A historical wine route that offers a fantastic array of wine farms, stunning views, delicious food and delightful award-winning wines, the Constantia Valley Wine Route is a firm favourite for locals and travellers alike. Located in the centre of Cape Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Table Mountain Nature Reserve, the Constantia Wine Valley Route is the oldest wine producing region in the Southern Hemisphere.
Perfect for those who don’t have enough time to head out to the Cape Winelands regions of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, the Constantia Valley promises a fantastic day time trip just a short 20-minute drive from Cape Town city centre.
Boasting some of the most esteemed wines ever produced in South Africa, have a look at our list of the best wine farms to visit in the Constantia Valley Wine Route.
Beau Constantia
Beau Constantia wine farm is a boutique estate that offers sweeping views of the valley. Located on the north-facing slope of Constantia Nek, this unique vantage point exposes the vineyard to cool ocean winds which produce a small number of high-quality grapes. The farm cultivates wine varieties such as Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz and Petit Verdot.
A haven for foodies, Beau Constantia is home to one of South Africa’s top fine dining restaurants, Chefs Warehouse. Here, seasonal ingredients come together to form exquisite dishes, which, when paired with Beau Constantia wine produce fresh, fun and delicious food.
Constantia Glen
Perfectly placed below Constantia Nek on the slopes of the Constantiaberg mountain, Constantia Glen is a picturesque boutique wine farm which offers incredible views of the valley.
Great for a relaxed day out with family and friends, enjoy a fantastic wine tasting of the farm’s acclaimed wines, indulging in delicious lunches and share plates, as well as lolling about on the lawns. Tastings range from R45 to R90 per person depending on the wine selection. If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, try the wine and chocolate pairing.
Top tip: The cheese and charcuterie platters at Constantia Glen is one of our favourite treats!
Groot Constantia
The oldest wine producing farm in the Western Cape, Groot Constantia was established in 1685 by Simon van de Stel. This expansive estate boasts rolling vineyards, breathtaking views of the surrounding regions, a historic cellar and manor house and a welcoming tasting room filled with artefacts and souvenirs.
As well as wine tastings, cellar tours, manor house tours and wandering through the historical museum, guests can enjoy lunch at one of two popular restaurants; Simon’s and Jonkershoek.
Eagles’ Nest
Tucked away beneath tall pine trees on the slopes of the Constantia Mountain range, Eagles’ Nest is the hidden gem of the Constantia Wine Valley. Proudly home to one of the most highly acclaimed Shiraz wines in the world, Eagles’ Nest specialises in red wines including Merlot, Viognier and Shiraz.
Eagles’ Nest has a relaxed atmosphere where locals spend leisurely afternoons on the lush lawns sipping delicious wines and enjoying snack platters while their children run and play on the grass. Eagles’ Nest is a dog-friendly wine farm and is open for wine tasting from Monday through to Sundays from 10h00 – 16h30.
Silvermist Organic Wine Estate
Silvermist is a secluded organic wine estate, tucked away on the slopes of the Cape Peninsula. Silvermist’s unique vantage point creates the perfect climate to produce wines of exceptional standards.
Silvermist’s views are breathtaking, overlooking the Longkloof, Nature Valley and False Bay with the Hottentots Holland Mountains in the distance.
Buitenverwachting
Buitenverwachting is located on the eastern slopes of the Constantia mountain range and continues to be a firm favourite amongst locals. Initially founded by Simon van der Stel, the estate carries a rich history and, of course, fine wine.
Driving into the farm can bring some pleasant surprises, seeing horses, peacock and other incredible animals frolicking about. As well as wine tasting, Buitenverwachting offers a variety of attractions, including a quaint coffee shop and formal restaurant.
Constantia Uitsig
Constantia Uitsig has been producing wine for over 300 years and holds its wine tasting area in one of the converted heritage buildings on the farm. Constantia Uitsig is home to the contemporary restaurant, Open Door, which serves seasonal dishes paired with delicious wines.
There is a nearby bike park that will keep kids entertained for hours as well as an ice cream and chocolate works of art at the Heritage Market.
Klein Constantia
Set between ancient trees on the lush upper slopes of the Constantiaberg mountains, Klein Constantia can be described as one of the most beautiful wine farms in the Cape.
Dating back to 1685, the 146-hectare wine estate produces some of South Africa’s top wines, including one of the world’s best naturally sweet wines, the Vin de Constance. This beautifully secluded farm offers magnificent views of False Bay and the Constantia Valley; the perfect setting to take romantic walks along the rose garden with your loved one or have an intimate picnic under the lush greenery with your family.
If you don’t have enough time to visit the Cape Winelands, or are looking for a wine tasting experience that’s not too far from your Cape Town hotel, explore the Constantia Valley wine route and visit one, two or three of the wine estates listed above.
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