The beautiful and best Constantia Wine Farms to visit
I live in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town which means that I’m extremely fortunate to live amidst some of the best Constantia wine farms. Of the 9 Wines Farms in Constantia, I have 1 within 5 minutes drive of my home and the rest within 10 minutes drive! If you squint really well you can probably see my house in this picture just below the mountain peak on the left! Blessed indeed!
The Constantia Wine Route
The Constantia Wine Route offers fantastic wines, stunning views and delicious food within 20 minutes of the city centre. It is located right in the heart of the city of Cape Town, in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – The Table Mountain Nature Reserve.
The Constantia Wine Route is the oldest wine route in the southern Hemisphere. This year, 2018, wines have been made in this valley for 333 years! That’s a long time!
333 years of Constantia wine-making
In celebration of this historic event the owners of the 9 Constantia Wine Farms have recently partnered to create an incredible video showcasing the very best of the Constantia Wine Valley.
The latest incredible photographic footage showcases the scenic beauty of the Constantia Valley and all the wine estates have to offer from Vineyard to Cellar to Tasting room & dining experiences are available on the Constantia Wine Route website.
Visitors to the Constantia Wine Route website can now explore each of the Constantia Wine Estates through the gorgeous videos and 360 photos, thereby enjoying a scenic tour through one of the country’s most beautiful valleys.
Get a sneak peek here…
To inspire your next wine tasting experience in Cape Town I’ve decided to share a bit more about the the best Constantia wine farms that make up the ‘Constantia Wine Route’ and stretch from the top of Constantia Nek to just below the Steenberg mountains near Tokai…
Constantia Wine Farms
Groot Constantia – The oldest wine farm in the country established by Simon van der Stel in 1685.
Klein Constantia – The home of the iconic Vin de Constance sweet vine beloved by Jane Austen and Napoleon!
Beau Constantia – A boutique wine farm offering commanding views from the modern restaurant.
Constantia Glen – Incredible panoramic views and delicious cheese & chacuterie platters.
Eagles’ Nest – Producer of one of the best Shiraz wines in the world.
Silvermist – Home to the no 1 restaurant in South Africa, La Colombe.
Buitenverwachting – Also originally founded by Simon van der Stel, this is a beautiful farm rich with history and fine wine.
Constantia Uitsig – Visit their beautiful new contemporary wine cellar.
Steenberg – Renowned for their MCC – possibly the finest in the country!
If you’re keen to find out more about each of the wine farms in Constantia keep scrolling…
Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm located on some of the steepest slopes in the Cape Peninsula just near the circle on the top of Constantia Nek.
The modern restaurant space plays host to an always popular pop-up restaurant that changes seasonally (pre-book your table!) From it’s unique vantage point you can look out across lush lawns towards the Hottentots Holland mountain range and even catch a glimpse of glittery False Bay in the distance.
Home to the highest vines in the Constantia valley (at 350 metres above sea-level) their vineyards are exposed to the cool ocean-chilled winds and produce small quantities of excellent grapes.
Be sure to sample their award winning Cecily and the Lucca.
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday from 11h00 – 18h00
Address: 1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 8632
Web: beauconstantia.com
Buitenverwachting
“Beyond expectation” is the meaning behind the name of this wine farm and it still holds true today! Located on the eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg mountain range, Buitenverwachting is a beautiful wine estate that is steeped in history as it was originally part of the Constantia Estate belonging to Simon van der Stel, govenor of the Cape.
The property offers an array of activities to enjoy from a quaint coffee shop, The Coffee Bloc, to a wine tasting area and a formal restaurant.
If the weather is good you’ll enjoy drinking your coffee or wine overlooking the garden with vast lawns for the kids to run around on and resident chickens who’ll sometimes even keep you company at your table!
This is my first favourite on my list… I love heading here to work from their coffee shop. The drive in itself transports me to another time and place. Avenues of oaks trees and paddocks of horses greet you as your wind your way through the vineyards. My husband is a big fan of their wines so I asked his opinion on which wines he would suggest you sample…
The best wines to taste at Buitenverwachting include their Buiten Blanc, Chardonnay, Maximus and Meifort. All are brilliant though!
