. It’s really something special!

Grab Some Delicious Food at Groot Constantia

Whenever there’s great wine, you can bet there will be some yummy food to go along with it. And at Groot Constantia, they have not one, but two fantastic restaurants! Let me tell you about them – we’ve got Jonkershuis and Simon’s.

Jonkershuis is surrounded by these really old oak trees and offers these breathtaking views of the peninsula and Constantia Valley. It’s got this cozy fireplace for you to snuggle up by during winter and a beautiful courtyard covered in vines for you to relax under during summer. They serve this amazing Cape Malay cuisine along with other tasty contemporary dishes. You can reach them at 021-794-6255 or shoot them an email at [email protected] For more information, check out their website at www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za.

Hey there! Guess what? Simon’s at Groot Constantia has their very own garden where they pick fresh herbs for their delicious dishes. They even change their menu to match the wonderful Cape season!

But here’s the extra special part – they only use ingredients from local producers in Constantia Valley and the Cape Winelands. How cool is that?

When you visit, you can sit outside on their beautiful terrace and enjoy your meal while basking in the summer sun. Or, if it’s winter, you can cozy up indoors by the cozy fireplace. Talk about a perfect setting!

If you want to get in touch with them, you can give them a call at 021-794-1143, or shoot them an email at [email protected] . And if you need more information, just hop onto their website at www.simons.co.za. Easy peasy!

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Take a Ride on the Red Bus to Groot Constantia

Hey there! Did you know that over 7,000 tourists have already experienced the awesomeness of the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour? It’s time for you to join in on the fun! Hop aboard the red CitySightseeing Bus and get ready for an adventure like no other. Plus, if you book now, you’ll even get a free Constantia Valley Wine Tour!

The Blue Mini Peninsula Tour is a fantastic journey that will take you to 14 different stops. From the vibrant V&A Waterfront to the breathtaking Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and from the fascinating World of Birds to the charming Marina’s Wharf in Hout Bay – this tour has it all! There’s something for everyone.

And that’s not all! If you’re a wine lover, you’ll be in for a real treat. The Wine Tour Bus includes three amazing wine stops – Groot Constantia, Beau Constantia, and Eagle’s Nest. Get ready to indulge your taste buds and experience the finest wines that the Constantia Valley has to offer.

A one-day ticket for the CitySightseeing Bus costs only R150, and it allows you to hop on and hop off as much as you like. Please note that wine tastings, meals, and museum entrances are not included in the ticket price, so you’ll have to cover those expenses on your own.

But wait, there’s more! For just R250, you can get a two-day ticket that grants you access to even more fun. With the two-day ticket, you’ll get to enjoy the Red City Tour, which includes iconic attractions like Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Two Oceans Aquarium, and District Six Museum. On top of that, you’ll also get to experience the Blue Mini Peninsula Tour, the Constantia Valley Wine Tour, a Night Tour to Signal Hill, and a relaxing Canal Cruise. It’s the ultimate package for adventure seekers like you!

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the beauty of Cape Town. Book your ticket now and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

If you need to get in touch with the CitySightseeing Bus, just give them a call at 021-511-6000. You can also check out their website at www.citysightseeing.co.za.

When you visit Groot Constantia, you have plenty of options. You can try out some wine tasting, have a nice meal, explore the museum, or simply relax under the oak trees. It’s pretty amazing to think that you’re experiencing a piece of South African history and enjoying wine fit for royalty.

Taste history at Groot Constantia - MzansiBride

Hey, have you ever considered going on a cellar tour? It’s such a cool experience! You can explore the underground and learn all about the history and process of making wine. After that, you can take a leisurely stroll and maybe even enjoy a delicious meal at one of the fabulous restaurants.

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