Groot Constantia, Steenberg, Beau Constantia & more
BEST OF CAPE TOWN > BEST WINE FARMS > CONSTANTIA
CONSTANTIA
- Established: 1685 – One of South Africa’s most affluent suburbs
- Distance from Cape Town: ±15 km
- Popular varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Blanc, and Bordeaux blends of Cab Sav, Merlot etc.
- Famous for its Vin de Constance – dessert wine
- Only 10 wine farms in the area!
- Home to some of the steepest vineyards in the country.
- Roads in and around the suburb are narrow and busy, avoid peak traffic times especially after an afternoon of sampling some of Cape Towns finest.
#FUNFITADVENTURESCT
MORE ABOUT CONSTANTIA
The Constantia Valley is home to two of the countries oldest wine producers! The region achieved world fame in the 1800’s for its Vin de Constance – of which Napoloen was was a huge fan. Some of the first vines of the Cape, and Southern Hemisphere, where planted here by Simon van der Stel in 1685. He was Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, and was given the land for “Good Service” by the Dutch East Indies Company – who controlled the Cape. He named the area Constantia.
Upon his death the land was split into 3 estates – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet. The Valley is now home to roughly 10 wine producers, with farms stretching from the base of the valley all the way up the sides of the Constantiaberg mountains.
The location of the valley plays in important role in how the vines develop. The area receives more rain then any of the other wine growing regions in the Western Cape. It is also subjected to cool sea air, wind and shade from the mountains. This results in lower temperatures which in turn help the grapes to retain their acidity. Further down the slopes, where there is more sunlight, the Bordeaux style wines of Cab Sav and Merlot come to life.
Groot Constantia and Steenberg duel it out for the honour of being the oldest wine producer, each with their own valid argument. However Groot Constantia is considered by many to be the title holder, but both are definitely worth a visit. Other highlights in the area include Constantia Uitsig (many activities beyond wine tasting), Constantia Glen and Beau Constantia.
Interestingly, and despite its history and heritage, Constantia stopped producing wine for almost 100 years! Towards the end of the 1800’s the region was ravaged by Phylloxera, an insect pest which attacks the roots of the vines, and is impossible to eradicate it. This combined with the reduction of tariffs on French wine by the British a few years earlier, which had made SA wines cheap and popular in Britain, saw the South African wine market nose dive. It was only in 1986 that wine production resumed – at Groot Constantia.
BEAU CONSTANTIA
Speciality: Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon + Bordeaux blends
This boutique wine farm is situated at the top of Constantia Nek, and boasts some of the steepest slopes in the Cape. Come and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley below, and the Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountains in the distance. Their 2017 Stella (Shiraz) is their flagship red wine offering, while their 2016 Lucca (Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is the most popular. Try their Creative Batch which is a blend of up to 5 variables. On the fine dining front, join them at the popular Chef’s Warehouse but be sure to make a booking in advance.
Why we like it: The chilled out atmosphere, views of the valley, and because you can sit outside on the grass embankment. Dont forget the infamous bathrooms with a view 🙂
CONSTANTIA GLEN
Speciality: Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux varietals
The youngest of the wine producers in the area, Constantia Glen has only been producing wine since the late 1990’s/early 2000’s. After decades of being used as cattle farm, the land had become overgrown with fynbos and forest vegetation. At the start of the new millennium a fire ravaged through the area, forcing the evacuation of all livestock. After the fire soil test were done and it was decided to turn the property into a wine farm. The location of this 29 hectare farm results in a cool climate and slow ripening of the grapes, with only 100 000 produced annually. Constantia Glen offers fantastic views of the valley below, as well as the Constantiaberg and back of Table Mountain. Sit either inside or on the deck outside, and sample their amazing wine and food.
Why we like it: Sitting outside and enjoying the views while sipping on a glass of wine.
CONSTANTIA UITSIG
Speciality: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Constantia Uitsig offers plenty of attractions other then fantastic wine. The Heritage Market, which is built around a row of old worker cottages, offers ice cream, craft beer, coffee and chocolate stalls to name a few. There is also a bike park, wine shop and 2 restaurants to choose from – The Blockhouse Kitchen and La Grotto Ristorante. Constantia Uitsig focuses mainly on white wine, with their Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion and Chardonnay wines all receiving awards over the recent years.
Why we like it: The taste bud experience you get at the Heritage market is worth the visit. Try the beer battered fish and chips, followed by an ice cream! Plus the prices are budget friendly. Another venue where you can spend more then a few hours casually exploring, and sampling, the best of the Cape.
