As Portfolio''s Kathryn recently discovered, there are many hidden gems on the Constantia Wine Route just waiting to be enjoyed...
A day out in the winelands is one of my favourite ways to spend a weekend, but the truth is that I tend to always look further afield when planning a wining and dining experience with family or friends to the Cape Winelands, abundant in choice and offering spectacular scenery...
Aside from the occasional afternoon tea in the the historical Groot Constantia, I haven''t really ever spent much time exploring the offerings or enjoying the wine of the other wine farms located right on my doorstep in the Constantia Valley.
But all that changed recently with a visit to some of the hidden gems of the Constantia Wine Route... which inspired me to visit a few more and discover their secret delights...
The Constantia Wine Valley is the oldest in the country, Groot Constantia having been established by Simon van der Stel in 1685.
There are no less than 9 wine farms that make up the Constantia Wine Route, starting from the top of Constantia Nek near Hout Bay, moving down the valley all the way to just below the Steenberg mountains near Tokai...
Silvermist - located just over the rise at Constantia Nek, this vineyard straddles the neck of the mountain providing magnificent views in either direction - Hout Bay and Constantia. Certified organic by the Bio- Dynamic & Organic Certification Authority, the natural fynbos is encouraged to grow amongst the vineyards alongside selected lupins and grains thus creating a rich biodiversity and ducks provide the pest control while fertilizing the vineyards!
Hidden Gem: Zip line along the only zipline in Cape Town. Sail through the air between the mountain peaks high above valleys of fynbos with SA Forest Adventures.
Beau Constantia - laying claim to the highest vines in the valley, planted to an elevation of 350 metres above sea-level on some of the steepest agricultural slopes in the Cape, this is a beautiful boutique wine farm situated right at the top of Constantia Nek.
Hidden Gem: The sushi served here at Sushi Box is some of the best in Cape Town... and you can''t beat the view from the loo!
Constantia Glen - Perched high on the upper reaches of the Constantiaberg mountain this spot is acclaimed for bespoke wines and sweeping views. Despite only offering cheese and charcuterie platters, the restaurant here has become a firm favourite with locals looking for a picturesque setting for a lazy lunch.
Hidden Gem: Constantia Glen 5 is a classic Constantia blend of the five archetypal Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Eagles Nest - This vineyard is well and truly a "hidden gem" in itself. The entrance is tucked away behind tall trees, so blink and you''ll miss it. But don''t miss it because here you can enjoy wine tasting beneath an umbrella or a weeping willow tree, while lounging on the lawns next to a trickling stream - perfect if you''re wine tasting with children in tow.
Hidden Gem: Their Shiraz has won an award for being the best in the world in recent years!
Groot Constantia - a unique heritage wine estate offering historical tours of the manor house, to a busy day time restaurant under the oaks, large lawns for kids to run on and prepared picnic baskets to feast from. Enjoy panoramic views across to False Bay or enjoy some live music at Simon''s restaurant - there is something for everyone.
Hidden Gem: After feeding the ducks near the iconic manor house, walk up the avenue of oaks to discover the secret historical bath.
Klein Constantia - described as one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates, this wine farm is set amidst ancient trees on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg.
Hidden Gem: This is a wine estate for historians and literature lovers with wines from this farm having featured in Jane Austen''s Sense and Sensibility and Charles Dickens final (and unpublished) novel. While Napoleon Bonaparte, in exile on the island of St Helena, enjoys the "les vins de Constance" daily, shipping 30 bottles over to the island every month!
Buitenverwachting - living up to it''s name which means “Beyond Expectations”, this is a beautiful historical wine farm that was originally part of Groot Constantia. I love to take the trip to their tasting room as it takes you on a slow meander through vineyards, past paddocks and down an avenue of oaks... transporting you to another world in just a few minutes.
Hidden Gem: The tiny Coffee Bloc coffee shop serves some of the best breakfasts in the valley.
Constantia Uitsig - known until 1940 as Constantia View, this beautiful wine farm is currently undergoing extensive refurbishments to make it one of the most appealing for visitors to the valley. There is a small wine tasting area and the recently opened Open Door restaurant which comes highly recommended as one of the best foodie experiences in the valley, plus there are also big plans to create a beautiful kitchen garden, picnic area, larger wine tasting facilities and another casual restaurant.
Hidden Gem: There is an amazing bike park offering great entertainment for kids and adults alike
Steenberg - with its cool, sea-facing slopes and majestic granite ridges, this vineyard has developed a worldwide reputation for producing excellent Cape wines. Catharina''s restaurant and Steenberg Hotel offer world class cuisine and accommodation respectively, while golfers will enjoy playing 18 holes while walking through the vineyards, or escape to the Hidden Gem: Enjoy tapas on the terrace of Bistro 1682, overlooking indigenous gardens, reflective water features and magnificent mountains views.
Images: Constantia Wine Route
Text: Kathryn Rossiter