The farm, Groot Constantia was established in the latter half of the 17th century. The Mediterranean climate - hot dry summers and cool wet winters along with a terroir of decaying granite made it ideal for viticulture. The early Dutch settlers were soon joined at the Cape of Good Hope by French Huguenots fleeing persecution in Europe who applied their wine-making skills to the fledgling wine industry. The first wine produced was distinctly unpalatable as the only barrels available were the ones used for the transport of salted beef (in brine), but fortunately, finer barrels were soon made available.
OJ
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