Constantia
My only regret in life is that I did not drink more wine –
Ernest Hemingway
We just got back from Constantia
We’ve been going to South Africa’s oldest wine growing region for over twenty years, a stunning setting, along the slopes of Table Mountain. It’s a wine route that we’ve come to know well. And we’ve seen many changes.
The number of wine estates has expanded and so have the other attractions for visitors. Many of the wine estates now also offer accommodation, restaurants or cafes.
As we turn off the mountain road from Noordhoek, onto the start of the Constantia Wine route, Steenberg is usually our first stop.
Steenberg
We’ve been coming to Steenberg since 2005. It was later bought by Graham Beck Wines, and with that we saw a change in tone and aesthetic. Everything became grander, a very contemporary renovation. An epic chandelier created out of resin and glass was installed and Bistro 1682 was born.
We’ve attended events like wine masterclasses, walking with the viticulturalist and movie nights. Over the years we’ve learned a lot from the Wine club managers who have shared their time and knowledge with us. Many have come and gone.
What never changes at Steenberg is the warm welcome we receive, especially from the familiar faces who have greeted us many, many times, like Zelda and Wesley. It’s always a pleasure to call by.
Our favourites – 1682 Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), Lady R, Nebbiolo
Constantia Uitsig has changed beyond recognition.
Twenty years ago there was just a small tasting room and restaurant. Now Uitsig is home to the Heritage Market, with an ice cream shop, a bar and a various eateries.
Our favourites – Sauvignon blanc, MCC, Constantia Red
Klein Constantia
The first thing you notice on arrival is the avenue of purple Agapanthas. It’s a beautiful estate.
One Winter we returned to work in Kenya armed with a bottles of fine Klein Constantia wine, wrapped between our clothes in our checked in luggage.
The wine was better than anything that we could find at the time in Nairobi, with so much wine affected by being stored for a long time at the port in Mombasa, before being transported by road to the capital city.
This month we tried more recent vintages of the estate’s crisp Sauvignon Blancs.
Our favourites – Metis, Vin de Constance
Buitenverwachting was the first wine estate in Constantia that we ever visited, on a road trip with my parents, part of our first Cape Christmas.
My mum was enamoured with the giant hog who was sprawled out on the lawn. My dad was enamoured with the red wines.
Since then the estate has hosted the Constantia Fresh wine festival and the Coffee Bloc cafe was introduced.
Our favourites – Maximus, Christine
High Constantia
Every visit to this estate has been an occasion over the years. It’s a small, boutique estate. And we’ve always received a special welcome.
Last year we received a bottle of their MCC as a Christmas gift. And we treasure an old, oak barrel from the estate, which used to house many litres of the estate’s Merlot. Now it is painted and up-cycled as a bar stand in our home.
Our favourites – Clos Andre MCC, Shiraz
Groot Constantia next door, is a vast, impressive estate, over 338 yrs old. It’s firmly on the tourist trail and on the big red bus route.
We returned recently to try their chocolate and wine pairing and enjoy a walk in the vines, with stunning mountain views.
The Cape Town Photographic Society is currently hosting a massive exhibition at Groot Constantia Wine Estate, featuring 160 photographers from 21 Western Cape clubs. The exhibition is open daily until the end of December, 2023.
Our favourites – Shiraz, Groot Constance
Eagle’s Nest
Further up Constantia Main Road is Eagle’s Nest, which was a favourite spot for us for many years; under-stated, with a quiet garden and with great wines, friendly staff and a stunning setting.
PKP joined their Wine club. We quaffed and worked our way through countless cheese platters. And one unforgettable experience was on my 50th birthday, being driven up the slopes of the estate in a 4 x 4, stopping for wine tastings en route.
This year has seen more changes. The estate now has a new owner, there is no public access and sales are only online.
Our favourites – Viognier, Shiraz
Constantia Glen
On a recent visit we ordered fresh Flammkuchen, delicious fresh flatbreads, one vegan, one with lamb washed down with the estate’s Sauvignon Blanc and the Rebecca May Van Wyk family wine, a scented, Rhône style blend of Cinsault with Grenache and some Syrah
The estate was busy and we hadn’t booked but we were seated at a communal table and had a great experience.
Our favourites – Constantia Glen TWO and FIVE
Constantia Nek – Beau Constantia was a very different experience.
We visited a few years ago. A young hostess greeted us with “Do you have a reservation?” When we told her that we didn’t her response was “Well, this is a book in advance, 500 rands per person kind of place”.
Her tone and remark was offensive. We left, and have never returned.
Silvermist Organic Wine Estate – we visited once, for full moon yoga, followed by a glass of their MCC.
We should go back and try more wines as well as the award winning restaurant, La Colombine.
The Constantia Wine Route offers heritage, gastronomy and of course excellent wines. It is worth visiting as part of any Cape Town itinerary.
This year our festive celebrations continued here, with Christmas Eve lunch at Chardonnay Deli at Constantia Uitsig.
So cheers to you all this festive season, from this beautiful part of the Western Cape.
Which wine route would you recommend?
© Maggie M / Mother City Time