Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Groot Constantia is a historic wine estate in Cape Town, dating back to 1685 and known for its rich heritage, exceptional wines, and scenic vineyards.

Description

Groot Constantia is a timeless treasure, an embodiment of South African wine history, where the past and present harmoniously coexist. With roots reaching back to 1685, Groot Constantia proudly stands as one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious wineries.

Stepping onto the estate feels like a journey through the annals of wine-making excellence. The tasting rooms are steeped in old-world charm, where you can explore a diverse range of wines, including the acclaimed Gouverneurs Reserve and the refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. The staff, with a passion as deep as the vineyards, are eager to share the stories behind each sip.

Beyond the wine, Groot Constantia offers a charming restaurant where you can relish delicious meals while overlooking the scenic vineyards. It’s not just a meal; it’s a communion with the soul of the Constantia Valley.

Company Group

Groot Constantia

Additional Links

Jonkershuis | Map | Events | Picnics | Webtickets | Experiences

Phone Number

021 794 5128

Social Media

Activities

Cultural history museum | Dining | Gift shop | Picnics | Tours | Wine museum | Wine tasting

Experiences

Sip history in a glass: wander through the centuries-old cellars while tasting the estate’s signature wines, from the crisp Sauvignon Blanc to the celebrated Gouverneurs Reserve.

Picnic beneath the iconic willow: relax with a curated basket of gourmet treats and local wines, soaking in the scenic vineyard views and gentle valley breeze.

Estimate Duration

2 – 3 Hours

Tasting Options

Wine Tasting | R130: 5 wines of your choice | Souvenir branded wine glass

Chocolate and Wine Pairing | R200: 5 Selected wines with 5 handcrafted chocolates | Souvenir branded wine glass

Visitors Route Experience Ticket | R155: Wine tasting | Museum access | Cellar tour

Tasting Hours

Available daily:

Bottom Cellar: 09h00 – 17h00 (closing at 18h00)
Production Cellar: 10h00 – 16h00 (closing at 17h00)
Top Cellar: 10h00 – 16h00 (closing at 17h00)

Tours

Guided Cellar Tour – Groot Constantia
Step into the historic Cloete Cellar and discover the rich heritage of one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates. Highlights of the tour include:

  • Hourly guided tours from 10:00 – 16:00 daily
  • Tasting five wines of your choice
  • Souvenir Spiegelau crystal wine glass included
  • Expert guides sharing the estate’s winemaking stories

Price: R105 per person (Visitors Route Experience Ticket). Tickets can be purchased online(Webtickets) or directly at the estate.

Restaurants

Jonkershuis Restaurant | Simon’s’ Restaurant

Dietary Options

Gluten-free options | Vegetarian | Vegan

Picnics

Picnic under the oaks: relax on the estate lawns with a gourmet basket prepared by Jonkershuis or Simons, paired perfectly with Groot Constantia wines.

Prices: R195 – R550+, depending on basket size

Bookings: Required at least 24 hours in advance

Food: Only estate-prepared baskets allowed (no outside food)

Rentals: Blankets provided with a refundable deposit, or bring your own

Serving times: Picnic areas open from 10h30, baskets served from 11h00

Dress Code

Smart casual

Child Friendly Policy

Child friendly: Open lawns, museum spaces, and kid’s picnic options.

What to Bring

Camera | Comfortable shoes | Comfortable clothing | Sunscreen and hat | Light jacket | Reusable water bottle | Valid ID for tastings

Additional Information

  • Beyond wine tasting, visitors can explore the Manor House Museum, join a guided cellar tour, enjoy scenic vineyard walks, or indulge in the popular wine-and-chocolate pairing.
  • Established in 1685, Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine estate and the birthplace of the famous Grand Constance dessert wine once enjoyed by European nobility.

Insider Guides

Book picnics and tastings early in summer: Weekends and sunny days fill up quickly, especially for the chocolate pairing.

Stop by the wine shop: They stock exclusive vintages and estate-only bottles you won’t find in regular stores.

