Groot Constantia celebrates being 333 years old!

Congratulations are in order for Groot Constantia, who are celebrating 333 years of uninterrupted wine production on the farm.  The farm is run by a trust - the Groot Constantia Trust, chaired for many years by Dr Ernest Messina, an academic of note.
I attended the farm's birthday celebrations at the farm exactly 333 years since the farm was handed over to Simon vd Stel, on 13th July. It has passed through many families, including the well-known Cloetes, Olaff Bergh and Anna de Koningh, and in 1885 was taken over by the then government, and from 1993 has been run by the Groot Constantia Trust, who have done great service by maintaining a significant part of South Africa's history so well.

In order to commemorate its longevity, 333 trees will be planted on the property this year - and at our celebrations last week - 3 new oak trees were planted in the avenue up to the Manor House. Even very young children from the farm were part of the planting process, and they will be the few who will be able to witness these trees in their prime.
Investing in the future is an integral part of Groot Constantia, and long may this tradition continue.