About
Constantia is an affluent valley found in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. While mostly a residential area it is renowned the world over for its vineyards and wine farms – some of the golden children of South African Tourism. Nestled beneath the magnificent Constantiaberg, part of the Table Mountain National Park, Constantia is home to nine wine farms that boast the highest accolades.
One of these farms, Constantia Uitsig, was founded by Simon Van Der Stel and the valley has seen some very impressive visitors in its day - the likes of Napolean Bonaparte and a host of celebrities. It’s also home to a few of the top 10 restaurants in South Africa who meticulously pair their locally sourced dishes with the finest wines from in and around the valley. Its rich history makes it the oldest wine producing area in South Africa.
There are plenty of hiking routes as well as horse trails for active travellers while those with a bit of a shopping itch can enjoy some retail therapy at one of the many shopping malls in the area.
Further afield and just on the border of Constantia sits the majestic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – undoubtedly the most breathtaking garden in South Africa. Its soil is proudly South African, giving life to the national flora and fauna and of course the national flower - the Protea. Renew your spirit with a walk around this awe-inspiring garden or enjoy a picnic amongst some of the most rare and threatened plant species in the world.
For those who like green of a different kind, Constantia boasts two fantastic golf courses – Westlake and Steenberg golf clubs. The luxury hotels and accommodation in the area where you’ll feel the same warmth that prepares the vineyards for their next harvest match the quality of theses courses.
Getting There / Getting Around
Constantia Valley is found in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town and is surrounded by Hout Bay, Newlands and Tokai. It is accessible via the M3, Ou Kaapse Weg and the M36. Approximately 40 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
Best time to visit
Visiting the vineyards in Constantia Valley during the summer months of September through to February will provide an unforgettable experience.
Eating Out
Picnic under enormous indigenous trees at Buitenverwachting, whilst feasting one of their delicious rustic hampers, or head higher up the valley to Beaux Constantia and enjoy a platter of sensational homemade sushi, washed down with a cold carafe of the estates finest sauvignon blanc.
Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Eagles Nest Beaux Constantia - make up the remaining wine farms in the valley, all offering something totally unique. Constantia is also home to La Colombe, one of South Africa's top restaurants.
