The wine farms of the Constantia Valley known as “Cape Town’s Vineyard” are a hive of activity during the week and luckily for us, on many of the farms, the action doesn’t stop there. On the weekends when most of us are enjoying our time off, our farms continue to be bustling with tastings, tours and activities for the entire family. We’ve put together a handy little guide of weekend wine farm activities, and we invite you to come and enjoy our unique Constantia Valley hospitality.
Silvermist
Silvermist is a family owned Organic Wine Estate located at the top of the Constantia Valley, Constantia Nek. The farm falls within the Table Mountain National Park and boasts an extensive range of natural Fynbos and Forests. Wild animals and birds are prolific and move freely between the National Park and the farm, a recommended spot for the avid birdwatcher. Look out for Rocket Dog and Rooster, who are the Winemaker, Gregory Louw’s side-kicks; often found amongst the vineyards helping the production team. While they are not currently doing wine tastings, you can be sure to find loads to do on this farm.
The Green Vine Eatery’s busiest day is Sunday when they host a scrumptious Sunday Roast and light the roaring fire during the winter months. (We recommend that you book ahead). Large groups are welcomed and do not pose a problem on this family-run farm. For the more conservative diner, the Chef’s daily specials are always something fabulous and will soon include a tasting menu to pair with Silvermist’s choice of Constantia Valley wines.
Lunch Bookings from 12h00 or 14h30 ~ Reservations +27 (0)21 794 7601+27 (0)21 794 7601 or silvermistvineyards@gmail.com
The ever famous, La Colombe shares the land on this beautiful mountain top, serving lunch from 12h30 – 14h00, Monday’s to Sunday’s & Dinner 19h00 – 20h30, Monday’s to Saturday’s
For the more adventurous, The SA Forest Adventure Zipline runs throughout winter with great value specials. Email bookings@saforestadventures.co.za for more info.
Beau Constantia
Situated on the top of Constantia Nek, Beau Constantia with its stylish and modern architecture, boasts panoramic views that stretch further than the imagination. Sundays for this boutique wine farm is ‘business as usual’, offering a more formal wine tasting upstairs and cosy wine bar downstairs. Their mouthwatering tasting menu offers light meals and sushi when paired with their wine selection.
Wine Bar and Kitchen opens from 12h00 (bookings required) but you can start the experience from 10h00 with a wine tasting of Beau’s finest award winning wines in the tasting room.
For bookings and info email winesales@beauconstantia.com or call +27 (0)21 794 8632+27 (0)21 794 8632
Eagles Nest
Springbok Carpaccio and Free Range liver pate, or a medley of local and imported cheeses that invigorate the palate. These are just a few items available on the platters designed to accompany one, or two of Eagles Nest Wines. On a warm winter day, you can sit in the garden and enjoy the fresh country air, or if you prefer during chillier afternoons, you can find a spot inside by the fireplace. Whatever the weather, you can rest assured that this piece of heaven is open all weekend to provide a relaxed and homely environment. With any luck, you’ll be greeted by Eagles Nest welcoming committee Teddy, the most loyal dog on the block. We look forward to November when Eagles Nest once again opens their ever popular picnic season, a time for kicking off your shoes and relaxing on the lawns.
Tastings open from 10h00 to 16h30 ~ Kitchen Closes at 16h00
For bookings, email info@eaglesnestwines.com or call +27 (0)21 794 4095+27 (0)21 794 4095
Groot Constantia
Groot Constantia is our oldest wine producing farm, celebrating its 330th Birthday on the 13th July. This estate is filled with fascinating history and heritage as well as spectacular views over False Bay in the distance. Chocolate and Wine pairing is the order of an average day at Groot Constantia with guided tours of the Iziko museums manor house and wine cellar. Tours depart every hour on the hour from 10h00 to 16h00, so there is plenty of time to catch up over a cup of coffee or light lunch at one of their restaurants.
Wine Tasting and Tour Bookings Tel: 021-794 5128 or through Webtickets
Jonkershuis Eatery, nestled in the Historical Mile offers an array of Cape Malay dishes and famous cakes to indulge. Dine al fresco on the original gravel road leading to the manor house or in the courtyard under the vines. Inside, dining is elegant and informal, with a double sided fireplace that adds warmth and grandeur.
Simon’s Restaurant with panoramic views of the Groot Constantia Vineyards offers guests fresh seasonal produce on their menu. Try the famous Fish and Chips or Burgers while savouring the wines of the valley or when enjoying a frosty craft beer from the broad selection. As the weather turns, join them inside where they’ll light the giant fire on chilly days.
Steenberg
With Steenberg’s Tasting Room sitting adjacent to Bistro 1682 the tapas bistro-style darling of the Constantia Valley, a visit here guarantees a wonderful experience. Offering wine tastings from 10h00 to 18h00 and inventive wine and tapas specials every night including Sundays.
Catharina’s has a Sunday Feast Menu for R300 which includes all of the Sunday favourites in a three-course long lunch affair. With their two and three course Winter Warmer Menu options, you are actually spoilt for choice (available until 31st August).
For bookings or more info email info@steenbergfarm.com or call +27 (0)21 713 2211+27 (0)21 713 2211
Uitsig
Constantia Uitsig‘s new wine shop marries rustic charm with warm hospitality. So pull up a chair around their oak table and prepare to meet some memorable wines.
Informal tastings are offered at a fee of R40.00 per person. It includes a tasting of five white wines and one red. An additional charge of R10 includes our famous Muscat and MCC.
The Wine Shop is also proud to stock goods from Brenda’s Deli; must-have pantry items for any household.
The Bike Park is open seven days a week – from 8 am until sunset. Entry is R30 per day and is a perfect outdoor adventure outing for the whole family.
The Open Door restaurant in the old River Café premises, with a modern contemporary feel and menu, offers lunch and dinner and will soon open for breakfast too.
Wine tasting from 10h00 to 17h00 (18h00 in warmer seasons).
Email winesales@uitsig.co.za or call +21 (0)21 794 6500
Klein Constantia
Klein Constantia’s philosophy is founded on quality rather than quantity, reflected in their bottlings regularly winning top South African and international wine accolades. They produce a premium Estate range, an elegant Marlbrook range, an accessible and easy-drinking KC range and, of course, their iconic natural sweet dessert wine, Vin de Constance.
Wine tasting from 10h00 till 16h30 on Saturdays ~ Closed on Sundays (Winter)
Email info@kleinconstantia.com or call +27 (0)21 794 5188+27 (0)21 794 5188
Buitenverwachting
This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg originally formed part of the Constantia Estate which was founded by Simon van der Stel. With their restaurant in the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame and their award winning wines to the delectable summer picnics, magical weddings and newly released Buitenverwachting Gin, this farm has the full package with farm animals to boot.
The trendy Coffee Bloc has the most delicious of coffees and cakes! Baked daily by Edgar’s Kitchen the pastries are quite the best around. Rustic and Stylish it’s the spot in Constantia where the trendoids hang out. Delicious breakfasts and light lunches too. Incredible value; great service and mouth-wateringly deliciousness.
Wine tasting from 10h00 to 15h00 ~ Farm closed on Sundays
Email info@buitenverwachting.co.za or call +27 (0)21 794 5190+27 (0)21 794 5190
The Constantia Wine Tour offers exclusive tours within The Constantia Valley, the founder, guide and owner of the business has put together a typical day of The Constantia Wine Tour, there are all sorts of tours that The Constantia Wine Tour offers.
Central bookings: call +27 (0)21 794 4873 or email bookings@theconstantiawinetour.co.za