South Africa’s Groot Constantia is the country’s oldest wine farm, a site often celebrated for its architecture and its red wine blend. Yet the estate’s daily operation depends on a workforce that maintains operations across finance, hospitality, and agriculture. This Women’s Month, the focus shifts to five employees whose careers help the property function and evolve, from the cellar floor to the visitor center and the employee crèche.
Managing the Books and the Brand
Amanda February has been with Groot Constantia since 2007, serving as the Chief Financial Officer. She oversees the financial and strategic decisions required to keep the heritage site solvent. February explained that every decision she makes aims to balance the need for financial strength with the requirement to preserve the estate’s history.
For more than two decades, Lorna Solomon has shaped the visitor experience. She manages the estate’s museums, tasting rooms, and historic spaces. Her role involves translating the physical setting into a narrative that guests can understand. She described the work as a responsibility to ensure that visitors leave with an unforgettable impression of the site.
The Cellar and the Crèche
Elizabeth George has spent 28 years working in the cellar, learning the rhythms of wine production from generation to generation. She noted that every vintage presents new challenges and that learning comes from asking questions and observing her peers. George finds a sense of purpose in the daily routine, especially during harvest when the estate shifts into high activity.
Related: Women Lead Green Shift in South African Wine
On the administrative side of the estate, Siena Jordaan has spent 27 years caring for children at the employee crèche. Her work is quiet compared to the vineyards, yet it provides the foundation for the workers’ families. She described the crèche as a second home for her and a place where she has cared for generations of children.
For employees at heritage institutions like Groot Constantia, the job often transcends a simple paycheck. Many find that the emotional investment required to maintain such a historic site creates a unique bond with the property, where the success of the business becomes intertwined with their personal stability and sense of identity.
A New Generation in the Vineyards
Shannon Jacobs joined Groot Constantia in 2024, bringing international experience from Austria and the United Kingdom. She is an assistant winemaker who views her profession as a mix of science, agriculture, and creativity. Jacobs was named among WineLand Media’s 30 Under 30 for 2026, representing a younger generation of winemakers who are ambitious and globally connected.
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