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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route; home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape. Ten wineries are open for tastings, ranging from boutique cellars to grand estates.

Situated just 20 minutes’ drive from the city, it’s a convenient option for those lacking the time to visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The valley’s ocean-facing location, cooled in the summer by steady sea breezes, results in vibrant white wines reminiscent of Bordeaux, alongside structured and elegant red wines. The valley is also increasingly becoming a culinary hotpot in the city.

A view of a recently planted vineyard during the daytime
Experience

Buitenverwachting

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Meaning ‘beyond expectation’, with its gracious Cape Dutch architecture, there’s a real sense of history here – part of Simon van der Stel’s original Constantia Estate. Known for its white wines, including good Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurtztraminer. Yet its flagship is the Christine, a red blend described as a ‘cool-climate benchmark’.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia
Experience

Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Constantia’s growing culinary clout is on full display here, with chef Ivor Jones’ small-plate menu offering some of the city’s most inspired, and affordable, fine dining.

Best for ages: 18+ | £50

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Outdoor wine bar with a beautiful view of the surrounding nature
Experience

Eagle’s Nest

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Focused on producing shiraz and other terroir-driven wines including a delightful viognier, this family-owned boutique winery just below Constantia Nek has picked up significant ‘best red wine’ awards for its shiraz despite being a relative newcomer in the Constantia region.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Close up of barrel with the companies credentials
Experience

Groot Constantia

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The estate’s beautifully restored homestead is one of the finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture in the region. Good for a family outing, this historic icon has views to False Bay, vast lawns where kids can romp, a choice of dining venues and fine red wines for tasting.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Constantia is a 20-minute drive from the city centre along the M3 motorway. Self-drive is easy and you can take your time and stop for a gourmet lunch en route or head to the beach afterwards. Plan and book where to stop for lunch, then aim to visit two wineries in the morning, and one after lunch. You don’t have to book to visit the wineries, but check ahead for opening times, cellar tours and wine sales. Guided tours have the big advantage of avoiding the need to (drink) drive.

The Constantia Wine Tour are the experts and offer several different itineraries. Alternatively, for those on a budget, the City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off bus (Blue route) stops at both Eagle’s Nest and Groot Constantia. Alight for a quick wine tasting at either, before continuing on. See more tour recommendations below.

When to do it

Winter is a cosy and charming time to visit, with fireside tastings and dramatic scenery, while summer is all about al fresco sipping and picnic fare. Spring (Oct-Nov) is the most photogenic, with the vineyards in new leaf. The wine is superb all year round!

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Cape Town 6-day Itinerary

South Africa

Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Premium Half-Day Constantia Wine Tour from Cape Town

Premium Half-Day Constantia Wine Tour from Cape Town

Cape Town

This tour is best for those who are pushed for time and need a half day to do the tour. The tour will take 5 hours and you will be treated t...

Z3,380 | Rating 4.84 / 5 [13 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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1 day Cape Point and Constantia Wine Tour with Private Transfers

1 day Cape Point and Constantia Wine Tour with Private Transfers

Cape Town

See the best of the Cape Peninsula on a private day trip from Cape Town! Sit back and relax as your attentive guide drives you along Chapman...

Z3,800 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [12 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Steenberg Hotel & Spa

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.9 miles]

This elegant country hotel set on a working wine farm is a quietly luxurious base in the Constantia valley, from which to explore the city.

Official star rating:

Vineyard Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.1 miles]

A great value boutique hotel set amid expansive gardens in one of the city’s leafy suburbs, in the shadow of Table Mountain.

Official star rating:

Tintswalo Atlantic

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.9 miles]

A luxurious lodge retreat, set just yards from the Atlantic Ocean, on the shores of the Table Mountain National Park.

Official star rating:

Ocean View House

Cape Town , Western Cape, South Africa[8.8 miles]

A luxurious boutique hotel close to glamorous Camps Bay beach, boasting contemporary sea-view suites.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

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