Constantia Winelands

Overview

The Constantia Valley is the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere, nestled between the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and the Constantiaberg range. Just 20 minutes from the city centre, it offers world-class wine tasting amid spectacular mountain scenery.

Highlights

• Historic Estates: Visit Groot Constantia (1685), Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, and Steenberg.
• Grand Constance: The legendary sweet wine once favoured by Napoleon, Frederick the Great, and Jane Austen's characters.
• Mountain Backdrop: Vineyards framed by indigenous mountain fynbos create a unique terroir.

History

Simon van der Stel planted the first vines here in 1685. By the 18th century, Constantia wines were considered among the finest in the world, exported to the royal courts of Europe. The industry declined with phylloxera in the 1880s but has been revived since the 1980s.

Visitor Tips

• Route: Drive or cycle between estates along Constantia Main Road.
• Food Pairings: Most estates offer food-and-wine pairing experiences.
• Duration: Half a day for 2–3 estates.