Opening times: Monday-Saturday: 09h00-17h00. Closed on Sundays.
Address: 37 Klein Constantia Rd, Nova Constantia, Cape Town
Tel: 021 794 4095
Web: buitenverwachting.com
Constantia Glen
With some of the best panoramic views of the Constantia Valley, Constantia Glen is also well-known for their outstanding wines.
The wine tasting room has tables outside and in and there’s plenty of seating at the rear of the restaurant. Light lunches on offer include Flammkuchen, salads and epic cheese and charcuterie platters. Just be sure to book in advance as this is a popular spot especially for lazy Sunday lunches… you might even bump into me here. This is a favourite spot to enjoy the Constantia winelands.
Wine tasting options range from R45 to R90 per person, depending on the wine selection.
The Constantia Glen wines to try are the superb Constantia Glen Five and the Constantia Glen Two!
Opening times: Thursday – Sunday: 10h00 – 20h00; Sunday – Wednesday: 10h00 – 18h00
Address: Constantia Main Road, Constantia (next to the entrance to Eagles’ Nest)
Tel: 021 795 6100
Web: constantiaglen.com
Constantia Uitsig
Constantia Uitsig is another valley wine estate steeped in history, having been producing wine for over 300 years, this beautiful wine farm is currently undergoing extensive refurbishments to make it one of the most appealing for visitors to the valley.
Open Door restaurant serves contemporary food in a chic setting while the neighbouring bike park keeps kids (and those who still act like kids) entertained for hours!
They have recently launched their Heritage Market, a line up of heritage cottages that offer bespoke food experiences, including decadent chocolate works of art at Alexander Avery and kick-ass ice cream at Kristen’s Ice Cream.
One of the converted heritage buildings is home to the wine tasting area while the renovations are completed at the brand new winery. There are also big plans to create a beautiful kitchen garden and picnic area.
When visiting Constantia Uitsig try their excellent Semillon and MCC!
Opening times: Monday – Saturday: 09h00 – 21h30. Sunday: 09h00 – 15h00
Address: Spaanschemat River Road, Fir Grove, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 3010
Web: uitsig.co.za
Eagles’ Nest
Eagles’ Nest is the “hidden gem” of the Constantia Wine Route as it’s entrance is tucked away behind tall trees (blink and you’ll miss it!) just next to the entrance to Constantia Glen. But don’t miss it!
The wine tasting area for Eagles’ Nest is one of my favourites in the valley… and for a surprising reason. Whereas most of the other wine tasting spaces take full advantage of their vineyard, valley or mountain views, this one is very different!
Nestled beneath towering pine trees, this wine tasting space has a relaxed atmosphere and is a firm favourite with locals who spend leisurely weekend afternoons lounging about on the lush lawns. Snack platters can be ordered to enjoy while sipping on a glass or two of the award-winning wines from the tasting room beneath an umbrella or a weeping willow tree. The trickling stream is the perfect entertainment for any kids in your group!
Be sure to sample the award winning Shiraz at Eagles Nest, as well as their Merlot!
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 10h00 – 16h30
Address: Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 4095
Web: eaglesnestwines.com
Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia is the oldest wine producing farm in the Cape. It boasts a wide array of award-winning wines to taste across three tasting areas, an impressive Cape Dutch manor house, a historical museum, wine and chocolate pairing, guided cellar tours and two restaurants – Simons and Jonkershuis.
This is an extensive estate with rolling vineyards, offers some of the most breathtaking views across to False Bay.
This wine estate is especially popular with families who enjoy lunch under the oaks at Jonkershuis while their kids run riot on the lawns . An alternative is to pop in at the weekend food market with a follow up visit to the duck pond. The estate’s vineyards are also especially popular for those who enjoy the more active pursuits of running, riding and dog-walking, especially on Autumnal afternoons when the the vines turn all the shades of the rainbow.
The best wines at Groot Constantia are undoubtedly their Gouverneurs Reserve as well as their Chardonnay.
