South Africa is the only country in the world who knows exactly when the first grapes were harvested to make wine; viz 2 Feb 1659, with a diary entry from Jan van Riebeeck, and was most likely the grapes were Steen, South Africa's most planted and celebrated variety - now Chenin Blanc. Groot Constantia is the oldest wine producing farm in the country and was famed for its Grand Constance which was loved by many in Europe in the 1700 & 1800s, including famously Napoleon. We celebrated 367 years of making wine in South Africa last week at a pre-birthday event at the beautiful and historical Groot Constantia, a very appropriate venue.Read more about the estate's history HERE In 1984, the Minister of National Education declared The Groot Constantia State Estate, including the Groot Constantia and Hoop op Constantia homesteads and all the outbuildings thereon a National Monument. In 1993, the government transferred ownership of the estate to an independent company called Groot Constantia Trust NPC RF. The main aim of the Company is to preserve and maintain the cultural heritage of the estate for posterity by keeping it in Trust for the Nation.So in effect, we all own Groot Constantia - it is our heritage. Well done and thank you to Jean Naude, CEO of Groot Constantia, a true custodian, for honouring the history of the farm and the country and welcoming us warmly for the pre-birthday celebrations. An informative walk around the estate followed by an exceptionally delicous harvest lunch was an apt way to celebrate 367 years!#HappyBirthdaySAWine