Visiting Groot Constantia: Cape Town’s Oldest Wine Estate
Just 25 minutes from the city centre, Groot Constantia is where Cape Town’s wine story began. The estate dates back to 1685 and holds the title of South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm.
It is among Cape Town’s most visited vineyards and part of the Mother City’s Big Six attractions with Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.
Wondering if Groot Constantia is worth a visit? Absolutely. Heritage, award-winning wine, and two acclaimed restaurants meet in one picturesque setting.
A Legacy That Shaped South African Wine
The story of Groot Constantia begins in 1685, when Cape governor Simon van der Stel received 891 morgen of land from the Dutch East India Company. After sending riders to collect soil samples across the Cape, he chose this fertile valley for its potential to produce fine wine.
The farm he named Constantia became the foundation of South Africa’s wine industry.
From these vineyards came wines that would capture the imagination of Europe. Known as Constantia Wyn, they were poured at royal tables and praised in literature.
Jane Austen wrote of Constantia wine as “a cure for a broken heart” in Sense and Sensibility, while Charles Dickens used it to lift a character’s spirits in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Even Napoleon Bonaparte had bottles of Grand Constance shipped to him during his exile on Saint Helena, supplied through the Cloete family, who later owned the estate.
The original Manor House, designed in the late Dutch Renaissance style, reflected Van der Stel’s ambitious vision. White marble floors, grand rooms, and views over the valley spoke of prosperity and permanence. By 1709, the estate already had 70,000 vines and produced over 5,600 litres of wine annually, remarkable figures for a new colony.
Over the centuries, the estate changed hands numerous times, but its reputation for quality remained unbroken. The Cloete Cellar, built behind the Manor House, became the birthplace of Grand Constance and still forms part of today’s Groot Constantia wine estate. Both buildings remain standing, forming the heart of a Provincial Heritage Site and a living symbol of Cape Town’s winemaking tradition.
Today, Groot Constantia wine farm is the oldest working wine estate in the country and a cornerstone of the story of vineyards in Cape Town, South Africa.
Exploring the Groot Constantia Visitors Route
The Groot Constantia wine estate is a working farm that also serves as a living museum, where visitors can explore the birthplace of South African wine. The Visitors Route is the best way to experience it.
This circular, self-guided route leads through the historical heart of the estate. Start with the elegant Manor House Museum, which showcases Cape Dutch architecture and furniture from the early colonial era. Then head to the Cloete Cellar, where the famous Grand Constance was produced, and the Wine Museum, which traces the story of Constantia wines through the centuries.
Your Visitors Route ticket includes access to these sites, a guided or self-guided cellar tour, and a tasting of five wines of your choice with a souvenir glass to take home. Free audio tours are available for the vineyards, the manor house, and the modern production cellar. Tickets can be purchased online via Webtickets or at the estate.
Wine Tasting at Groot Constantia
Few experiences capture Cape Town’s winelands spirit better than a Groot Constantia wine tasting. The estate offers three different tasting venues:
- The Bottom Cellar at the entrance, where you’ll find a collection of local art and the new gift shop.
- The Top Cellar is near the parking area and Simon’s Restaurant, which is the starting point for cellar tours.
- The Cloete Cellar, a historic space where Grand Constance was once bottled.
Each tasting includes five wines and a souvenir glass. For something more indulgent, try the Chocolate and Wine Pairing, featuring handcrafted chocolates matched to five Groot Constantia wines. The experience shows how sweetness, acidity, and texture interact to reveal new dimensions in the wine.
Tastings are available daily from 09h00 to 18h00, with the last ticket sold at 17h00. The estate closes only on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Where to Eat: Restaurants at Groot Constantia
Good food is part of the experience at Groot Constantia. The estate is home to two restaurants where guests can enjoy seasonal dishes and local wines in a setting that reflects the farm’s long heritage.
Jonkershuis Restaurant
Set beside the historic Homestead under the shade of ancient oaks, Jonkershuis Restaurant is a popular restaurant at Groot Constantia. The menu highlights Cape Malay–inspired flavours and seasonal local produce. Guests can enjoy relaxed courtyard dining in summer or fireside meals during winter. The family-friendly atmosphere and traditional dishes make it an ideal stop for lunch after a tasting.