GROOT CONSTANTIA
Speciality: Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Merlot
The home of South African wine, and possibly the oldest estate in the country! Walk through the beautiful vine yards, and amongst the 300 year old oak trees, which surround the traditional Cape Dutch style buildings and court yard’s. There are 2 restaurants to chose from, a wine tasting room, plus a visitors route which takes you on a tour of the estate. You can easily spend half a day here relaxing and sampling the best of Cape Towns food and wine. Highly recommended but does get busy in season.
Why we like it: Its beautiful setting, oak-lined walk ways and relaxed environment! Plus its one of the original wine estates in the country, it has some serious heritage and tradition. Great way to spend a few hours, walking around and soaking in the atmosphere.
STEENBERG
Speciality: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon + Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah
Estbalished in 1682, Steenberg claims to be the oldest registered wine farm in the country. They offer a beautiful up-market setting, and 3 different locations to enjoy their award wining wines. Chose from the tasting bar, tasting lounge or the popular outdoor terrace. Steenberg offers 2 dining experiences, at Tryn, and Bistro Sixteen 82 which has been recognised in the list of the worlds top 20 Best Winery Restaurants by the Wine Access magazine. Both are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Bistro Sixteen 82 serving a tapas style dinner option and is located next to the tasting terrace.
Why we like it: Its relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun begins to set behind Table Mountain.
NOT SURE WHERE TO GO?
Take a look at our Wine Adventures, and let us get you to and around the winelands safely.
#FUNFITADVENTURESCT
STEENBERG
.
Speciality: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon + Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah
Estbalished in 1682, Steenberg claims to be the oldest registered wine farm in the country. They offer a beautiful up-market setting, and 3 different locations to enjoy their award wining wines. Chose from the tasting bar, tasting lounge or the popular outdoor terrace. Steenberg offers 2 dining experiences, at Tryn, and Bistro Sixteen 82 which has been recognised in the list of the worlds top 20 Best Winery Restaurants by the Wine Access magazine. Both are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Bistro Sixteen 82 serving a tapas style dinner option and is located next to the tasting terrace.
Why we like it: Its relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun begins to set behind Table Mountain.
NOT SURE WHERE TO GO?
Take a look at our Wine Adventures, and let us get you to and around the winelands safely.
#FUNFITADVENTURESCT
CONSTANTIA WINE
Groot Constantia, Steenberg & more!
BEST OF CAPE TOWN > BEST WINE FARMS > CONSTANTIA
CONSTANTIA
- Established: 1685 – One of South Africa’s most affluent suburbs
- Distance from Cape Town: ±15 km
- Popular varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Blanc, and Bordeaux blends of Cab Sav, Merlot etc.
- Famous for its Vin de Constance – dessert wine
- Only 10 wine farms in the area!
- Home to some of the steepest vineyards in the country.
- Roads in and around the suburb are narrow and busy, avoid peak traffic times especially after an afternoon of sampling some of Cape Towns finest.
#FUNFITADVENTURESCT
MORE ABOUT CONSTANTIA
The Constantia Valley is home to two of the countries oldest wine producers! The region achieved world fame in the 1800’s for its Vin de Constance – of which Napoloen was was a huge fan. Some of the first vines of the Cape, and Southern Hemisphere, where planted here by Simon van der Stel in 1685. He was Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, and was given the land for “Good Service” by the Dutch East Indies Company – who controlled the Cape. He named the area Constantia.
Upon his death the land was split into 3 estates – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet. The Valley is now home to roughly 10 wine producers, with farms stretching from the base of the valley all the way up the sides of the Constantiaberg mountains.
The location of the valley plays in important role in how the vines develop. The area receives more rain then any of the other wine growing regions in the Western Cape. It is also subjected to cool sea air, wind and shade from the mountains. This results in lower temperatures which in turn help the grapes to retain their acidity. Further down the slopes, where there is more sunlight, the Bordeaux style wines of Cab Sav and Merlot come to life.
Groot Constantia and Steenberg duel it out for the honour of being the oldest wine producer, each with their own valid argument. However Groot Constantia is considered by many to be the title holder, but both are definitely worth a visit. Other highlights in the area include Constantia Uitsig (many activities beyond wine tasting), Constantia Glen and Beau Constantia.
Interestingly, and despite its history and heritage, Constantia stopped producing wine for almost 100 years! Towards the end of the 1800’s the region was ravaged by Phylloxera, an insect pest which attacks the roots of the vines, and is impossible to eradicate it. This combined with the reduction of tariffs on French wine by the British a few years earlier, which had made SA wines cheap and popular in Britain, saw the South African wine market nose dive. It was only in 1986 that wine production resumed – at Groot Constantia.
