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Constantia wine region information

The Constantia wine region in affluent Constantia is one of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine-growing areas. Situated approximately 15 kilometres south of central Cape Town in the Western Cape, it is home to more than 10 active wine farms. Nine of these form part of the Constantia Wine Route. The wine farms extend across Constantia Valley, which lies to the east of the Constantiaberg mountain.

Constantia is famous for its flavourful high-quality wines. Prior to the 20th century, the area was celebrated for its Vin de Constance, a sweet dessert wine from Muscat de Frontignan grapes. Napoleon Bonaparte consumed many litres of it in the years leading up to his death. These days, the world recognises Constantia as a top producer of not only Muscat Blanc dessert wines but also premium Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux Blends.

Production of wine aside, the Cape’s Constantia has become a sought-after residential area over the years. The leafy suburb has beautiful family homes, excellent schools and top-notch amenities. It provides extraordinary views and has many adventurous and enjoyable activities suitable for both children and adults. Constantia is big on wine tasting and cuisine (especially fine dining) and tourist accommodation is superb.

Constantia wine region – wine tasting rooms and estates

The “cradle of winemaking in Cape Town”, Constantia, has a long history of wine manufacturing. In fact, the wine estates in this region saw the production of some of South Africa’s very first wines. Their legacy brings to light the admirable passion of the estate founders and personnel and their indisputable ability to create world-class wines that people love. The aromatic wines are delightful, as many have come to discover.

Due to the variety that exists within the wine region of Constantia, there’s a wine to satisfy most palates. The area’s assortment of estates, shops and wine tasting rooms make available various exclusive wine specialties (often paired with food) for visitors to enjoy as they take in splendid vistas. For those who appreciate aged wines, there are vintage tasting rooms. Estates will generally sell wine directly to the public.

Constantia Wine Route estates

Groot Constantia

This is the oldest wine estate in the Constantia wine region. It was established in 1685 by the VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Simon van der Stel. Groot Constantia is notable for its old-world-charm and Dutch architecture. It has a Cape Dutch Manor House, a wine museum and a cultural history museum, and visitors can relish wine and chocolate tastings. The estate produces award-winning dessert wine, specifically Grand Constance, as well as blends such as Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon and Gouverneurs Reserve Red.

Klein Constantia

Klein Constantia Wine Estate was born from its parent estate, Groot Constantia, and features lovely vineyards and scenery. The estate is set on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg amidst lush greenery and longstanding trees, bestowing great views of Constantia Valley and False Bay. There’s a bistro on the property that offers a unique wine and food experience. Klein Constantia produces a top-shelf Estate range, an approachable KC variety, Vin de Constance and the premium red blends Anwilka and Petit Frère.

Buitenverwachting

Buitenverwachting is an attractive wine farm on the slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg facing the east. It is located about 12 kilometres from False Bay. Buitenverwachting is historical, originally forming part of Simon van der Stel’s Constantia Estate. The wine estate has been owned and cherished by several families. The fresh, full-body Sauvignon Blancs and reds that it produces today are the result of this and the area’s unique cool climate. The restaurant and coffee shop at Buitenverwachting serve delicious food, coffee and treats.

Constantia Uitsig

Uitsig Constantia gets its name for its position in Constantia Valley. The wine farm nestles between the east-facing slopes of Constantiaberg and False Bay. Here, glorious vineyards and mountains stretch on for yonks. Due to its position, climate and growing conditions, Constantia Uitsig specialises in producing white wines, particularly Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. On wine tastings, these are paired with an artisanal cheese and charcuterie platters. There is a restaurant, bike park and heritage market in Uitsig.

The other wine estates that make up the Constantia Wine Route are Eagles’ Nest, Constantia Glen, Silvermist Vineyards, Steenberg and Beau Constantia. All of these offer exclusive wine tasting experiences.

Groot Constantia is where it all started!

