Valentine’s Day should be spent blissfully adrift, far from the daily hustle and bustle, indulging the senses with beautiful sights and delicious flavours. Groot Constantia is the perfect setting. Only twenty minutes drive from central Cape Town, the estate feels wonderfully removed from the city.
City Sightseeing has a handy Hop-on, Hop-off stop in the heart of the estate where visitors are immediately treated to a panoramic view of False Bay. From there an enticing avenue of oak trees leads the way to the Manor House and the starting point of the new Visitors Route.
The Visitors Route Experience grants access to all there is to offer at Groot Constantia. The free audio tours allow you and your Valentine to explore at your leisure. The Manor House is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Cloete family who lived in the Cape Dutch homestead for five generations. This Iziko Museum feels like a home, lovingly tended, and it is easy to imagine a card game in the parlour, lunch cooking by the large hearth in the kitchen or Mr Cloete himself waking to the sounds of music played outside his bedroom window to start his day off on the right note.
Beyond the Manor House you will find the Cloete Cellar, one of three venues you can choose for wine-tasting as part of the Visitors Route Experience. Above the entrance to the newly renovated museum and tasting room, you will find a baroque pediment sculpted by Anton Anreith in 1971 featuring thirteen chubby cherubs. The Cloete Cellar is a light, open space where you can rest your feet and enjoy a delicious cappuccino or indulge in a Chocolate & Wine Pairing.
Next door to the Cloete Cellar is Simon’s which offers a cheerful place to dine Al Fresco and sample a variety of craft beers. The cuisine picnic is a must on Valentine’s Day. Order yours before heading off on the self-guided Cellar Tour to learn about the production and history of Groot Constantia’s award-winning wines. Wine-tasting in the cellar’s cosy tasting room will be all the more satisfying for your new found understanding of the art of wine-making.
Settle in to enjoy your delicious picnic under the enormous willow on the grassy slopes behind the Cloete Cellar. Groot Constantia’s Brut Rosé makes an ideal wine pairing with its light salmon pink colour and complex flavours of yellow apples and floral notes.
The Visitors Route Experience includes a Vineyard Tour perfect for walking off a lazy picnic lunch. Stroll hand-in-hand with your Valentine through the vineyard up to the historical bath featuring a sculpture of the Greek God Triton.
If you have not yet enjoyed the wine tasting included in your Visitors Route Experience, stop by the new Wine Sales & Tasting Room at the entrance of the Estate. Here you can purchase wine to savour while you reflect on an idyllic day spent at Groot Constantia.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Jonkershuis and Simon’s Restaurant:
Simon’s Restaurant – Valentine’s Tastes To Share
R550.00 per couple
Booking Highly Recommended: 021 794 3445
Served in the Simon’s Deli and on the Deli Terrace (9am to 5pm)
- Oysters & Groot Constantia’s Brut Rosé on arrival
- GC White and Blanc de Noir wines with a tasting board
- Cheese & Charcuterie platter for 2 Locally produced artisanal cheeses with crafted cured meats and pickles, preserves and pesto
- Sweet Bites board to share
Jonkershuis Restaurant – Double Up On Fun
For every glass of Groot Constantia Brut Rosé ordered, get a glass on the house with every main course ordered
Booking Highly Recommended: 021 794 6255
Note: offers valid from Monday 13th February – Saturday 18th February ONLY
New Visitor Route Experience in a nutshell:
Enjoy the new Visitor Route Experience where one ticket gives you entrance into the Manor House museum, original Cloete Cellar, a cellar tour, wine tasting and Spiegelau Crystal wine glass. Groot Constantia is open 7 days a week (except Good Friday and Christmas Day) and offer wine tastings, chocolate and wine pairings and has two restaurants on site: Jonkershuis Restaurant and Simon’s Restaurant. Buy your wine on the estate, request an order online and from top wine houses and purveyors internationally. Start the Visitors Route Experience from the Manor House, Cloete Cellar or Production Cellar. Wine Tasting and Chocolate & Wine Pairing – available at all 3 wine tasting areas until 16h30.
Visitors Route Experience Ticket: R95 per person.
Visitors Route Experience Ticket + Chocolate & Wine Pairing: R140 per person.
Chocolate & Wine Pairing only: R120 per person.
Wine Tasting only: R75 per person.
Written by Kim van Niekerk