The Cape Town Winelands name suggests a lazy weekend outing to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, tasting some excellent wines and then a relaxed luncheon at one of the numerous vineyard restaurants. What people forget is that you can do this right on the doorstep of Cape Town itself within a twenty-minute drive south from the city centre to the Constantia Valley.
Some of the oldest vineyards or wine farms in South Africa exist and are still producing in Constantia. The home of the wine industry in South Africa is Groot Constantia which has been in almost continual production of wine since 1685 when the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, started his farm. In Constantia, sun, wind, the oceans and fertile soil have combined to make an excellent terroir for various grape cultivars. The beautiful Cape Dutch manor house and grounds of Groot Constantia are open to the public, so along with a wine tasting, you can wander through the history of the Cape in very much unspoilt surroundings. Take a picnic, or you can eat the local cuisine at the Jonkershuis restaurant or more contemporary dishes at Simon's.
The original Groot Constantia was divided over the centuries and spawned the wine farms of Klein Constantia, Constantia Uitsig and Buitenverwachting. All of which have their unique identities, environments and wines. In my opinion, Buitenverwachting (quite a mouthful which means "beyond expectations" in Afrikaans) has probably the best fine dining restaurant in the valley and one of the best in South Africa. Their champagne, or "methode cape classique' to give the proper nomenclature, is probably the best sparkling wine in the country. There is also a casual bistro where you can sit down or picnic on the lawn.
Klein Constantia is one of the few farms with no restaurant but specialises in the production of fine wines. Its Sauvignon Blanc is particularly renowned, but the king of its production is the Vin de Constance. Bottled in an original 18th-century mould, this sweet wine is akin to the Sauternes of Bordeaux. It is the descendant of the Constantia sweet wines, which made the reputation of this area and was exported to the royal houses and the court of Napoleon in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
Moving on to Constantia Uitsig, this is an estate more known for its restaurants than for the quality of its wines. The fine-dining Uitsig restaurant, which competes with Buitenverwachting as one of the best, is complemented by the casual River Cafe, a firm favourite amongst Capetonians for leisurely breakfasts and weekend brunches.
Finishing at the end of the valley (or the beginning, depending on where you start) in the suburb of Tokai is the grand Steenberg Estate. Developed over the years as an upmarket residential estate with a top golf course, the original manor house and vineyard have endured since its founding in 1685. The courtyard of the manor house is flanked by the fine dining Catharina's restaurant and a spa and hotel. Near the winery itself, well known for its sparkling and Catherina, Red wines are the contemporary Bistro 1682, an architecturally stunning and contemporary building with a backdrop to the vineyards and mountains of the Table Mountain National park. It is well known for its Tapas menus and is an excellent way of finishing a punishing day of wine tasting!
Constantia Winelands, What to Do? by Uyaphi.com
Plumwood Inn
Rates from R1 250.00 per person
The seven tranquil and elegant rooms at Plumwood Inn offer up serene sophistication and timeless charm.
Plumwood Inn is a place where you will be unobtrusively pampered and where you will wake up to glorious views, birdsong and clean air.
Colona Castle
Rates from R1 850.00 per person
Colona Castle is an elegant and luxurious retreat close to Muizenberg with commanding vistas out over the Cape Flats, False Bay, the backside of Table Mountain and the Constantiaberg.
Very centrally located to both the Constantia Winelands (within 5 minutes), the Cape Town city centre (25 minutes), the famed Boyes Drive (a few steps away) and the Penguins at Bould beach (25 minutes).
Boasting comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, room service, modern amenities and plenty of activities for all ages, Colona provides a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories of False Bay for years.
Camps Bay Retreat
Rates from R3 360.00 per person
Situated on the majestic slopes of Signal Hill, Camps Bay Retreat is a five-star boutique hotel boasting sumptuous luxury and unparalleled views.
Nestled in an oasis of 4 acres of a small nature reserve and boasting breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Retreat provides a tranquil escape from the hectic pace of city living.
This luxurious retreat boasts unparalleled amenities, a calming ambience, and attentive staff that combine to create an unforgettable experience sure to leave you feeling immensely revived.
Ellerman Villa Two
Rates from R135 000.00 per night
Located in the affluent neighbourhood of Bantry Bay, Cape Town lies Ellerman Villa Two - a lavish private villa offering unparalleled opulence.
Escape to a paradise of unrivalled beauty and tranquillity when you visit this exclusive villa nestled between majestic mountain ranges and overlooking the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean.
Whether it is for your family or a small group of friends, this exquisite destination offers an unforgettable experience.
With three luxurious private bedrooms, each accompanied by a terrace and en-suite bathroom, guests are ensured ample space for relaxation and comfort during their stay.
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Rates from R2 935.00 pp
From its unbeatable location in the V&A Waterfront, guests of The Victoria and Alfred Hotel are treated to spectacular views of Table Mountain and the gorgeous harbour below.
The Victoria and Alfred provides an unparalleled combination of elegance and affordability - it's a perfect option for most budgets!
With its prime location in the heart of the Waterfront district, guests can enjoy easy access to all kinds of shops, restaurants and attractions for an unforgettable experience.
Cellars Hohenort Hotel
Rates from R2 900.00 per person
Cellars Hohenort Hotel is an elegant and luxurious boutique hotel located in the picturesque Constantia Valley.
With its majestic views across 9 acres of internationally renowned gardens, vineyards and mountains, Cellars Hohenort Hotel provides guests a unique stay experience that will be remembered for years.
Cellars Hohenort in Constantia offers up 53 luxurious suites, each meticulously designed with modern amenities and comforts, as well as world-class dining options and exclusive spa treatments.
Villas at Franschhoek Country House
Rates from R7 190.00 per night
These luxury Villas offer what is arguably the best accommodation in the Cape Winelands; the suites are each a total of 100sqm in size which includes a separate lounge, bedroom and bathroom and two private balconies.
A fantastic family-friendly option or for a couple looking for the ultimate in space.
Steenberg Hotel
Rates from R2 050.00 per person
Steenberg Hotel & Spa is an exquisite five-star boutique hotel situated on the foothills of the majestic Constantiaberg Mountain.
Steenberg offers guests a unique combination of luxurious hospitality, fine wines, and exceptional fine cuisine dining experience, a championship golf course and a luxury spa and wellness experience that will leave visitors feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
With its rich history dating back to 1682, the Steenberg Hotel & Spa provides an unforgettable stay in Constantia for those looking for a romantic or relaxing getaway.