Constantia; the cradle of winemaking in Cape Town
Category Southern Suburbs
Cape Town is internationally renowned as a tourist destination for a plethora of reasons, from its turquoise beaches and white sands to its breathtaking natural beauty and landmarks. Think Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Boulders Beach, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Robben Island - the list is never-ending! An attraction that is high up on almost every traveller's "to do" list and one that adds value to the residential property market in the area is the picturesque, Constantia Wine Route located in the affluent suburb of Constantia and Tokai.
Dotted along this wine route are 10 esteemed wine estates which benefit from the idyllic terroir on the foothills of the Table Mountain range. With cool sea breezes blowing from False Bay, the wines are crafted from the finest grapes and richest soils that produce blends unique to the region.
Lets journey through Constantia Wine Route as we select the top four wine estates to visit for the perfect "vino".
Groot Constantia
Our journey begins in none other than the oldest wine farm in the Cape, the one and only, Groot Constantia. With a history dating back over 300 years to 1685, visitors are immersed in old-world-charm and Dutch architecture upon entering the estate. Here, you can explore the historic Cape Dutch Manor House, visit the wine museum and cultural history museum, enjoy wine-tasting paired with chocolate, and tuck into tantalising cuisine. The wines produced at Groot Constantia regularly win acclaimed awards and it has recently been named the Top Dessert Wine Producer in South Africa for the iconic, Grand Constance. Some of the other notable blends here include Groot Constantia Pinotage, Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon and Gouverneurs Reserve Red.
Check out the wine tasting times.
High Constantia
Nestled in the heart of the lush green valleys, the boutique wine cellar High Constantia produces wine echoing the estate's gracious past with a blend of new life. High Constantia can be traced back to 1693. The farm was part of the Dutch East India Company outpost known as Wittebomen - as a result of an abundance of Silverleaf trees on the land. High Constantia produces a fine array of sparkling, red, white, rose, and a special Silverhurst range of wines. Visitors can host an event or have a splendid day wine tasting at the farm.
Visit the beautiful private wine cellar for a tasting.
Constantia Glen
Constantia Glen is ideally situated below Constantia Nek and nestled between Constantiaberg and the Table Mountain range. This boutique wine estate spans 60-hectares with 29-hectares of vine that produce around 100 000 bottles of wine per annum. Although small, Constantia Glen crafts some of the best vino in the region, with notable blends being Bordeaux varieties, and Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. So if you're in the mood for crisp white wines and elegant red wines, this quaint winery is for you.
Book a wine tasting experience today.
Buitenverwachting
Buitenverwachting, meaning beyond expectation, is a wine estate situated on the eastern slopes of Constantiaberg. Its prime positioning near temperate sea breezes allows it to cultivate vines that produce fresh, crisp and full-bodied wines. Here, you can indulge in white and red wine such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is also one of the more modern estates, boasting a variety of attractions such as a newly renovated restaurant, an artisan coffee shop, a rustic wedding venue, and a gift shop offering bespoke jewellery and furniture.
Time for wine tasting at Buitenverwachting?
Eagles' Nest
Boutique wine estate, Eagles' Nest, is home to some of the steepest vineyards in the Cape Winelands - this terroir produces wine known for its elegance and finesse. The grapes cultivated here are used to produce handcrafted Shiraz, Merlot and Viognier. And although the estate is relatively small, with 12-hectares of vineyards, it produces some of the best wine in the country. Eagles' Nest has a string of accolades to its name, with a long list of award-winning blends such as Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Viognier 2016 and Merlot 2009. One of the main attractions on the estate is the Tasting Room where you can complement your wine tasting with a delicious platter.
Book a wine and platter taste experience.
The Constantia Wine Route will take you on a journey of only the best wine estates that Cape Town has to offer. There are a number of other unforgettable wine estates that are also worth mentioning, these include;
- Steenberg Vineyards
- Constantia Uitsig
- Klein Constantia
- Beau Constantia
- Silvermist Vineyards
- Constantia Royale
Living in Constantia, Cape Town means being placed in the heart of the Constantia Wine Route, where exquisite Winelands are found at every corner. If this sounds like your ideal residential destination, speak to Knight Frank today and we will find your perfect Constantia forever home.
Author: Knight Frank