BEAU CONSTANTIA
Speciality: Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon + Bordeaux blends
This boutique wine farm is situated at the top of Constantia Nek, and boasts some of the steepest slopes in the Cape. Come and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley below, and the Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountains in the distance. Their 2017 Stella (Shiraz) is their flagship red wine offering, while their 2016 Lucca (Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is the most popular. Try their Creative Batch which is a blend of up to 5 variables. On the fine dining front, join them at the popular Chef’s Warehouse but be sure to make a booking in advance.
Why we like it: The chilled out atmosphere, views of the valley, and because you can sit outside on the grass embankment. Dont forget the infamous bathrooms with a view 🙂
CONSTANTIA GLEN
Speciality: Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux varietals
The youngest of the wine producers in the area, Constantia Glen has only been producing wine since the late 1990’s/early 2000’s. After decades of being used as cattle farm, the land had become overgrown with fynbos and forest vegetation. At the start of the new millennium a fire ravaged through the area, forcing the evacuation of all livestock. After the fire soil test were done and it was decided to turn the property into a wine farm. The location of this 29 hectare farm results in a cool climate and slow ripening of the grapes, with only 100 000 produced annually. Constantia Glen offers fantastic views of the valley below, as well as the Constantiaberg and back of Table Mountain. Sit either inside or on the deck outside, and sample their amazing wine and food.
Why we like it: Sitting outside and enjoying the views while sipping on a glass of wine.
CONSTANTIA UITSIG
Speciality: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Constantia Uitsig offers plenty of attractions other then fantastic wine. The Heritage Market, which is built around a row of old worker cottages, offers ice cream, craft beer, coffee and chocolate stalls to name a few. There is also a bike park, wine shop and 2 restaurants to choose from – The Blockhouse Kitchen and La Grotto Ristorante. Constantia Uitsig focuses mainly on white wine, with their Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion and Chardonnay wines all receiving awards over the recent years.
Why we like it: The taste bud experience you get at the Heritage market is worth the visit. Try the beer battered fish and chips, followed by an ice cream! Plus the prices are budget friendly. Another venue where you can spend more then a few hours casually exploring, and sampling, the best of the Cape.
GROOT CONSTANTIA
Speciality: Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Merlot
The home of South African wine, and possibly the oldest estate in the country! Walk through the beautiful vine yards, and amongst the 300 year old oak trees, which surround the traditional Cape Dutch style buildings and court yard’s. There are 2 restaurants to chose from, a wine tasting room, plus a visitors route which takes you on a tour of the estate. You can easily spend half a day here relaxing and sampling the best of Cape Towns food and wine. Highly recommended but does get busy in season.
Why we like it: Its beautiful setting, oak-lined walk ways and relaxed environment! Plus its one of the original wine estates in the country, it has some serious heritage and tradition. Great way to spend a few hours, walking around and soaking in the atmosphere.
STEENBERG
Speciality: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon + Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah
Estbalished in 1682, Steenberg claims to be the oldest registered wine farm in the country. They offer a beautiful up-market setting, and 3 different locations to enjoy their award wining wines. Chose from the tasting bar, tasting lounge or the popular outdoor terrace. Steenberg offers 2 dining experiences, at Tryn, and Bistro Sixteen 82 which has been recognised in the list of the worlds top 20 Best Winery Restaurants by the Wine Access magazine. Both are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Bistro Sixteen 82 serving a tapas style dinner option and is located next to the tasting terrace.
Why we like it: Its relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun begins to set behind Table Mountain.
NOT SURE WHERE TO GO?
Take a look at our Wine Adventures, and let us get you to and around the winelands safely.
#FUNFITADVENTURESCT
CONSTANTIA
WINE
Groot Constantia, Steenberg & more!
BEST OF CAPE TOWN > BEST WINE FARMS > CONSTANTIA
CONSTANTIA
- Established: 1685 – One of South Africa’s most affluent suburbs
- Distance from Cape Town: ±15 km
- Popular varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Blanc, and Bordeaux blends of Cab Sav, Merlot etc.
- Famous for its Vin de Constance – dessert wine
- Only 10 wine farms in the area!
- Home to some of the steepest vineyards in the country.
- Roads in and around the suburb are narrow and busy, avoid peak traffic times especially after an afternoon of sampling some of Cape Towns finest.
#FUNFITADVENTURESCT
MORE ON CONSTANTIA
The Constantia Valley is home to two of the countries oldest wine producers! The region achieved world fame in the 1800’s for its Vin de Constance – of which Napoloen was was a huge fan. Some of the first vines of the Cape, and Southern Hemisphere, where planted here by Simon van der Stel in 1685. He was Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, and was given the land for “Good Service” by the Dutch East Indies Company – who controlled the Cape. He named the area Constantia.
Upon his death the land was split into 3 estates – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet. The Valley is now home to roughly 10 wine producers, with farms stretching from the base of the valley all the way up the sides of the Constantiaberg mountains.
