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
Cape Milner Hotel
Rates from R2 620.00 per person
Immerse yourself in cosmopolitan luxury at the 4-star Cape Milner Hotel, ideally situated in downtown Cape Town. 57 modern and sophisticated rooms with stunning views of Table Mountain or the cityscape provide a perfect retreat after exploring all this vibrant city and region has to offer.
With a wealth of room options and an outstanding restaurant and dining room, your stay in Cape Town, no matter the duration, will be one to remember.
Whether seeking a cosy romantic escape or an unforgettable family holiday, Cape Milner's luxurious accommodations will cater to your every need and desire.
Twelve Apostles Hotel
Rates from R4 465.00 per person
Welcome to the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, located not to far from the famous Camps Bay suburb of Cape Town.
Enjoy breathtaking views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Table Mountain National park from any one of the 70 rooms and suites available.
Indulge in fine dining and wine-tasting options while taking in one of the most beautiful sunsets for any one of the decks!
With so much to offer, it's no wonder the Twelve Apostles is a favourite destination for travellers looking for an unforgettable and unique Camps Bay experience.
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.
Table Bay Hotel
Rates from R3 500.00 per person
The Table Bay Hotel it the V&A Waterfront precinct, a luxurious and sophisticated hotel that offers guests an unparalleled experience.
Located in one of Cape Town's most iconic locations, The Table Bay Hotel offers its guests with panoramic views of the harbour and Table Mountain, world-class dining options, and personalised service.
With its state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional customer service, it is no wonder why this hotel continues to attract so many travellers from near and far.
POD Boutique Hotel
Rates from R3 600.00 per person
Escape to POD Boutique Hotel for the most lavish and remarkable getaway in the Suburb of Camps Bay.
The POD Camps Bay, located in close proximity to the beautiful beachfront and tranquil Atlantic Ocean, offers 15 luxurious suites that boast opulent extravagance coupled with sophisticated simplicity.
Enjoy ultimate relaxation and opulence as you savour the panoramic views of pristine white beaches and shimmering crystal seas that will make your getaway an unforgettable experience.
Just a few minutes away you can find south beach Camps Bay beach, several restaurants, and various bars, all within an easy stroll of less than three minutes.
Queen Victoria Hotel
Rates from R3 650.00 per person
A stay in the illustrious Queen Victoria Hotel guarantees guests a memorable and regal experience, as it stands proudly overlooking the harbour and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town.
Step into the regal experience of Queen Victoria and stay in one of the 35 contemporary yet opulent suites or rooms.
Immerse yourself in luxury and experience the ultimate pampering at this magnificent property, where attention to detail and superior service await you for a truly unforgettable stay in the V&A Waterfront.
Grande Roche Hotel
Rates from R2 650.00 per person
The Grande Roche is a celebrated international hotel, famous for its exquisite location in the centre of the beautiful town of Paarl as well as for its luxurious Cape Winelands Accommodation and award-winning cuisine.
One of the best vineyard hotel options in the Western Cape awaits all visitors.
Winchester Mansions
Rates from R2 740.00 per person
Immerse yourself in luxury at the Winchester Mansions Hotel in the middle of the famed Platinum Mile in Sea Point. Boasting four stars and incredible views that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean seaboard to Robben Island in the distance.
The Winchester Hotel perfectly combines business and leisure for all types of travellers with contemporary amenities, delicious dining options and a spectacular location.
If you need to get away with your special someone or just looking for a cosy place while sightseeing the glories of Cape Town, Sea Point, the Winchester Mansions is there to provide the ideal home-away-from-home experience.