Groot Constantia’s Grand Constance wine is a true embodiment of South Africa’s wine history and its delectable amber contents make for a remarkable story. As South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm, Groot Constantia has produced wine since 1685.
Story Of Wine Pioneer
Simon van der Stel founded Groot Constantia, and over the centuries, it has had various owners, including Oloff Bergh, Anna de Koningh and Anna Catharina Scheller. However, Hendrik Cloete, who purchased the Estate in 1778, is the true mastermind behind Groot Constantia. Cloete extended and enhanced the Manor House, built the Cloete Cellar, extended the vineyards, and did much to improve the production and marketing of the celebrated Constantia wines.
In 1993, the government transferred ownership of the Estate to an independent company called Groot Constantia Trust NPC RF. The company’s main aim is to preserve and maintain the cultural heritage of the Estate for posterity.
The Birthplace Of Groot Constantia’s Legendary Wines
The famed Cloete Cellar is the original wine production cellar from 1791 from where royalty such as Frederick the Great of Prussia, Louis Philippe (King of the French) and Napoleon were supplied. One of the most exceptional bottles is the 1821 vintage, known as Grand Constance. This vintage is nearly two centuries old and is a rare find indeed of the original sweet wine of Constantia. Napoleon drank this wine during his exile on the island of St. Helena from 1815 until his death in May 1821. The Cloete Cellar is truly a magical place where the history and legacy of Grand Constance continue to live on.
Constantia means “steadfast/consistency” in Latin, and the legacy of the Cloete Cellar and the consistent quality of Groot Constantia’s wines continues to this day.
For more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za
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