Red wines rooted in history

From the historic vineyards of Groot Constantia come red wines that speak of centuries past – crafted with precision, passion, and place. As the Constantia Valley’s largest red wine producer, with a track record of major awards dating back to 1881, this iconic estate continues to set the benchmark for South African reds.

With a diverse terroir, varied altitudes, and a Mediterranean climate cooled by Atlantic breezes, Groot Constantia offers ideal conditions for red wine production, supported by ethical, sustainable farming as a WWF Conservation Champion and WIETA member.

These exacting standards and ideal conditions shape the four red wines below, each reflecting centuries of heritage. Together, they achieved 21 recent accolades from the National Wine Challenge – South Africa’s premier wine competition.

Gouverneurs Reserve Red – A toast to the founder

Named in honour of founder Simon van der Stel, this flagship blend pays tribute to the estate’s 17th-century origins. A sophisticated mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, each planted on site-specific soils, this wine is layered with notes of ripe plum, blackberry, dark chocolate, and tobacco – an elegant nod to the estate’s enduring legacy.

Cabernet Sauvignon – A collector’s favourite with heritage in every sip

Awarded five stars by Platter’s, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, yet nuanced expression of a young varietal grown in ancient soils. From granite-based red clay to sandstone-derived duplex soils, the vineyards shape a wine with deep flavours of cassis, dark berries, and oak. Its structure and ageing potential make it a favourite among collectors.

Shiraz – A symphony of spice and structure

The estate’s most extensively planted cultivar, Shiraz, flourishes in the valley’s yellow-brown and red-brown granitic soils. Its reputation is global, ranking among the Syrah du Monde Top 10 in the world. Expect bold notes of black fruit with layers of spice, clove, pepper, and a fresh acidity that elevates its complexity. This is a wine that truly embodies Groot Constantia’s excellence.

Merlot – Youthful vision meets old-world charm

Groot Constantia’s Merlot has earned acclaim as “Young Winemaker of the Year”, celebrating the estate’s perfect balance of tradition and innovation. This velvety wine draws its character from granitic soils, ranging from deep red clay to red-brown loam, producing a rich profile of plum, cherry, and hints of vanilla and chocolate. Smooth tannins and a refined structure make it an enduring favourite.