GROOT CONSTANTIA ESTATE Unclaimed

In 1679 Simon van der Stel was appointed by the Dutch East India Company to govern the Cape of Good Hope. After years of loyal service, he requested land from the Company. He periodically sent out riders to collect soil samples. In 1685 he chose 891 morgen (about 763 ha) situated behind Table Mountain for its wine-growing potential and magnificent scenery. Over the years the wines produced on the estate caught the attention of influential people across the globe – clearly due to its impressive quality. Global aristocracy made sure that they had enough stock of this acclaimed and precious product.