The Constantia Wine Route, nestled in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, is a historic and picturesque destination renowned for its exceptional wines and scenic beauty. Established in 1685, it is the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere. The route boasts a collection of esteemed wine farms, each offering unique experiences to visitors.
Groot Constantia
📍 Address: Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
🌐 Website: www.grootconstantia.co.za
Founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine estate, steeped in rich history and renowned for producing exceptional wines. The estate’s legendary Grand Constance, a revival of its historic sweet wine, was once enjoyed by notable figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Jane Austen, and King Louis Philippe of France.
What to See and Do
Visitors can immerse themselves in the estate’s heritage and scenic beauty, exploring:
- The historic Manor House Museum, showcasing period furnishings and artifacts.
- The Wine & Cultural History Museum, offering insights into the estate’s winemaking legacy.
- A guided or self-guided tour covering the estate’s history and significance.
- Scenic vineyard walks with breathtaking views of the Constantia Valley.
Dining Options
Groot Constantia hosts two highly regarded restaurants:
- Jonkershuis Eatery – A charming Cape Malay-inspired restaurant offering hearty breakfasts, lunches, and wine pairings, with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyards.
- Simon’s Restaurant – A refined dining experience featuring contemporary South African cuisine, ideal for leisurely lunches and relaxed dinners.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Wine lovers can indulge in a variety of tasting experiences, including:
- Standard Wine Tasting – A selection of five wines from Groot Constantia’s award-winning range.
- Chocolate & Wine Pairing – A curated tasting experience pairing handcrafted chocolates with premium estate wines.
- Cellar Tours – Guided tours of the historic wine cellar, where guests can learn about traditional winemaking techniques and enjoy tastings straight from the barrel.
Klein Constantia
📍 Address: Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
🌐 Website: www.kleinconstantia.com
Nestled on the slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountain, Klein Constantia is a historic wine estate dating back to 1685. It is renowned for its Vin de Constance, a legendary natural sweet wine that has been enjoyed by historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Charles Dickens. The estate is celebrated for its biodiversity-friendly farming practices and commitment to producing cool-climate wines of exceptional quality.
What to See and Do
Visitors to Klein Constantia can enjoy:
- Scenic vineyard walks with breathtaking views over False Bay.
- A self-guided tour of the estate’s historic surroundings.
- Insightful wine tastings showcasing the estate’s signature wines.
Dining Options
The Bistro @ Klein Constantia – Focusing on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, the menu embodies a ‘farm to table & head to toe’ theme. Open from Monday through to Sunday for lunch only
Wine Tasting Experiences
- Classic Wine Tasting – A curated selection of the estate’s cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, red blends, and Vin de Constance.
- Vin de Constance Experience – A special tasting focused on the estate’s flagship wine, showcasing its history and winemaking process.
- Advance booking is recommended.
Klein Constantia’s serene atmosphere, world-class wines, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for wine lovers exploring the Constantia Valley.
Buitenverwachting
📍 Address: 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
🌐 Website: www.buitenverwachting.com
True to its name, Buitenverwachting (meaning “Beyond Expectation”) is a historic wine estate in the Constantia Valley, known for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux-style red blends. Dating back to the 18th century, the estate boasts centuries-old oak trees, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and scenic vineyard views.
What to See and Do
Visitors to Buitenverwachting can enjoy:
- Wine tastings in a relaxed setting, featuring some of the estate’s finest vintages.
- A walk through the picturesque estate, surrounded by lush vineyards and ancient oak trees.
- The historic Cape Dutch buildings, which add to the estate’s charm and character.
- The Studio, a lifestyle gift shop combines resident jewellery designers maack & martin, together with a unique collection of local artisan products.
Dining Options
- Beyond Restaurant – At beyond, special attention has been paid to sourcing a diverse range of special raw produce. From rare-breed meats, and seasonal heirloom vegetables to artisanally crafted cheeses, this diversity serves to showcase and celebrate the ‘weird and wonderful’ and the beauty of unique strains and flavours beyond mass production.
- Coffee Bloc – A casual café serving freshly brewed coffee, artisanal pastries, and light meals in a serene garden setting.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Buitenverwachting offers wine tastings of:
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, elegant, and consistently one of South Africa’s top-rated white wines.
- Bordeaux-style red blends – Rich, complex, and made with classic varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
- Chardonnay and dessert wines – Showcasing the estate’s versatility in winemaking.
- Food platters are available to enjoy with the tasting
Many visitors linger for hours and choose to purchase a bottle and relax on the lawns with friends and family.
Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate
📍 Address: Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
🌐 Website: https://www.constantiauitsig.co.za/
Known for its diverse range of wines and laid-back atmosphere, Constantia Uitsig offers a welcoming and family-friendly wine experience. The estate blends rich history with modern sustainability, producing elegant wines in a relaxed yet refined setting. Beyond wine, Constantia Uitsig features a bike park, beautiful gardens, and a wide variety of food options, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
What to See and Do
Visitors can enjoy:
- Wine tastings in a tranquil, scenic setting.
- Heritage Garden, renowned for its collection of roses, each variety more exquisite than the last.
- The Constantia Uitsig Bike Park, featuring trails and pump tracks. Downhill world champion – Chris Nixon designed this 2.8km track for riders of all skill levels to hone their skills.
- Scenic outdoor spaces, perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine.
Dining Options
- Constantia Uitsig offers several dining experiences, catering to different tastes:
- Blockhouse Kitchen – A relaxed, modern eatery serving farm-to-table dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- La Grotto Ristorante – An authentic Italian restaurant, specialising in wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and classic Italian comfort food.
- Heritage Market – a collection of restaurants, including Sushi Box, Ember and Oak, Four & Twenty and Kristens Kickass Ice-Cream
Wine Tasting Experiences
- Wine tastings are open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays 10h00 – 18h00and from 10h00-16h30 on Sundays. Please check DinePlan for the latest and earliest booking times.
- Bookings are essential
- Wine tastings are located right in front of the Wine Shop.