Simon’s Restaurant
For something more contemporary, Simon’s Restaurant offers hearty, seasonal meals made from fresh local ingredients. The menu includes slow-roasted lamb shoulder, braised pork belly, classic fish and chips, and several vegetarian options. It’s also a good choice for groups and private events. The outdoor seating area overlooks the vineyards and is perfect for long, lazy afternoons in the sun.
The Gift Shop: A Celebration of Local Craft
Before you leave, spend a little time browsing the Groot Constantia gift shop, located in the main tasting room. It’s a showcase of South African creativity, featuring homeware, accessories, ceramics, and bath products inspired by the estate’s history and surroundings. Many items are made by local designers and artisans, reflecting Groot Constantia’s ongoing support of small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
Each piece tells a story, from jewellery inspired by the vines to linens printed with illustrations of the farm’s oak trees and architecture. It’s the perfect place to find something meaningful to take home.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
Opening Hours: 09h00–18h00 daily (last tasting at 17h00)
Closed: Good Friday and Christmas Day
Allow at least two to three hours to explore the estate. If you’re short on time, focus on the Visitors Route and a wine tasting. For a slower pace, add lunch at one of the restaurants and a walk through the vineyards.
Groot Constantia lies about 25 minutes from central Cape Town and roughly 30 minutes from the airport.
Guests staying with The Oyster Collection can reach the estate easily from either side of the Atlantic Seaboard. POD Camps Bay, our luxury boutique hotel just steps from Camps Bay Beach and the area’s top restaurants, offers a convenient base for guests who want to combine beach time with a visit to the Constantia winelands.
Blackheath Lodge, our boutique hotel in Sea Point, provides quick access to the V&A Waterfront, the Sea Point Promenade, and the neighbourhood’s vibrant cafés and markets. Both hotels place you within easy reach of the city’s coastline and Cape Town’s historic wine country, including Groot Constantia.
Why Groot Constantia Belongs on Your Cape Town Itinerary
Groot Constantia has set the standard for Cape Town winemaking for over three centuries. Visitors experience the working cellar, stroll through vineyards, taste expertly crafted wines, and dine at renowned restaurants, all while exploring the rich roots of the region’s wine story.
For anyone exploring Cape Town vineyards, Groot Constantia stands out as the ideal first stop. It weaves together heritage, craftsmanship, and a location that anchors the city to its winemaking legacy.
This post was created with our Cape-based digital marketing partner and shaped by insights from Megan Leenstra, The Oyster Collection’s Marketing Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Groot Constantia worth visiting?
A: Yes. As South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate, Groot Constantia combines more than 300 years of winemaking history with excellent wines, two popular restaurants, and a setting only 25 minutes from central Cape Town. It’s a must for anyone interested in local heritage or the Constantia winelands.
Q: How long should you spend at Groot Constantia?
A: Set aside at least two to three hours to explore the estate comfortably. This allows time for a cellar tour or tasting, a visit to the Manor House Museum, and a relaxed meal at one of the restaurants.
Q: How old is Groot Constantia?
A: The estate was established in 1685 by Cape governor Simon van der Stel, making it more than 330 years old.
Q: How big is Groot Constantia?
A: Groot Constantia covers roughly 763 hectares of land — originally recorded as 891 morgen in 1685.
Q: What is the dress code at Groot Constantia restaurants?
A: Both Jonkershuis Restaurant and Simon’s Restaurant have a relaxed smart-casual dress code. Comfortable attire is suitable during the day, and most guests choose neat casual wear for lunch or dinner.
Q: What is Groot Constantia famous for?
Groot Constantia is best known as South Africa’s first wine estate and the birthplace of Constantia Wyn, a sweet wine once enjoyed by European nobility and mentioned in classic literature by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Today, it produces award-winning wines and remains a leading cultural and historical landmark.
Q: Who owns Groot Constantia?
The estate is owned by the Groot Constantia Trust, a non-profit organisation established to preserve the property’s cultural heritage, promote tourism, and support the ongoing production of high-quality wines.
Q: Can you picnic at Groot Constantia?
Yes. Visitors can enjoy picnics booked through Jonkershuis Restaurant or Simon’s Restaurant. Outside food and drinks may not be brought onto the property.