Groote Constantia Wine Estate.

A few months ago, we celebrated my birthday by having a wine cellar tour, wine tasting and picnic lunch at Groote Constantia Wine Estate.

  

We booked the tour online- there is one on the hour 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. We arrived 15 minutes late; we had to wait for the next tour. So we explored the grounds of the estate. Not a bad way to spend some time!  These blooms were so bright!

 We reserved our picnic lunch at the Jonkerhuis Restaurant just in time (it was their last one). The prepare them ahead of time and usually need 24 hour reservations. They do however, make a few extra each day, and we lucked out!

"Die Jonkerhuis."

The wine cellar tour was interesting and touched on the basics of their wine making, just right for us casual drinkers. It might not be enough information for someone who was really interested in learning about the industry. 

 

The big cisterns in the processing area.

This was on an old wine making machine. I have no clue what it says.

Cross section of cork.

Wine bottles filled and fermenting.

Wine barrels. The ones with stains have been used more than once.

Gigantic barrels!!

At the end, we had a wine tasting of 5 wines. We ended up buying the Port that we tasted and got a discount for having taken the tour. We were not familiar with Port and were intrigued by its rich, sweet taste and high alcohol content. 
  

The lovely 5 wines.

Enjoying the Blanc de Noir.

After the tour, we went to the Jounkerhuis and were given a blanket and told that we could set ourselves up anywhere in eyesight of the restaurant. We chose a half sunny, half shady spot near a low wall. The waitress took our wine order and brought our basket out. It was amazingly good! The variety of food- including bread and butter, salad, curry, quiche, gherkins, cheese, cured meats, cherries in syrup, and a milk tart. 

Our basket. Full loaf of bread!

Oh, the yumminess!

A fun time was had by all. Next time we will bring our doggies because they are welcomed warmly here. Also, we’d bring a little spending money because there are also some book and jewelry stalls to peruse as well!

Our view.

The vineyard.

It was a wonderful birthday.

P.S. Don’t forget to participate in my first ever giveaway: Beaded Rings!! Ends Wednesday.

Song of the Post: The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson. Thanks for a great day hubby!