This audio guide brings Groot Constantia's historic precinct to life, taking you back to the complex time at the root of South African winemaking.

You'll meet Thys van der Merwe, who has made the estate's inheritance his life's work. There are adventurers and brilliant businesspeople along the way too, as well as exiled rebels and slaves from both Africa and Asia. They may have been brought here against their will, but they helped make Groot Constantia what it is today.

You’ll also hear the accounts of travellers like you. This has been one of Cape Town’s foremost destinations for centuries, and the men and women who visited the estate left behind vivid descriptions that highlight what has changed, but also how much has stayed the same.

The majority of this tour is inside the Manor House, and you’ll need to present a Visitors Route ticket at its entrance. You can purchase these online, through Webtickets, or at a number of places at Groot Constantia.

Voices:

Narrator: Adrian Galley
James Holman: Gary Morris
Quince Jelly reader and Drawing Room reader: Claire van den Heever
Newsreader: Iain Manley
Hendrik Cloete: Floricius Beukes

Interviewees:

Thys van der Merwe
Jean Naude
Maghdie Sadien
Aubrey Springveld
Moses Jafta

Music:

Joseph Haydn - London Trios, No.1 in C major - I. Allegro Moderato II. Andante
Joseph Haydn - London Trios, No.3 in G major - I. Spiritoso., II. Andante, III. Allegro
Georg Philipp Telemann - Sonata for Viola da Gamba
Vivaldi - Concerto for Two Trumpets in C Major
United States Marine Band - Emperor's Maneuver
Cornelius Schuyt - Bewaert Heer Hollandt
Johann Sebastian Bach - Prelude & Fugue in D major, BWV 850

We are the oldest wine estate in South Africa, established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel. We continue the tradition of making world-class wines on our beautiful estate, which is also a national heritage site. We provide tastings as well as cellar tours.