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.