Enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte and royalty in the 18th century, and quoted by Jane Austin in Pride and Prejudice, Constantia boasts the oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere. Dating back to 1685, Constantia Valley is today the Cape’s most intimate wine route consisting of seven vineyards, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines.
Constantia remains the benchmark of South African wine, identified in top-of-mind awareness as one of the fine wine regions outside Europe. The significant awards garnered by the route over the last decade is testimony to the quality and consistently high standard of the wines.
The Valley was the cradle of quality wine-making in South Africa and the name Constantia is linked with the most famous wines ever produced in this country. For over two centuries these natural sweet wines were sought-after by royal courts and the aristocracy of Europe. Constantia Valley’s unique combination of terrain and climate, produces some of the world’s finest wines that continue to this day to win accolades and international awards.
Constantia remains the benchmark of South African wine, identified in top-of-mind awareness as one of the fine wine regions outside Europe. The significant awards garnered by the route over the last decade is testimony to the quality and consistently high standard of the wines.
Given its proximity to the city and easy accessibility, Constantia is truly Cape Town’s own wine route. The breathtaking beauty of a valley where vineyard rows stretch up the mountainside within minutes of a capital city is unique in today’s overcrowded world.
The Seven Wine Producers
While sweet whites gave the area its legendary appeal, Constantia is also renowned for dry whites and reds of top international standard. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinotage. Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir now thrive in the valley.
This spread of cultivars allows for a range of crafted wines that capture the complexity and elegance characteristic of the Valley’s terrain and gentle maritime climate.
You’ll find excellent service in the tasting centres, where the friendly welcome echoes the hospitality extended to Constantia’s first international visitors, who came to taste and buy wine at the end of the 18th century.
The seven renowned Constantia vineyards comprise of:
Groot Constantia – the oldest wine estate in South Africa and national monument in the suburb of Constantia. Established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope , originally it was used to produce wine as well as other fruit and vegetables and for cattle-farming. Following Van der Stel’s death in 1712 the estate was broken up and sold in three parts: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet. Today Constantia stands as a pinion of excellence for the wine industry and is an ideal example for the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of the country. It is a fully-operational farm, one of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions, where a wide range of quality estate wines are created and sold (seven days a week), and offers a variety of other attractions, including restaurants & museums.
Klein Constantia – As part of the original farm that in the 18th century produced ‘Constantia’, prized throughout Europe by the leaders and aristocracy of the time, Klein Constantia has helped to reclaim its former glory by initiating the revival of this famous sweet wine. Family owned and run, Klein Constantia’s philosophy is founded on quality rather than quantity, reflected in the wines regularly inviting accolades, both locally and internationally. With its historic background, unique eco-system, where ancient indigenous forests stretch up the mountainside, home to birds, some of which migrate from a great distance each year and unusual combination of architectural styles, Klein Constantia is a remarkable place of great diversity.
Buitenverwachting – This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg and barely 12 km from False Bay, originally formed part of the Constantia Estate, which was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa. An array of award-winning wines is on offer. Take advantage of the historic Cape Dutch farmstead and winery at Buitenverwachting and indulge in a pre-booked summer picnic.
Constantia Uitsig – Constantia Uitsig, known until 1940 as Constantia View, was the home of the Lategan family for five generations. Their ancestors arrived in this country in 1735.
Constantia Uitsig was a portion of Simon van der Stel’s original grant of Groot Constantia. In 1894 Willem Lategan married Antoinette Bredell of Schoemanshoek, and with her inheritance he built the present homestead of Constantia Uitsig.
In 1988 the farm was purchased by David and Marlene McCay. Together they have restored the farm to its former glory, and Constantia Uitsig now boasts award-winning wines, three world-renowned restaurants, a private cricket oval, spa and a 16-roomed luxury hotel. In 2006 fifty percent of the wine estate was bought by a consortium.
Constantia Uitsig produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Red and White Bordeaux blends – all noble cultivars ideally suited to the climate in the valley and also offers visitors world-class restaurants, spas and a hotel.
Steenberg – Steenberg holds the distinction of being the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, which is generally considered to be South Africa’s premier wine-growing region. With its cool, sea-facing slopes and majestic granite ridges, this vineyard has developed a worldwide reputation for producing excellent Cape wines. The estate boasts a state-of-the-art modern winery, producing some of the country’s finest award-winning wines.
The luxurious Steenberg Hotel is also situated on the Cape’s oldest farm, a mere twenty-minute drive from the bustling heart of Cape Town. Award-winning chef, Garth Almazan, will host you at the Catharina’s Restaurant in which guests are invited to relax, dine in style and enjoy sophisticated South African cuisine.
The professional staff in the luxurious and spacious spa will offer guests the perfect treatment to suit their particular needs. A championship 18-hole golf-course designed by Peter Matkovich, makes full use of the natural features and hazards of the estate surrounding the hotel. Invest in a beautiful home in Steenberg Estate at Steenberg Property.
Constantia Glen – In its recent past the farm has been transformed from rolling forest hills, to an Angus cattle stud, with history dictating its return to vineyard production. The climate, altitude and aspects of Constantia Glen are our main assets – and these, coupled with our complex soil patterns, result in the creation of fine and distinctive wines.
Eagles Nest – Eagles Nest was originally a section of Groot Constantia, the wine supplier to European nobility, established by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600′s. Its history reveals that it operated as a commercial farm producing export fruit as well as vegetables for the local market up until the late 1960′s. Over time the farm has had a number of owners; since 1984 it has been in the control of the Mylrea family. Eagles Nest is cradled in a secluded valley high up on the slopes of the historic Constantia mountain range, which forms part of the World Heritage Site, Table Mountain. The farm’s origins can be traced back to 1836 when it was used as a refreshment station between the area now known as Wynberg in the east, and the harbour of Hout Bay in the west.
Steeped in heritage, embraced by its idyllic location and favoured with the most wonderful scenery, property owners in Constantia are rightly proud to call this valley home. There are few places in the world, let alone Cape Town , that are able to offer the prospective property purchaser such an abundance of attributes.
Contact us
If you are looking to purchase property in Constantia or the broader Cape Town area, contact AHomeBuyers and discover for yourself how a buyers’ consultancy could benefit you.
Our Constantia buyers’ consultant, Marco Garuti, can be contacted by email here
or by phoning + 27 (0) 83 2658800