The location of the valley plays in important role in how the vines develop. The area receives more rain then any of the other wine growing regions in the Western Cape. It is also subjected to cool sea air, wind and shade from the mountains. This results in lower temperatures which in turn help the grapes to retain their acidity. Further down the slopes, where there is more sunlight, the Bordeaux style wines of Cab Sav and Merlot come to life.
Groot Constantia and Steenberg duel it out for the honour of being the oldest wine producer, each with their own valid argument. However Groot Constantia is considered by many to be the title holder, but both are definitely worth a visit. Other highlights in the area include Constantia Uitsig (many activities beyond wine tasting), Constantia Glen and Beau Constantia.
Interestingly, and despite its history and heritage, Constantia stopped producing wine for almost 100 years! Towards the end of the 1800’s the region was ravaged by Phylloxera, an insect pest which attacks the roots of the vines, and is impossible to eradicate it. This combined with the reduction of tariffs on French wine by the British a few years earlier, which had made SA wines cheap and popular in Britain, saw the South African wine market nose dive. It was only in 1986 that wine production resumed – at Groot Constantia.
BEAU CONSTANTIA
Speciality: Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon + Bordeaux blends
This boutique wine farm is situated at the top of Constantia Nek, and boasts some of the steepest slopes in the Cape. Come and enjoy the magnificent views of the valley below, and the Helderberg and Stellenbosch Mountains in the distance. Their 2017 Stella (Shiraz) is their flagship red wine offering, while their 2016 Lucca (Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is the most popular. Try their Creative Batch which is a blend of up to 5 variables. On the fine dining front, join them at the popular Chef’s Warehouse but be sure to make a booking in advance.
Why we like it: The chilled out atmosphere, views of the valley, and because you can sit outside on the grass embankment. Dont forget the infamous bathrooms with a view 🙂
CONSTANTIA GLEN
Speciality: Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux varietals
The youngest of the wine producers in the area, Constantia Glen has only been producing wine since the late 1990’s/early 2000’s. After decades of being used as cattle farm, the land had become overgrown with fynbos and forest vegetation. At the start of the new millennium a fire ravaged through the area, forcing the evacuation of all livestock. After the fire soil test were done and it was decided to turn the property into a wine farm. The location of this 29 hectare farm results in a cool climate and slow ripening of the grapes, with only 100 000 produced annually. Constantia Glen offers fantastic views of the valley below, as well as the Constantiaberg and back of Table Mountain. Sit either inside or on the deck outside, and sample their amazing wine and food.
Why we like it: Sitting outside and enjoying the views while sipping on a glass of wine.
CONSTANTIA UITSIG
Speciality: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Constantia Uitsig offers plenty of attractions other then fantastic wine. The Heritage Market, which is built around a row of old worker cottages, offers ice cream, craft beer, coffee and chocolate stalls to name a few. There is also a bike park, wine shop and 2 restaurants to choose from – The Blockhouse Kitchen and La Grotto Ristorante. Constantia Uitsig focuses mainly on white wine, with their Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion and Chardonnay wines all receiving awards over the recent years.
Why we like it: The taste bud experience you get at the Heritage market is worth the visit. Try the beer battered fish and chips, followed by an ice cream! Plus the prices are budget friendly. Another venue where you can spend more then a few hours casually exploring, and sampling, the best of the Cape.
GROOT CONSTANTIA
Speciality: Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Merlot
The home of South African wine, and possibly the oldest estate in the country! Walk through the beautiful vine yards, and amongst the 300 year old oak trees, which surround the traditional Cape Dutch style buildings and court yard’s. There are 2 restaurants to chose from, a wine tasting room, plus a visitors route which takes you on a tour of the estate. You can easily spend half a day here relaxing and sampling the best of Cape Towns food and wine. Highly recommended but does get busy in season.
Why we like it: Its beautiful setting, oak-lined walk ways and relaxed environment! Plus its one of the original wine estates in the country, it has some serious heritage and tradition. Great way to spend a few hours, walking around and soaking in the atmosphere.
STEENBERG
Speciality: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon + Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah
Estbalished in 1682, Steenberg claims to be the oldest registered wine farm in the country. They offer a beautiful up-market setting, and 3 different locations to enjoy their award wining wines. Chose from the tasting bar, tasting lounge or the popular outdoor terrace. Steenberg offers 2 dining experiences, at Tryn, and Bistro Sixteen 82 which has been recognised in the list of the worlds top 20 Best Winery Restaurants by the Wine Access magazine. Both are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with Bistro Sixteen 82 serving a tapas style dinner option and is located next to the tasting terrace.
Why we like it: Its relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun begins to set behind Table Mountain.
NOT SURE WHERE TO GO?
Take a look at our Wine Adventures, and let us get you to and around the winelands safely.