NAPOLEON'S FAVOURITE GRAND CONSTANTIA, SOUTH AFRICA'S OLDEST WINE ESTATE! [EN/PL]

The majority of wine production in South Africa takes place in the the coastal region of the Cape. Modern-day Cape Town and the area near the Cape Peninsula is the historical heart of the south African wine.

The location of The Constantia Valley is on the Cape Peninsula, just out into the Atlantic Ocean, south of Cape Town. On each side the region receives oceanic influences. The cooling effect creates a long, slow ripening period in the summer, the winters are often wet but mild and moderate. Cape Doctor, a strong wind current, brings winds to the wine regions. It has positive benefit of tempering humidity and limiting the risks of fungal grape disease.

It is noted particularly for its production of high-quality red wines. The second most widely planted red grape variety is Pinotage. Amongst wide range of grapes, Shiraz and Merlot are being grown. Groot Constantia farm is the oldest one of 11 wine farms located here.

The South African wine industry has its roots in the explorations of the Dutch East India Company. The Company assigned Jan van Riebeeck to establish and manage a supply station. He planted vegetables, fruit trees and vineyards to produce wines and grapes to ward off scurvy amongst sailors. Grown on the farm produce was supplied to the ships to aid the sailors during their long voyages on the way to India and back. The first harvest took place in 1659.In 1679 the post of the commander of Cape Town was taken over by Simon van der Stell, who later became the Governor. In the 1685 he acquired 750 hectares of land, established the Constantia wine estate and improved the quality of viticulture. Constantia most likely received its name after the daughter of Lord of Mijdrecht, who granted the farm to Van der Stell shortly after her death in the East Indies.

In 1716 four years after his death, Constantia was divided into three portions. Klein Constantia, Bergvliet and the part where his Cape Dutch-style manor house stood - Groot Constantia, officially known during the mid-19th century.

The land was sold and over the years got into the hands of several families, until it was purchased and revived in 1778 by Hendrik Cloete. It remained in his family until 1885. Cloete built new wine cellar 1791 and Planted extensive vineyards, extended and improved the mansion and adorned the manor house pediment. All this gave a new lease of life to the farm. During this period Constantia was known for its highly established viticultural standards such as production of a Constantia dessert wine, called Grand Constance. It became a wine supplier for Napoleon while in exile on St Helena, Frederick the Great of Prussia and King Louis Philippe of France.

The last private owner of the farm Jacob Pieter Cloete died in 1875. And the farm was sold to the Cape Government which used it as experimental wine farm. In 1925, the fire severely damaged the manor house. From 1927 until 1952 the restoration was undertaken, the house refurbished and reconstructed it to its original splendour.

In 1969 the The house and its collection became the responsibility of the South African Cultural History Museum. The viticultural functions stays in the hands of The Groot Constantia Control Board. Today the farm is a part of a scenic wine route. The exhibition in the manor house is managed by Iziko South African Museum. It hosts a Wine Museum in its wine cellars, exhibits wine making equipment and shows the architectural development of the farm over the 300 years of its existence.

Once you step through the doors of the Manor House you will feel all that Groot Constantia has to offer by following a circular route winding through the historical core of the estate. Start your Visitors Route Experience at the cultural history museum in the Manor House. From here go to the famed Cloete Cellar with a sculpted pediment by Anton Anreith, which is the home to a wine museum and tasting room. Enjoy wine tasting with your own Spiegelau crystal glass to take home as a memento. Then head to the modern Production Cellar for self-guided museum, cellar and vineyard audio-tours. https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/groot-constantia-manor-house