Often overshadowed by the champion wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Constantia quietly offers some of the Cape’s most compelling wine and dining experiences. Set in a small, lush valley just 20 minutes from central Cape Town, it combines proximity, pedigree and scenery in a way few regions can match.
Constantia is the oldest wine-producing region in the southern hemisphere and the oldest outside Europe. It has a sense of history with wines celebrated centuries ago by figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
Despite having far fewer estates than the other regions, Constantia consistently punches above its weight. Many farms are set on strikingly beautiful properties with sweeping views, and several host some of South Africa’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Among them are La Colombe at Silvermist, often ranked among the world’s best; Beyond Restaurant at Buitenverwachting, part of chef Peter Tempelhoff’s award-winning portfolio; Sixteen82 with its popular sharing plates at Steenberg along with signature restaurant Tryn; and the fine dining Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia, known for its striking setting under chefs Liam Tomlin and Ivor Jones.
Scenes from Groot Constantia:
The wines themselves range from crisp Sauvignon Blancs and cool-climate reds to some of the world’s most storied dessert wines. Klein Constantia’s legendary Vin de Constance was drunk by Napoleon in exile, imported by King Louis XVI and even reputedly used by Queen Victoria as a night-time tonic. Jane Austen described it in Sense and Sensibility as a “balm for the broken heart” while admirers also included Charlotte Bronte and French poet Baudelaire.
Today, the valley is a pleasure to explore at a relaxed pace – tasting benchmark wines such as Van Wyk Riesling, Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc or Constantia Saddle Rose, often paired with excellent charcuterie and light lunches.
Scenes from Constantia Glen:
Constantia’s wine farms:
Historical and Classic:
- Groot Constantia: South Africa’s oldest wine estate, producing premium red blends, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and dessert wines.
- Klein Constantia: Home of Vin de Constance, alongside highly regarded Sauvignon Blancs, reds and MCC; regularly ranked among the world’s top vineyards and recently made it to the sixth position. Scenes from Buitenverwacthing:
Boutique and highly rated:
- Beau Constantia: A boutique producer with cool-climate wines, one of the steepest vineyards in the province and panoramic views stretching to False Bay and the Helderberg mountain ranges and False Bay.
- Constantia Glen: Known for elegant, balanced wines, great platters and its signature flammkuchen – a nod to the Austrian heritage of the owners. With some of the most incredible views around.
- Buitenverwachting: A historic estate in a beautiful setting with a strong reputation for quality wines, including late-harvest and dessert styles.
- Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate: Producing crisp whites and well-crafted reds, with a family-friendly setting that includes mountain-biking trails and the popular Blockhouse.
- Steenberg Wine Estate: One of the valley’s oldest farms, home to the revamped and glamorous Sixteen82 restaurant and a luxury hotel.
- High Constantia Wine Cellar: A smaller producer known for limited, cellar-only releases.
- Silvermist: The only certified organic wine estate on the Constantia Wine Route, and of course, home to La Colombe.
- Eagles’ Nest is no longer open for wine tasting and lunch but you can buy wines online.
Getting Around
For visitors who prefer not to drive, City Sightseeing Cape Town operates the Purple Constantia Valley Wine Tour – a hop-on, hop-off route designed specifically for wine tasting in the area. It stops outside only some of the wine farms.