Enjoy an afternoon of fine food, wine and spectacular scenery on this exclusive tour from Cape Town to Constantia, one of South Africa's premier wine-tasting destinations and culinary hotspots. On this tour of the Winelands we combine the best of the Cape with a scenic helicopter transfer and an insightful afternoon tour, escorted by a knowledge guide.
Nestled just a cork's throw away from the city centre, the affluent and lush Constantia Valley is the perfect choice if you're based in the city and don't want to venture too far for wine tasting. It also happens to be the oldest wine-making region in the country (it was established in 1685) and has become synonymous with premium, award-winning reds and whites, especially Sauvignon Blanc. Constantia is ideal for a one-day tasting tour as the whole route is only 7.25km from one end to the other, affording the opportunity to see a good mix of new-age boutique wineries and historic, Cape Dutch-style estates.
You will be collected from your hotel late morning today and transferred to the V&A Waterfront to board your state-of-the-art helicopter for a 12 minute private flight* across the city and over the Southern Suburbs to Constantia. Travelling inland on the most direct route you will land at the beautiful Steenberg Estate to sample prized wines and a gourmet lunch (for own account) at the estate's award-winning and contemporary restaurant, Catharina's. A chic space designed for modern dining, the restaurant boasts spectacular vineyard and mountain views.
After lunch, you will be collected from the restaurant by your private guide who will offer further insight into this diverse region. Visit the state-of-the-art cellar at Steenberg, completed in 1996, with the capacity to produce around 70,000 cases. The cellar also boasts a modern vinoteque, where bottled wines can be kept under ideal conditions until ready to be enjoyed.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to delve into a few more estates (max 2-3 depending on time available). Some other notable Constantia wine farms for tastings include Buitenverwachting, Beau Constantia (it claims stunning views from a world-class glass tasting room) and Silvermist (for 100% organic wine). As part of the original vineyard that in the 18th century produced "Constantia", prized throughout Europe by the leaders and aristocracy of the time, Klein Constantia has helped to reclaim its former glory by initiating the revival of this famous sweet wine. Vin de Constance, is probably the most famous and admired wine produced on this estate and is a re-creation of the legendary sweet Constantia. A superb way to end your day off on a sweet note!
Upon conclusion of our tour, we travel via Hout Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard back to the city.
*For a wildly scenic alternative to the inland helicopter transfer, you have the option to take in the incredible aerial views and fly along the Atlantic coast past Green Point, Sea Point; the beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the exclusive neighborhood of Llandudno through to Hout Bay. From here, you will veer across to Constantia and touch down at Steenberg Estate. An additional supplement of R1459 per person applies.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