History of winemaking in Constantia

Winemaking is an age-old practice in Constantia that dates back well over 300 years. Constantia is so large and fertile that it gave birth to multiple wine estates. Simon van de Stel’s influence and actions brought about the foundations of Groot Constantia. During the years that followed, the estate expanded, and today the Constantia wine region is a wine-making wonderland that stimulates the senses of wine lovers worldwide.

Constantia’s wines grew in popularity in the 18th century, thanks to prominent royals, aristocrats and icons. They fell in love with the sweet crisp wine, then called Constantia Wyn. Simon van de Stel manufactured the first Constantia Wyn in the late 1600s. In the 1720s, Johannes Colijn took over, producing it in the cellar at Hoop op Constantia. Later, the wines were produced in the Cloete Cellar. It still stands at Groot Constantia.

In the 1880s, an outbreak of grape phylloxera devastated the Cape’s vineyards. After this event, the production of sweet Constantia wines continued. However, on a very small scale. Then, in 1980, a new wine beginning dawned, with Duggie Jooste purchasing Klein Constantia. He collaborated with winemaker Ross Gower and Professor Chris Orferr to re-create the early Constantia wines made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.

The Cloete Cellar at Groot Constantia.

Things to do in Constantia

Constantia is amongst the Western Cape’s greenest areas, with gorgeous fields sprawling on for kilometres and miles. The vineyards open up to meet the mountainous backdrop, painting the perfect picture of nature on any day. A visit to the naturally gifted area provides a lot of opportunities to explore the beautiful surrounds, go on wine tasting tours through wine farms in Constantia and engage in a range of pleasurable activities.

A selection of bars, music festivals, live shows and eateries exist in and around Constantia. For those looking to wind down and relax, the Constantia wine region has wellness spas and cultural and outdoor activities. Outside activities are always a good option because of the region’s incredible beauty. Whether you are walking, cycling, running, hiking, having a picnic or touring a nature reserve, you’re bound to enjoy yourself.

The wine region of Constantia is a nature lover’s delight and the cellar wine tours are fantastic. A Constantia wine tour takes visitors deep into the world of winemaking. On a guided Constantia Wine Route tour (you will want to book through a reputable tour company), you learn about the history of the region and its estates and wines. You also get to sample the appetising flavours and smells of delectable wines and foods.

There’s nothing like a relaxing wine farm picnic in Constantia.

Constantia Cape Town Accommodation

As mentioned, Constantia offers terrific accommodation. Options include five-star luxury hotels such as The Last Word Constantia, Nova Constantia and Silvermist Mountain Lodge and boutique hotels such as Cellars Hohenort, The Andros and others. In addition, there are numerous guest houses, bed and breakfasts and affordable self-catering accommodations. You won’t struggle to find a place to stay in Constantia.

The Constantia Wine Route is a short distance and drive from central Cape Town. Therefore, visitors to the Constantia wine region will often stay in their accommodation in Cape Town rather than relocating to Constantia. Tourists also have the option of staying in scenic Camps Bay, which is about 25 minutes from Constantia Valley. This area is well known for its upmarket accommodation and stunning beaches.

The Cellars Hohenort Hotel in Constantia, Cape Town.

Getting to Constantia from Cape Town

Because Constantia is near to downtown Cape Town, travelling between the two destinations is quick and convenient. This is one reason why Constantia is a desirable suburb to reside in. Of course, the proximity also suits those planning to stay in temporary accommodations. Scouting for a venue for a special occasion? Constantia won’t disappoint, whether it’s a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday party or a work function.

Getting to Constantia from Cape Town central is quite simple and there are a few different routes that drivers can take. The shortest metropolitan route is via the M3 but travellers can also easily reach their destination using the M63 or the N2. Motorists will typically reach Constantia in under 30 minutes with either route. If there is a lot of traffic on the roads and/or if there aren’t roadworks in progress, then it could take longer.

If you’re interested in visiting the Constantia wine region for a memorable wine tasting tour, you can book through our website here. Alternatively, contact us here if you’d like more information.

The Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town

No visit to Cape Town is complete without a tour of the Constantia Wine Route, a rich and diverse wine-making destination with many wonderful attractions. The structures on the estates here are grand and historic, the world-class wines are delightful and the astounding landscapes will take your breath away!

Constantia’s Wine Route hums with the sweet serenity of the Western Cape countryside. Its natural unspoilt beauty makes it the perfect escape from any bustling city. Conveniently, though, the wine farm gems of Constantia are just a short drive away from the Cape Town city centre. Less than 20 minutes.

A brief look at Constantia’s history and offerings…

Constantia Wine Route history

Simon van der Stel, VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope built a Cape Dutch-style manor house and began to produce wine on the grounds of Groot Constantia. The land was granted to him in 1685. In addition to wine production, Van der Stel used the grounds to grow vegetables and begin cattle farming. After his death in 1712, the estate was divided into three – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Bergvliet – and sold.

The part of the estate with Van der Stel’s manor house was sold to the Cloete family in 1779. Cloete upgraded the mansion. In addition, he planted extensive vineyards and added a wine cellar. In 1885, the estate, which had come to be known for its production of Constantia dessert wine, was sold to the government of the Cape of Good Hope. However, the house had to be restored following a devastating fire in 1925.

After becoming part of the South African Cultural History Museum in 1969 (the old manor house, that is), the Groot Constantia Trust took possession of the estate in 1993. Since then, several other Cape Town estates have joined Groot Constantia to form the lovely Constantia Wine Route. The original manor house now features an exhibition focusing on rural slavery and slave life during the Cape colonial period.

The Groot Constantia Manor House.

Wine tasting and food

Estates that joined Groot Constantia include Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig, Buitenverwachting, Steenberg and Constantia Glen. These are some of the best wine farms in Cape Town, each with their signature wines and unique history and tourist attractions in the Constantia Wine Region of the Cape Winelands. Eagles’ Nest, Silvermist Vineyards and Beau Constantia are other estates forming part of the scenic wine route.

As you might expect, wine tasting is a major reason why people visit the Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town. And with so many fertile wine estates to explore, visitors are spoilt for choice. From award-winning dessert wines to full-bodied whites and premium red wine blends, Constantia has it all. Furthermore, one can enjoy delicious food and wine pairings and there are some fantastic restaurants on the estates.

Restaurants that serve mouth-watering foods in Constantia include Jonkershuis Constantia, Green Vine Eatery, Bistro Sixteen82, the Greenhouse at Cellars Hohenort, Tryn, La Colombe and Beyond Restaurant. The Bistro @ Klein Constantia, Chardonnay Deli and Blockhouse Kitchen are other food establishments that are well worth visiting. Eating and drinking isn’t all that there is to do on the Constantia Wine Route, though.

A Beau Constantia wine and food pairing.

Constantia Wine Tour and wines

On a Hike Addicts Constantia Wine Tour, you get to explore five-star wine estates with lush sweeping vineyards and beautiful buildings steeped in history. You’ll learn about the wineries and get personal insights into how winemakers produce wines, as you sample them in the process. These are world-famous wines that you commonly find on public ‘best wine’ lists. As a tour bonus, you get to sample delectable foods.

Groot Constantia produces wine greats such as Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon, Gouverneurs Reserve Red and, of course, Grand Constance. Klein Constantia continues its tradition of producing the naturally sweet Vin de Constance. It also manufactures red blends like Anwilka and Petit Frère and various white and red “Estate” wines. Additionally, they offer an affordable “KC Range” on the Constantia Wine Route.

The Constantia Uitsig estate specialises in the production of the white wine favourites Sémillon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They also make a selection of blends, namely Natura Vista, Red Horizon and Méthod Cap Classique. Buitenverwachting, which has a unique cool climate, produces rich Sauvignon Blancs and reds. Moreover, it has a “Vintage” range. These are just some of the wines available on a few estates.

Groot Constantia wine range.

Ready to discover the Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town? Book a wine tour of Constantia through our website now. Alternatively, contact us if you have questions about the tour or would like to learn more.