Constantia is a rich and diverse neighbourhood, just outside the city centre of Cape Town. Here's how to enjoy the ultimate Winelands weekend getaway in the Cradle of winemaking in the Cape.
The Cradle of Winemaking in the Cape
Rooted in ancient soils, The Constantia Wine Route vineyards climb up the East-facing slopes of the Constantiaberg, where the vines benefit from cool sea breezes blowing in from False Bay. The soils of Constantia originated from 200-million-year-old granite, with Table Mountain sandstone higher up against the slopes.
The Wine Route member properties, combined with independent Constantia farms, comprise a total planting of 421-hectares of vine for the ward. This amounts to 0,44% of the total plantings in South Africa. A terroir motivated 63,58% of white varietals lead the production in this area.
READ: Your ultimate Cape Town Wine-Tastings planner
A quick history lesson
The Constantia Wine Route is the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest wine producing region. Simon Van der Stel founded Constantia’s first wine farm, Groot Constantia in 1685.
Van der Stel worked the land to produce wine, fruit and vegetables, as well as for cattle farming. Following his death in 1712 the estate was sold in three separate parts: Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, and Bergvliet.
The Cloete family purchased the part of the estate that included Van der Stel's Cape Dutch-style manor house in 1778 and commissioned the architect Louis Michael Thibault to improve on it. They added the wine cellar in 1791.
The house remained in the possession of the Cloete family for the better part of the next century and it was during this period the estate became famous for its production of the Constantia dessert wine.
In 1885 Groot Constantia was purchased by the government of the Cape of Good Hope and was used as an experimental wine and agricultural estate.
The manor house suffered two disastrous fires, and completely built down in 1925. Funds were raised to reconstruct it to its original Cape Dutch splendour. In 1969 the manor house became part of the South African Cultural History Museum, and in 1993 the estate passed into the ownership of the Groot Constantia Trust.
The exhibition in the manor house is managed by Iziko South African Museum, and is particularly focused on rural slavery and the life of slaves during the early Cape colonial period.
Modern Constantia
Today, the various former parts of Groot Constantia, have joined together to become known as the Constantia wine route.
These estates include Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig, Steenberg, Constantia Glen, Eagles' Nest, Silvermist Vineyards and Beau Constantia.
The newest addition to the Constantia Wine Route is Constantia Royale, with its limited production Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes grown on the 17-hectare, family-owned farm of Nova Zonnestraal in the beautiful Constantia Valley.
The route is a city escape into the magnificent mountain countryside, which produce a wide range of iconic, premium wines of world class quality, only 15 minutes from Cape Town city centre.
Beautiful greenbelts, restaurants dripping with seasonal ingredient creativity and plush boutique hotels all add to this modern-day escape into the otherworldly charm of the Constantia Wine Route.
Steenberg
Steenberg Farm is packed with vintage winelands heritage, all tastefully modernised through understated luxury experiences. the farm houses an exceptional winery, producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa. Choose from relaxed dining at Tryn or popular bistro-style fare and tapas at Bistro Sixteen82.
There is also the 5-Star Steenberg Hotel, steeped in 17th-century elegance with lovingly restored National Monument buildings - perfectly blended with the most refined comforts and conveniences of our modern age.
A visually spectacular and technically challenging 18-hole golf course features as part of the beautiful scenery at Steenberg Farm.
You have a selection of wine tasting experiences to choose from, including the Wine Tasting Bar, Tasting Lounge and Outdoor Terrace. The estate no longer takes walk-in and pre-booking is essential. Wine tasting sessions are limited to 1 and a half hours. After your wine tasting, guests are invited to spoil themselves with a massage or an overnight at Steenberg Hotel & Spa.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. Last tasting at 16:30.
Winemaker: Elunda Basson
Address: Steenberg Road, Constantia
Tel: 021 713 2211
Website: www.steenbergfarm.com
Email: [email protected]
Buitenverwachting
Take a tour of its historic wine cellar with its traditional thatched roof, white washed walls and rare yellow-wood ceilings. The interior is casual, generously furnished with leather couches, small lounges and a tasting bar. You can also relax on the lawns in the shade of its magnificent 250-year-old Norfolk Pine.
This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg was first sold as a 200 morgen sub-division to Cornelis Brink in 1773. It flourished as a wine farm, mainly due to the 90 000 vines planted in 1825 by Ryk Arnoldus Cloete, brother of the famous Hendrik Cloete of Constantia.
