An historic haven receives a makeover in preparation for the summer holiday season

Wednesday, 28 January, 2004
Kirkby Communications
Groot Constantia Estate
With the opening of the Chapman’s Peak to traffic, there is renewed interest in domestic and foreign visitors doing the traditional Cape Peninsula tour and one of the classic stopovers is Groot Constantia Estate.

Classic being the word, when it comes to Groot Constantia, but with the added flair it has always had and the capacity to envelop crowds without feeling that there is mass movement of people. Now, with the new 400 seat Simon’s restaurant/conference and function centre open, a new era is dawning on the Estate. Together with the already established Jonkershuis Restaurant, a wide variety of cuisine can be enjoyed with the fine wines from Groot Constantia.

To create a more relaxed atmosphere on the spacious, well laid out and preserved Estate, the buildings have been given a makeover in preparation for the summer holiday season. New, clear signage has been incorporated making it easy for visitors to find their way around the farm, which caters for families as well as other groups. It offers options for both the ‘hit and run’ tourists who want to have another site under their belt, or the more leisurely ‘let’s see what the cradle of the wine industry is really all about’ visitors, who are looking to find the not so hidden gems it has on offer.

Besides its state of the art cellar, which is open for tours, guests can take a step back in time and see what relaxed country living was all about in the 18th and 19th Centuries, including some of the carts and carriages used. Taking a relaxed stroll through the vineyards or under the oak canopy after a wine tasting, then settling down or having a cup of tea under the shadow of Table Mountain and with False Bay in the distance, takes the edge off the hectic pace of life.

The gardens have been restored to their previous glory and a fulltime horticulturist appointed to continue with upgrading them and ensuring they remain a focal point of any visit to Groot Constantia. A programme has already been started of widening and bricking the main thoroughfares on the Estate making them more user friendly. Visitors to the Cape and even Capetonians discovering their own city will find a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city on the gentle slopes of the mountain under the old oak trees.

Issued by: Kirkby Communications
Contact: Arnold Kirkby
Tel: +27 (0) 21 872-9747
Email: arnoldk@worldonline.co.za