Last week we visited Groot Constantia Wine Estate, the oldest wine estate in South Africa. The country often flies under the radar for wine lovers, but it produces exceptional wines, including the uniquely South African pinotage. Several renowned wine regions are within easy driving distance of Cape Town—Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia among them. Until this visit we had spent most of our time in Stellenbosch, so exploring Groot Constantia was a treat.
Groot Constantia is breathtaking. Imagine historic Cape Dutch architecture nestled in a valley beneath rugged mountain ranges, surrounded by rows of vines stretching across the landscape. The setting felt timeless and beautiful—a reminder of how fortunate we are to be spending time in South Africa.
Our visit began with a cellar tour followed by a tasting. The estate produces an impressive range of wines.
The cellar lighting was far from ideal for photos, but the barrels and the production area felt classic and well cared for. Our guide clearly explained the winemaking process and answered questions along the way.
We learned that many of the estate’s white wines are fermented and kept in large stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels. On hot days I rarely refuse a chilled glass of chenin blanc, and their whites were refreshing and well made.
An antique wine press was on display—a fascinating piece of history that reminded us how long winemaking has been part of the estate’s story.
We also spotted a creative sign made from corks and admired the barrel storage room. The barrel cellar is kept dark and temperature-controlled for optimal aging—a quiet, cool place where wines mature slowly.
The tasting included a pinotage, a shiraz, a red blend, a chardonnay and a white blend. Each wine showed care in winemaking; even the shiraz, which our guide noted could benefit from more aging, was enjoyable. We sampled some rich port in the shop and left with a bottle of pinotage to take home.
After the cellar experience we strolled the grounds until our dinner reservation. The views across the estate are spectacular, offering multiple spots to pause and take in the scenery. The Cape Dutch architecture—white gables, thatched roofs and elegant facades—adds historical charm. Parts of the estate date back to 1685, and walking among those buildings feels like stepping into another era.
For dinner we chose Simon’s, one of the estate’s restaurants. During our tour a rolling blackout had caused a temporary power outage, so we were curious how the kitchen would manage. They adapted by serving dishes that could be prepared on the grill, and the food was excellent. My partner enjoyed a large steak with pepper sauce and a fresh salad. I tried an ostrich steak with mushroom sauce and grilled vegetables—an unexpectedly delicious meal and the moment I realized I actually like mushrooms.
Overall it was a memorable day at Groot Constantia. The combination of historic architecture, expansive vineyards, thoughtful winemaking and satisfying food makes it a must-visit when you’re in Cape Town. We plan to return before we leave South Africa.
Parting note: with our time abroad winding down, I’m keeping a small countdown for my South Africa Sunday posts—only 35 days until we head back to Portland.