Here you have a choice of deli take-aways. Otherwise, the Buitenverwachting Coffee Bloc is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. Beyond Restaurant is guided by Peter Tempelhoff’s enduring food philosophy where the importance of the ingredients is front and centre. The restaurant underscores its commitment to supporting smaller growers, farmers and producers who form part of a sustainable supplier ecosystem.
Wine tasting times:
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday. On-site Consumption: 10h00 - 16h00. Wine Tasting Kitchen: 10h00 - 15h00. Closed Sunday. (Buitenverwachting lawns are closed until mid-September 2022).
Winemaker: Brad Paton
Address: 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 5190
Website: www.buitenverwachting.com
Email: [email protected]
Groot Constantia
Possibly one of South Africa's most famous wine estates and certainly its most iconic with its 335+ years of winemaking heritage. The original home of Simon van der Stel dating back to 1685, this fully operational farm attracts tourist from near and far.
The heritage site also includes remarkable eateries like Jonkershuis and the newly revamped Simons, which has a distinct epicurean look and feel to it. This estate's rich-winemaking legacy is expansive and must be experienced to be truly appreciated.
The tasting room has also undergone an extensive refurbishment, offering bespoke gifts and curios sourced from grassroots SMMEs to high-end established artists and designers.
Wine tasting times:
Production Cellar | Cloete Cellar | Manor House Open 7 days a week 10h00 – 17h00. Last tasting ticket at 16h00. Wine Tasting & Retail Shop: 09h00 – 18h00 daily. Last tasting ticket at 17h00. Closed Good Friday and Christmas day. Christmas eve and New year’s eve closes at 16h00.
Winemaker: Boela Gerber
Address: Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia.
Tel: 021 794-5128
Website: www.grootconstantia.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Klein Constantia
This 146-hectare estate is described as one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards with its ancient trees and lush greenery on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg.
The prized Vin de Constance, the estate's unique natural sweet wine has earned its place in history. Prized by leaders and aristocracy throughout 18th Century Europe, Constantia’s Vin de Constance was revived in 1986 and continues to set the benchmark for dessert wines across the world.
Your food experience at Klein Constantia includes the elegantly renovated Bistro. Focusing on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, dishes are carefully thought-out to showcase South Africa's rich culinary history, including its European influence. You can also enjoy a curated cheese plate paired with an array of Vin de Constance vintages featured on the day.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday: 10h00 – 17h00 (Including public holidays). Closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday respectively. Wine tastings limited to six people per group.
Winemaker: Matthew Day
Address: Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 5188
Website: www.kleinconstantia.com
Email: [email protected]
Eagle's Nest
This special part of the Constantia Wine Route is cradled in a secluded valley high up on the Constantiaberg slopes. 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.
In 1984, the 38ha farm was purchased by the Mylrea family. It has since been reinvested after devastating fires destroyed most of it in 2000. Only the historic buildings survived. Along with the planting of vineyards it was a priority for the family to re-establish the natural fynbos on the estate. Eagles’ Nest now proudly houses one of the largest Silver Tree plantations in South Africa, with the majority of seeds and plants sourced from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Taste the full range of Eagles’ Nest Wines in their tasting room, enjoyed with a platter designed to enhance the wines.
Wine tasting times:
Monday to Sunday from 10h00 – 16h30. Wine tastings are limited to a maximum of eight people per group. Winemaker: Craig Barnard
Address: Old Constantia Main Road, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 4095
Website: www.eaglesnestwines.com
Email: [email protected]
Constantia Glen
Constantia Glen has a unique position which catches the late afternoon sun in the cradled between the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain. Savour slow ripening in their classically expressed wines.
This farm has an extensive list of owners, and as is evident by the property’s rapid change of ownership from first registration in 1813 until 1960, these upper slopes of Constantia are not easy to farm, but the rewards have come a plenty for the Waibel family whose dedication and steadfastness to produce high quality wines has proven to be a success from this very unique position in Constantia. Having owned the farm since 1960, the Waibel family initially used it as an elite stud farm for champion Red Angus breeding stock.
