Wine Estates in Southern Suburbs

Situated on the foothills of Steenberg Mountains after which it is named, this historic estate is the oldest wine farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, one of South Africa's premier wine growing regions. Steenberg is the southern-most wine farm in the Constantia Valley, the vines benefiting greatly from the cooling influence of summer sea breezes from nearby False Bay.

The 68 hectare vineyards have been planted with a number of cultivars chosen to suit the chemical nature of the soils, microclimate and altitude of the slopes of Steenberg. These include their flagship cultivar Sauvignon Blanc as well as Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Nebbiolo.

Their most renowned wines, Sauvignon Blanc Reserve and Catharina’s, a red Bordeaux blend named after the founder of Steenberg, have won many awards under the expertise of winemaker John Loubser. The state-of-the-art cellar has the capacity to produce around 70 000 cases. A major feature of the cellar is the vinotheque, where bottled wines are kept under ideal conditions until ready to be enjoyed.

Need to know? The wine tasting room is open 7 days a week from 10h00 – 16h15 and open to the public. Steenberg Estate is currently building a new tasting center at the cellar door and in the meantime a tasting area is open at the hotel. Opening of the new tasting center is in November 2009.

Originally part of Simon van der Stel’s original grant of Groot Constantia, this award winning wine estate is one of Constantia’s ‘Big Five’. Not only does it produce superb wines but it is also the home of three world-renowned restaurants, a private cricket oval, Spa and a small luxury hotel.

Need to know? Situated at the entrance to the Estate, The Wine Shop offers informal tastings of the Constantia Uitsig Wines throughout the day, Monday to Sunday free of charge. Opening times are Mon – Fri: 09h00 – 17h00 Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 10h00 – 17h0.

Appropriately named Buitenverwachting, which means "Beyond Expectations", this stunning farm is steeped in history and forms part of the original Constantia Estate which was founded by Governor Simon van der Stel. Situated on the east-facing slopes of Constantiaberg, vines are rooted in deep, decomposing granite soils and cooled by temperate sea breezes from the nearby oceans. Buitenverwachting captures its true meaning with a magical blend of the beauty of the Cape, exceptional cuisine and handcrafted wines.

Buitenverwachting’s vines produce internationally acclaimed wines of great complexity with unique aromatic profiles. During the past five years, fifteen wines were selected by international airlines for their first and business class wine lists. Six double gold and twelve gold medals were awarded at the Veritas national Wine Shows. Buitenverwachting achieved the trophy for the best red (1994) and white (1991) wine on the South African Airways wine list. What's more, the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award was won by former cellarmaster, Jean Daneel for the 1991 Buitenverwachting Merlot.

Overlooking the vineyards and Constantiaberg Mountains, Buitenverwachting Restaurant lives up to the excellence in winemaking and is consistently rated amongst the top ten restaurants in the country. The menu is changed daily as only the finest, fresh produce is procured from far and wide. During the summer months you can indulge in a pre-booked picnic basket served under the old oak trees in the beautiful gardens.

Need to know? Wine tasting and sales from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

One of Constantia's 'Big Five' wine estates, this grand daddy of the Cape Winelands has a fascinating history. At the gate of Klein Constantia Estate is the Kramat (shrine) of Sheik Abdurachman Matebe Shah, linked in oral traditional to the last Sultanate of Malacca. Banished to the Cape after capture by the Dutch in Sumatra in 1661, he and his companion Sheikh Mahmoud, were confined to the forests of Constantia.

Situated on the eastern slopes and foothills of Constantiaberg, Klein Constantia Estate has idyllic conditions for producing grapes with ample fruit flavours. Klein Constantia produces an array of varietally labelled premium wines - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and small quantities of Semillon, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Blends include flagship red Marlbrook and flagship white Mme Marlbrook. Their most famous and admired wine is the Vin de Constance, a re-creation of the legendary sweet Constantia.

World famous for its wines, Groot Constantia Estate is one of the earliest proclaimed wine farms in the Cape and also a National Monument and prospective UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still producing award-winning wines today, it is a magnificent example of South Africa's heritage. The Groot Constantia Manor House is a museum that epitomises Cape Dutch architecture and a wealthy nineteenth-century homestead. Also worth a visit is the attractive Cloete Wine Cellar which has also been converted into a museum, this time with an emphasis on wine and brandy making in the Cape. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the magnificent grounds or enjoy a meal, picnic or deli food from the two restaurants, Simon's Restaurant and Jonkershuis Restaurant.

Need to know? Situated in the heart of the Constantia Wine Route, it is open 7 days a week, including public holidays. Closed only on Good Friday, Christmas Day and the 1st of January. The wines of the Estate may be tasted and bought every day from 9am to 6pm. The cost is R25 per person which includes 5 wines & international souvenir tasting glass.