Groot Constantia has been welcoming visitors since 1685, with its historic buildings, wines and heritage making it one of South Africa's most recognised wine destinations. For Lorna Solomon, however, the estate's appeal has always extended beyond what visitors can see and taste.
Source: Supplied | Lorna Solomon, Visitor Experience, Groot Constantia
Solomon joined Groot Constantia 20 years ago in wine sales before taking on responsibilities spanning the estate's museums, three tasting rooms and the Cloete Cellar. Her evolving role has given her the opportunity to engage with visitors from across the world while sharing the stories behind one of South Africa's oldest wine-producing estates.
Over the years, she has witnessed the visitor experience evolve, including the introduction of the Visitors Route, museums in the Manor House and Cloete Cellar, and the arrival of City Sightseeing buses, which have made Groot Constantia more accessible to local and international visitors.
Her connection to Groot Constantia has also extended beyond her work with visitors. A keen poet, Solomon has drawn inspiration from the estate's history, beauty and atmosphere, using poetry to share another perspective of the place she has come to know over two decades.
For Women's Month, Bizcommunity,/i> caught up with Solomon about her journey at Groot Constantia, the people she has met along the way, women's opportunities in tourism and the importance of preserving and sharing South Africa's heritage.
1. You have spent 20 years at Groot Constantia. What first drew you to the estate, and what has kept you passionate about your work?
The rich history of Groot Constantia and loving to interact with people from all walks of life has kept me passionate.
2. As a woman who has built a 20-year career in tourism, what challenges have you experienced, and how have they shaped your career?
Covid-19 was my biggest challenge, yet it taught me to appreciate what I have and how easily you can lose it all.
3. What makes a visitor experience meaningful, and how do you ensure Groot Constantia's history and heritage remain central to it?
It makes it meaningful when the visitors don't only leave with the aftertaste of the wine, but take away the history, a touch of our heritage, and that's where I come in.
4. After welcoming visitors from around the world, what have those interactions taught you about South Africa's appeal and what visitors value about Groot Constantia?
South Africa has it all, you name it, we have it. Mountains, oceans, Winelands, Garden Route and our national parks. Groot Constantia is the birthplace of the wine industry.
5. What more can the tourism industry do to help women build long-term careers and progress into leadership?
To uplift and empower women. Trust them with more. Give them opportunities that were once only male-dominated.
6. What has your 20-year journey at Groot Constantia given you personally, and is there a moment or achievement that stands out?
A moment that stood out for me was being a guest at the annual harvest event. My greatest joy is to tell Groot Constantia's stories and all she offers through my poetic art to our visitors.
7. What advice would you give to young women entering tourism who want to build a career around people and creating experiences for others?
Give the best of yourself. Let people enjoy you and, more so, the estate.
8. As South Africa marks Women's Month, what does it mean to you personally, and what would you like today's women in tourism to leave behind for the next generation?
To reach out to that beautiful person inside of you and share it with everyone you meet and greet. To be proud of your heritage.
