A day at Groot Constantia is about more than enjoying a glass of wine.
Planning a Day at Groot Constantia? Here’s What Not to Miss
A day at Groot Constantia is about more than enjoying a glass of wine. There is a remarkable piece of Cape Town history to explore, beautiful old buildings to discover, cellar experiences to enjoy and some lovely places to settle in for a meal.
Established in 1685, Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm and one of the Cape’s most significant heritage destinations. As a National Treasure, it brings together centuries of winemaking history with award-winning wines, museums, restaurants and experiences that make it well worth setting aside a few hours to explore.
First-time visitors may find it hard to know where to begin. So, if Groot Constantia is on your Cape Town itinerary, here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Start with a walk through history
As you enter the estate, the oak-lined avenue and historic Cape Dutch buildings set the scene. Take your time to enjoy the surroundings before heading towards the historic core of Groot Constantia, where much of the estate’s story unfolds.
The Manor House is a good place to start. This beautifully preserved Cape Dutch homestead offers a glimpse into the estate’s early years and the history of the people who lived and worked here. Its architecture, interiors and museum displays help bring more than three centuries of Cape history to life.
Follow the Visitors Route for the full experience
If you want to get a proper feel for Groot Constantia, the Visitors Route Experience is a great way to explore. It brings several of the estate’s highlights together in one experience, taking you through its historic buildings, wine heritage and modern-day winemaking.
The route includes access to the Manor House Museum and the original Cloete Cellar, as well as a wine tasting and a cellar tour. One of the highlights is the Cloete Cellar, the birthplace of Grand Constance, the famous sweet wine that helped put Constantia on the international wine map. Its history is fascinating, and the cellar offers a closer look at the legacy behind one of South Africa’s best-known historic wines.
The Visitors Route is circular and self-guided, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Guided or self-guided cellar tour options are also available, with tours scheduled hourly between 10h00 and 16h00.
Make time for a wine tasting
You are visiting one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine estates, after all. A wine tasting deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Groot Constantia offers a selection of its wines to sample, with options that allow you to discover different varieties and styles. If you enjoy something a little different, consider the chocolate and wine pairing, which matches selected wines with handcrafted chocolates.
There are also different tasting spaces around the estate, including the historic Cloete Cellar and the modern production cellar. Each offers its own setting and perspective on the estate’s winemaking story.
Enjoying a tasting is also a lovely way to experience the estate, ask questions and learn more about the wines you’re sampling. Found a favourite? The Wine and Gift Shop is a convenient stop to pick up a bottle to take home, along with wine-related gifts and locally inspired products.
Discover the estate’s museums and heritage
There’s plenty of history to discover at Groot Constantia, and it’s worth taking a little time to explore it. The estate has been part of Cape Town’s story since 1685, and its museums offer a closer look at how it all began, from its early days to its place in South Africa’s wine history.
Start at the Manor House Museum, where you can step inside a beautifully preserved Cape Dutch homestead and get a feel for life on the estate in years gone by. Then make your way to the Cloete Cellar, closely linked to the story of Grand Constance, the famous sweet wine that helped put Constantia on the international wine map.
It’s a chance to see more than just the buildings and vineyards – you’ll get a better sense of the people, stories and winemaking traditions that have shaped Groot Constantia over the centuries.
All That Exploring Calls for Lunch
By now, you’ll probably be ready to put your feet up and enjoy something to eat. Luckily, you don’t have to leave the estate to find a good lunch spot. Groot Constantia has two restaurants, each with its own setting and atmosphere.
Jonkershuis Eatery sits among the old oak trees, close to the Manor House. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxed lunch, to catch up with friends, enjoy a family outing or take a break between exploring and wine tasting.
Simon’s Restaurant is another great place to settle in for a meal, with the estate’s beautiful surroundings adding to the experience. Both restaurants serve food that can be enjoyed alongside Groot Constantia’s wines, making lunch a good excuse to stay around longer.
And if a picnic sounds more your style, you can arrange a picnic basket through Jonkershuis or Simon’s. Just remember to book at least 24 hours in advance, as visitors aren’t permitted to bring their own food or picnic baskets onto the estate.
A few things to know before you go
A little planning will help you get the most out of your visit:
- Opening hours: The estate is open seven days a week from 10h00 to 17h00. The last Visitors Route tasting ticket is issued at 16h00.
- Wine tasting and retail shop: The Wine and Gift Shop is open daily from 09h00 to 18h00, with the last tasting ticket at 17h00.
- Cellar tours: Guided or self-guided cellar tour options are available hourly between 10h00 and 16h00. Check the estate’s website when planning your visit.
- Tickets: Visitors Route Experience tickets can be purchased online or at the estate. Booking ahead is a good idea.
- What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended if you plan to explore the grounds and vineyards.
- Lunch: Book your restaurant table in advance, especially if you’re visiting over a weekend.
- Public holidays: The estate is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Opening arrangements may differ on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
For current ticket options, bookings and visitor information, visit grootconstantia.co.za.
Add Groot Constantia to your Cape Town adventure
If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, Groot Constantia is well worth adding to your list. As one of the Cape Town Big 6, Groot Constantia offers a chance to experience another side of the Mother City. One filled with history, great wine and places to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Planning your Cape Town itinerary? Make time for Groot Constantia.
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ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.