Constantia, known as Cape Town’s vineyard, is considered the cradle of winemaking in the Cape and offers a unique location for wine tasting. Constantia is located on the southern slopes of the Table Mountain range in the Cape Peninsula district and is one of South Africa’s premium wine destinations.
Ideal conditions to produce world-class wines in South Africa
Its vineyards climb the slopes of Constantiaberg and are aerated by sea cool sea breezes blowing from False Bay. Its cool climate is perfect for producing elegant white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, but Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot also thrive further down the sun-warmed slopes, resulting in rich, dense, fruit-driven wines that are often combined in Bordeaux Blends. The majority of the handful of cellars in this premium South African ward offer individual tasting wine tasting experiences, winery tours and the opportunity to purchase wines at the cellar door.
Experience the best wine tasting Constantia has to offer on a luxury tour of its best wine farms
The area boasts a wide range of wineries where you can indulge in Constantia wine tasting. Its cellars represent a unique blend of historic, white-washed wine farms in the Cape Dutch style and new, trendy boutique wineries in stunning settings. And wherever you go, you will be assured of a warm South African welcome. Nowhere else in the world can you experience this kind of sensational wine experience. The magnificent mountain countryside and its unique floral kingdom is a backdrop lovers of world-class wines will appreciate for their wine tasting. Constantia’s wines feature on many top wine lists around the world and enjoying them in the unique landscape in which they are produced only adds to their charm.
The Constantia wine-tasting list
In centuries gone by, Constantia was famed in European courts for its unique unfortified sweet wine Vin de Constance, based on the Muscat de Frontignan (aka Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains) along with a handful of other varieties. These were the days when sweet wines were all the rage, and, along with French Sauternes and Tokaji aszú, Vin de Constance was revered by European kings and emperors. Even Napoleon had it ordered for his cellar while in exile on the island of St Helena. Although such sweet wines are no longer the order of the day, many Constantia wineries have now revived the style and produce their own modern-day version of Vin de Constance, to both local and international acclaim.
Sauvignon Blanc produced on the cool east-facing slopes of Constantiaberg, some planted as high as 400m, is sure to find its way on your Constantia wine-tasting agenda. The cool sea breezes ensure that the grapes ripen fully, whilst still maintaining superb varietal character and fresh, zesty acidity. Powerful Bordeaux Blends produced from the lower slopes, which profit from longer sunlight hours, are a perfect accompaniment to some locally reared beef. Lovers of bubbly will find a glass of sparkling traditional method Cap Classic the perfect tipple to relax with on the perfectly manicured lawns surrounding the beautiful white Cape Dutch buildings.
Unique dining experiences in Constantia’s many restaurants
The area’s many top-class restaurants offer a range of dining experiences based on the best, locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Whatever kind of food you are seeking to complement your Constantia wine tasting, this premium wine ward is sure to have something for you. Constantia boast restaurants offering casual yet welcoming experiences, Brasserie food and fine dining rub shoulders with more rustic fare. However, wherever you choose to eat, you’ll be assured of great hospitality and stunning surroundings.
Let Wine Paths’ local experts help you design your perfect luxury Constantia wine tasting and gourmet experience. The Cape Town vineyards are waiting for your visit.