Constantia Glen was also victim of the devastating Cape Peninsula fires in 2000, which destroyed most of the vegetation on the farm and required that the Red Angus cattle had to be evacuated. The decision was made to perform extensive soil tests around the property and the first vineyards were planted in September 2000 with the majority being planted in 2001 to make up the farm’s 29-hectares planted to wine grapes today.
It returned to its historic wine growing roots, and was renamed to Constantia Glen when the first wine was produced in 2005.
The Tasting Room is perched above the wine cellar and offers magnificent views of the vineyards.
Wine tasting times:
Sunday to Thursday 10h00 - 18h00
Friday & Saturday 10h00 until 20h00
Winemaker: Justin van Wyk
Address: Constantia Main Road, Constantia.
Tel: 021 795 5639
Website: www.constantiaglen.com
Email: [email protected]
Beau Constantia
This idyllic, boutique wine farm at the top of Constantia Nek, with sweeping views all the way to False Bay also fell victim to the devastating fires in 2000.
Pierre and Cecily Du Preez purchased the former 22-hectare goat farm property in 2002 and after extensive soil analysis the first vineyards were planted in 2003 with the help of dedicated farm manager, Japie Bronn. Thus Beau Constantia is a relatively young wine farm in comparison to its sister vineyards in the Constantia Wine Route.
Since inception, its wines have been acknowledged for immense quality. Under the watchful eye of Justin Van Wyk, the family of wines achieved great acclaim from various wine writers and international wine competitions, raking in numerous 90+ point scores and medals.
As Justin’s Assistant Winemaker since 2015, Megan van der Merwe took the reins in 2019, playing an integral part in skilfully crafting its wines.
This estate is also home to the exceptional yet casual fine-dining experience at Chef's Warehouse, under Chef Ivor Jones joins Liam Tomlin. Guests should note, that bookings for the tasting room and the restaurant are managed separately.
Wine tasting times:
Tuesday to Sunday from 11h00 – 17h00; last Wine Tastings commence at 16:00 | Closed on Christmas Day and Eve and Good Friday. Maximum of 12 guests for Wine Tasting Reservations, no more than that will be accepted | Walk-ins will be accepted for wine & drinks on a first come, first served basis.
Winemaker: Megan van der Merwe
Address: Constantia Main Road Constantia Nek, Constantia
Tel: 021 794 8632
Website: www.beauconstantia.com
Email: [email protected]

Constantia Royal
The newest addition to the Constantia Wine Route, Constantia Royale is a limited production Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes grown on the 17-hectare, family-owned farm of Nova Zonnestraal in the beautiful Constantia Valley. The newly released Don’s Reserve is a superior blend adding another dimension to its wine portfolio.
Nova Zonnestraal itself dates back to the 1700’s when it formed part of Alphen Estate. Today, the 16-hectare farm concentrates on the growing of grapes and olives, alongside its top equestrian yard.
Originally the farm grew Hanepoort table grapes, but in 2002 a decision was taken to plant wine grapes. Initially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc were planted. The wine made from the Sauvignon Blanc grapes was soon sold out and it was decided to focus the estate's energies and endeavours on this wine.
Wine tasting times:
Visits can be arranged by appointment only. The estate also offers a unique function venue, its wine cellar tunnel beneath one of Cape Town's busy highways.
Winemaker: Roger Burton
Address: Nova Zonnestraal, Vineyard Avenue, Constantia.
Tel: 021 794 4841
Wesbite: www.constantiaroyale.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Silvermist Vineyards
Silvermist is a family owned Organic Wine Estate. It falls within the Table Mountain National Park and boasts a wide range of natural Fynbos and Forests. This unique, secluded estate is only fifteen minutes from the Cape Town city centre. Surrounded on all sides, by some of the most famous members of the Constantia Wine Route.
It is a true sanctuary within this city, offering diverse and unspoilt terrain to explore and one of South Africa's most exquisite fine dining experiences at La Colombe, amongst the top restaurants in the world. Advanced booking is strongly advised.
The estate also offers a unique twist with its redeveloped Wine tasting Truck, which was part of the original farming equipment that built the beautiful Silvermist Organic Vineyards landscape.
Wine tasting times:
Dec to Apr: Tues – Sun 11.00am to 17.00pm | May to Nov: Fri - Sun 11:00am to 16:00pm
Winemaker: Greg Louw
Address: Hout Bay Main Road, Hout Bay
Tel: 021 794 7601
Website: www.silvermistestate.co.za
Email: [email protected]