A selection of historical wine artifacts are on exhibit at Groot Constantia until 21 June and visitors are being offered a rare chance to view these relics, which unveil the history of the wine that Napoleon drank while on exile on St Helena Island.
This unique exhibition, entitled “Wine of Exile: The wine of Napoleon on St Helena” has been organised to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Napoleon and is a collaboration between the French Embassy in South Africa, Groot Constantia, Iziko Museums of South Africa, the Napoleon Foundation, the Government of St Helena, and the French National Domains of St Helena.
Items from the selected collections that will be on display – amongst many others – include cut glass crystal wine goblets and glasses used by Napoleon whilst on St Helena; wine decanters; wine coolers; a ship decanter with outward sloping side and wide base for greater stability at sea; and the memoirs of Napoleons chamberlain that document details of Napoleons daily life on St Helena and his love for Constantia wyn.
From 1815, until his death in 1821, Napoleon was banished to St Helena, an island located in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. Every month 30 bottles of Groot Constantia wine were shipped to St Helena.
Groot
Constantia is a centuries old brand that received international acclaim for its
superior quality and began to fetch extremely high prices at well-attended
auctions in many European cities – with emperors and kings, such as Napoleon,
Frederick the Great of Prussia, and King of the French Louis Philippe, all
vying for their share.
“With
such a notable and celebrated history to this centuries’ old South African
brand we are suitably excited to have this collaborative exhibition taking
place at Groot Constantia,” says Jean
Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia. “As South Africa’s oldest wine
producing farm – in existence for 334 years this year – and a National
Monument, Groot Constantia, and the wines produced on the estate, have historic
importance and represent the Cape’s rich cultural and wine heritage, as well as
occupying an important position in global wine history.”
The not-to-be-missed Wine of Exile exhibition will be open to the public as part of Groot Constantia’s Visitors Route experience until 21 June 2019.
Visitors to the estate can look forward to admiring the items on the exhibition as part of the full Visitors Route, and can also then opt to try a wine tasting or a chocolate and wine pairing, before possibly enjoying lunch at one of the two restaurants housed on the estate. A wonderful day out immersed in the rich history of one of South Africa’s most loved wine estates.
For more information visit www.grootconstantia.co.za or connect with Groot Constantia via social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @GrootConstantia.
CHECK OUT MY CONSTANTIA TOUR ON WHICH WE WILL VISIT THIS SUPERB ESTATE