Opening times: Open 7 days a week but closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Wine tasting: Top Cellar open from 10h00 until 16h15 Closing at 17h00 | Bottom Cellar: open from 9h00 until 17h15 Closing at 18h00 (sales until 18h00). Cellar tours: Cellar open from 9h00 until 17h15 Closing at 18h00 (sales until 18h00)
Address: Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Contact: 021 794 5128
Web: grootconstantia.co.za
Klein Constantia
Set amidst ancient trees on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg mountain range, Klein Constantia has often been described as one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates. Best known as the home of Vin de Constance, one of the world’s best natural sweet wines, this wine estate has been producing wine since 1685.
Through the ages, historical figures, such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, have sung of it’s praises in their books, while Napoleon Bonaparte, in exile on the island of St Helena, enjoyed the “les vins de Constance” so much that he arranged to ship over 30 bottles to the island every month!
This double accolade surely makes Klein Constantia a must on your visit to the valley!
An extensive wine tasting is available for R70 and The newly opened Bistro @ Klein Constantia is worth a visit. Bistro is open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday between 12.00pm and 2.30pm. The kitchen closes at 3.00pm. Cheeseboards, however, are available until closing at 4.00pm.
A visit to Klein Constant Wine Estate should certainly involve a taste of their Riesling and their Sauvignon Blanc.
Opening times: Monday – Friday: 09h00 – 17h00. Saturday: 09h00 – 15h00. Sunday: 10h00 – 16h00
Address: 37 Klein Constantia Road
Tel: 021 794 5188
Web: kleinconstantia.com
Silvermist
The entrance to Silvermist lies just over the rise of Constantia Nek at the top of Hout Bay but as most of the vineyards grow on the Constantia Valley side of the mountain Silvermist still technically falls into the Constantia Wine Route.
Certified organic by the Bio-Dynamic & Organic Certification Authority, the natural fynbos of the area is encouraged to grow amongst the vineyards alongside selected lupins and grains creating a rich biodiversity. Here ducks provide the pest control while fertilizing the vineyards!
Weave your way ever further up the winding road and you’ll find yourself at the pinnacle of South Africa’s dining world – La Colombe Restaurant – often selected as one of S.Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants!
Silvermist is also home to a boutique hotel and the only zipline in Cape Town!
While visiting Silvermist have a glass of their Organic Sauvignon Blanc.
Address: Hout Bay Main Road, Constantia Nek
Tel: +27 71 803 6785
Web: silvermistvineyards.co.za
Steenberg
The oldest registered farm in the Cape, Steenberg Vineyards produce a range of wines that are environmentally considerate and delicate on the palate.
The abundance on offer at Steenberg can make ones’ head spin… from a luxury hotel, to a spa, a world-class golf course, a bistro and a fine-dining restaurant – there is something here for every taste.
With its’ cool, sea-facing slopes and majestic granite ridges, this vineyard produces excellent Cape wines, including Méthode Cap Classique, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz. Choose to sample some of their finest bottles at the tasting bar, lounge or the outdoor terrace of Bistro 1682 which overlooks indigenous gardens, reflective water features and the magnificent mountains. Tasting options start from R50.
Steenberg is a favourite of mine for two reasons – their excellent MCC and their private spa (one of the best I’ve been to!) It also happens to be a spot where I had one of my very first jobs – as a waitress at the halfway house!
The best wines from Steenberg Wine Estate to try on your visit are their Chardonnay MCC as well as their Nebbiolo and their Semillon.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 10h00 – 18h00
Address: Steenberg Road, Constantia Valley
Tel: 021 713 2211
Web: steenbergfarm.com
I hope that I have wet your appetite and inspired you to explore the beautiful Constantia Wine Route.
As you can see there are nine fabulous farms on the Constantia Wine Route just waiting to be explored and enjoyed… and not only do they offer some of the best South African wines, the valley also plays host to a number of award-winning restaurants, as well as various other activities such as coffee roasting, zip-lining and bike tracks.
So, which one of these wine farms will you be heading to first? And which is your favourite! I’d love to hear which Constantia Wine Farm holds your heart so please do leave a comment below.
If you’re looking to explore more of the South African Winelands click here for more Wine Farm recommendations.