Arrive mid-morning: the estate is quieter before lunch, giving you more space to explore the museum, cellar, and vineyards at a relaxed pace.

Weather Considerations

Ideal Weather: Sunny

Mostly outdoor estate experience, rain can affect vineyard tours and outdoor seating.

Reservation Policies

Bookings & Deposit:

  • Reservations are recommended for wine tastings.
  • Picnic baskets must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
  • A 50% deposit (based on basket price) is required to confirm picnic bookings.
  • A minimum of 1 basket per 2 guests is required.
  • Blankets are provided with a refundable deposit, or guests may bring their own.

Cancellation Policy: Cancelling within 1 week of a picnic booking incurs a 50% cancellation fee.

Additional Notes:

  • Estate-prepared baskets only; no outside food permitted.
  • Tickets for cellar tours and tastings can be purchased online or at the estate.
  • Arrive early for the best experience and quieter vineyard areas.

Estimate Price Range

R300 – R400+

  • Wine Tasting | R130 – R200+
  • Jonkershuis | R100 – R200+
  • Picnics | R195 – R550+
  • Tours | R50 – R160+

Pricing & Entry Fees

Entry | Free

Wine Tasting
R130 | 5 wines of your choice + souvenir glass
R200 | Chocolate & wine pairing (5 wines + 5 chocolates + souvenir glass)

Tours
R155 | Visitors Route Experience (wine tasting, museum access, cellar tour)
R215 | Visitors Route + Chocolate & wine pairing

Picnics (via Simon’s Restaurant)
R195 | Single basket
R550 | Double basket (for 2 people)
R195 | Child’s basket

Booking Methods

Dineplan | Email | Phone | Webtickets

Must Tries

Savor a guided wine tasting and discover how centuries of heritage are reflected in every glass.

Enjoy a chocolate and wine pairing, where handcrafted flavors are matched perfectly with award-winning wines.

Highlights

Stroll through the historic Manor House Museum and Cloete Cellar, stepping back into the roots of South African winemaking.

Relax under the estate’s willow trees with a picnic basket, soaking in the scenic Constantia Valley views.

Experience tastings in the atmospheric cellars, where the setting adds depth to every sip.

Child friendly

Cultural experiences

Dog friendly – Dogs on leashes

Gift shop

Historic buildings

Kid’s play area

Museum

Parking – Available on-site

Picnic area

Restrooms

Restaurants – Jonkershuis | Simon’s Restaurant

Scenic vineyards

Tasting room

Tours

Vineyard walks or trails

Wheelchair friendly

Wi-Fi

Wine shop

Wine tasting

Features
  • Child friendly
  • Cultural experiences
  • Dog friendly – Dogs on leashes
  • Gift shop
  • Historic buildings
  • Kid’s play area
  • Museum
  • Parking – Available on-site
  • Picnic area
  • Restrooms
  • Restaurants – Jonkershuis | Simon’s Restaurant
  • Scenic vineyards
  • Tasting room
  • Tours
  • Vineyard walks or trails
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wine shop
  • Wine tasting

Must Tries

Guided Exhibition Tours: Delightfully engaging, these tours blend fun with profound insights. Led by professional guides, each experience is both entertaining and enlightening.

Architectural Marvel: Immerse yourself in the extraordinary as Thomas Heatherwick’s genius transforms a historic grain silo into a contemporary masterpiece. A visual delight that elevates your entire art journey.

Highlights

Rooftop Views: Take in sweeping vistas of the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain from the museum’s rooftop – a perfect moment to pause and reflect amidst art.

Interactive Installations: Experience thought-provoking, site-specific installations that invite you to engage, question, and see art from new perspectives.

Address

Groot Constantia Road, Constantia

Parking: Free parking available on-site

Opening Hours

Monday – Sunday08h00 – 22h00
Wine Tasting & Retail Shop09h00 – 18h00
Last Tasting17h00
Jonkershuis08h00 – 17h00
Simon’s Restaurant08h00 – 22h00

What To Expect

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