Constantia is still producing wines that are internationally recognized for their quality and elegance. Constantia is not so much a suburb as a semi rural and rather lovely swathe of valley, hill, wooded parkland and smart homes hidden discreetly among the trees. It is a very sort after area and home to some very elegant hotels.
- Dine at La Colombe, Constantia Uitsig or Buitenverwachting, 3 of South Africa's finest wine estates
- Take a wine tour and learn more about wine making at Groot Constantia. In our opinion Groot Constantia is one of the most picturesque wine estates in Cape Town.
- Photograph the vines as they turn autumnal browns and oranges
- Taste some exceptional wines, this area is particularly well known for its crisp and dry Sauvignon Blancs.
It was in Constantia that the Cape Governeur Simon van der Stel, first built, conceived and laid out the countries first vineyards. Groot Constantia is definitely one of the countries most stateliest wine estates. Other wine estates in the area include Constantia Uitsig, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting and Steenberg. Steenberg was granted to Catharina Ras, the first land to be owned by a woman during Dutch Rule.
As you sit sipping a glass of Constantia’s famous chilled Sauvignon Blanc, and as you look out across the Vineyards, its hard to actually believe that you are only 20 minutes from the very centre of Cape Town. Located to the South of Cape Town, Constantia is one of the prettiest and most exclusive suburbs in Cape Town.
Constantia is all about eating and drinking. The area being home to some of the countries finest restaurants and wine estates.
One of our favourite restaurants is La Colombe at Constantia Uitsig. You can read our review of this tasteful restaurant. Uitsig Restaurant is reknown for its spectacular views of the vineyards and if you are dining at lunch time be sure to see if you can book a table at the window. Booking in advance is absolutely essential. Across the vineyards from La Colombe and Uitsig you will find Buitenverwachting, slightly more Germanic and austere, this elegant restaurant is regarded by many as being one of the finest in the Cape. Please speak to your Rhino Africa consultant about pre booking dinner and lunch reservations at any of these restaurants. Absolutely essential during the summer months from November – April.
More relaxed dining options can be found at Simons Restaurant on the Groot Constantia estate. This vibrant restaurant is a hive of activity on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.
The Constantia area is particularly well known for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc Wines. The tasting rooms of all the cellars are elegant, some have retained the historical elements of their beginnings in Cape Dutch architecture, and furniture which has been lovingly restored and preserved. Early wine farmers in Constantia produced a dessert wine in the 18th and 19th centuries, found in the cellars of Napolean and the Prussian King, Frederick the Great and written about by Jane Austin. The modern equivalent of this Capp Constantia, is Vin de Constance, which is proving to be just as popular.
If you have wined and dined a bit too much, book in for a round of golf at the Steenberg Golf Estate or the beautiful spa facility at Constantia Uitsig Hotel.
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