Famous wine estate in the South African wine-growing region of Constantia (see detailed history there). It was the core part of the original Constantia farm of Governor Simon van der Stel (1639-1712). After his death, the estate was divided into three parts: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet (now Buitenverwachting) and sold. In 1779, one part was acquired by the Cloete family. It was during this period that the fame of sweet wine was established. Around 1860, mildew and phylloxera caused serious problems. Finally, in 1885, the property became the property of the government and was used as an experimental wine and agricultural estate. Production ceased at the beginning of the 20th century. After a disastrous fire in 1925, the house was largely restored. In 1969, the manor house became part of the South African Museum of Cultural History, which focusses particularly on rural slavery and the lives of slaves during the early Cape colonial period.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien