https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250405/corks-not-cans-groot-constantias-340-year-fight-to-preserve-tradition-in-a-changing-world-1072463657.html
Corks, Not Cans: Groot Constantia’s 340-Year Fight to Preserve Tradition in a Changing World
Corks, Not Cans: Groot Constantia’s 340-Year Fight to Preserve Tradition in a Changing World
Sputnik Africa
As BRICS nations explore deeper viticulture cooperation, South Africa’s historic Groot Constantia winery shares insights with Afroverdict on preserving... 05.04.2025, Sputnik Africa
2025-04-05T18:45+0200
2025-04-05T18:45+0200
2025-04-29T18:45+0200
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Corks, Not Cans: Groot Constantia’s 340-Year Fight to Preserve Tradition in a Changing World
Sputnik Africa
As BRICS nations explore deeper viticulture cooperation, South Africa’s historic Groot Constantia winery shares insights with Afroverdict on preserving heritage while navigating global markets—from Trump’s tariffs to climate resilience.
Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate (est. 1685), has survived colonialism, apartheid sanctions, and globalization by balancing tradition with innovation. All this was due to the ability to balance sticking to tradition and adapting to the times.While the estate preserves its Cape Dutch architecture and heritage vineyards, modernization is unavoidable. "We don’t plow with horses anymore—we use tractors," Naudé quipped. Yet, Groot Constantia refuses to chase trends like canned wines or screw caps, sticking to cork-sealed bottles and terroir-driven production.Though overshadowed by European giants like Bordeaux, Groot Constantia has carved a niche by prioritizing quality over quantity. Its wines have won global acclaim, including "Best Chardonnay in the World" at Chardonnay du Monde (2013) and "Best Sauvignon Blanc" at the International Wine Challenge (2019).Unlike mass-market producers, the estate focuses on "value, not volume," leveraging its unique coastal terroir near Cape Town.Russia’s Viticulture Association recently proposed deeper BRICS collaboration in winemaking, targeting China (the world’s top red wine consumer), India, and Brazil. While Groot Constantia hasn’t yet engaged with Russian partners, Naudé expressed openness:Currently, Germany, the Netherlands, and China are its top export markets.Naudé criticized rising protectionism, recalling how apartheid-era sanctions "took South African wines off the map." He warned against repeating isolationist policies, including the U.S.’s 30% tariff on South African wines:Unlike drought-stricken regions, Groot Constantia benefits from abundant rainfall amounting to "over 1 meter annually". It also thrives on wine tourism, drawing 400,000 visitors yearly—though Naudé admits "over-tourism" is a risk.As BRICS nations explore viticulture ties, Groot Constantia embodies South Africa’s wine legacy: adapting without compromising tradition. For now, Naudé’s advice to global wine lovers? To hear more about the oldest winery in the southern hemisphere, check out the entire episode of the AfroVerdict podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Afripods.► Check out all the episodes of AfroVerdict.
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south africa, alcohol, podcasts, heritage, culture, cape town, tariff, donald trump, apartheid, traditions, аудио
south africa, alcohol, podcasts, heritage, culture, cape town, tariff, donald trump, apartheid, traditions, аудио
Corks, Not Cans: Groot Constantia’s 340-Year Fight to Preserve Tradition in a Changing World
18:45 05.04.2025 (Updated: 18:45 29.04.2025) Viktor Anokhin
Producer, Podcast host
As BRICS nations explore deeper viticulture cooperation, South Africa’s historic Groot Constantia winery shares insights with Afroverdict on preserving heritage while navigating global markets—from Trump’s tariffs to climate resilience.
Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate (est. 1685), has survived colonialism, apartheid sanctions, and globalization by balancing tradition with innovation. All this was due to the ability to balance sticking to tradition and adapting to the times.
"The only thing historically correct is to adapt," Jean Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia, says.
While the estate preserves its Cape Dutch architecture and heritage vineyards, modernization is unavoidable. "We don’t plow with horses anymore—we use tractors," Naudé quipped. Yet, Groot Constantia refuses to chase trends like canned wines or screw caps, sticking to cork-sealed bottles and terroir-driven production.
Though overshadowed by European giants like Bordeaux, Groot Constantia has carved a niche by prioritizing quality over quantity. Its wines have won global acclaim, including "Best Chardonnay in the World" at Chardonnay du Monde (2013) and "Best Sauvignon Blanc" at the International Wine Challenge (2019).
"We’re patient. Every day, we move in the right direction," Naudé says.
Unlike mass-market producers, the estate focuses on "value, not volume," leveraging its unique coastal terroir near Cape Town.
Russia’s Viticulture Association recently proposed deeper BRICS collaboration in winemaking, targeting China (the world’s top red wine consumer), India, and Brazil. While Groot Constantia hasn’t yet engaged with Russian partners, Naudé expressed openness:
"We’re not opposed to it, but we’re a small team. If it makes sense, we’ll participate," the CEO remarks.
Currently, Germany, the Netherlands, and China are its top export markets.
Naudé criticized rising protectionism, recalling how apartheid-era sanctions "took South African wines off the map." He warned against repeating isolationist policies, including the U.S.’s 30% tariff on South African wines:
"Apartheid showed us: you can’t ignore the world. Business must embrace globalization, not nationalism," he states.
Unlike drought-stricken regions, Groot Constantia benefits from abundant rainfall amounting to "over 1 meter annually". It also thrives on wine tourism, drawing 400,000 visitors yearly—though Naudé admits "over-tourism" is a risk.
As BRICS nations explore viticulture ties, Groot Constantia embodies South Africa’s wine legacy: adapting without compromising tradition.
For now, Naudé’s advice to global wine lovers?
"Visit our website—we’ll ship to you directly."
To hear more about the oldest winery in the southern hemisphere, check out the entire episode of the AfroVerdict podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.
► Check out all the episodes of AfroVerdict. 
