CONSTANTIA

THE history of the farm dates back to 1685, when it was granted to its first owner, Simon van der Stel, who had arrived at the Cape in 1679 to take over the post of commander, later upgraded to that of governor. Van der Stel was very keen to acquire a farm and in 1685 a piece of land of more than 2 454 hectares was granted to him.

He named it Constantia and, probably in the same year, built a double-storey house on it. Vegetables and fruit were grown on the farm in addition to the practice of viticulture and the production of wine.

The produce was supplied to ships which called at the Cape. Van der Stel also specialised in cattle breeding on his leased land. He died in 1712. In 1716, Constantia was divided into three portions before being sold.

Two parts became known as Bergvliet and Klein Constantia and the third part, on which the Van der Stel house stood, became officially known as Groot Constantia during the mid-19th century.

The history of Constantia then became the story of mainly three families. Oloff Bergh was the second owner of the farm. After his death in 1724, his dynamic wife, who was of slave descent, Anna de Koningh, became the owner. She owned the farm until her death in 1734.

Agriculture and viticulture continued on Constantia during this period. In 1993 the Groot Constantia Trust, which owns and represents the farm, was established. The wine cellar houses a wine museum.