With only 10 wine estates, the Constantia Wine Route is not only the southern hemisphere’s oldest wine-making region (dating to 1685), but also the Cape’s most intimate wine route. Despite its small size, the Constantia Wine Route produces award-winning wines year after year; making it one of the biggest celebrities in the international world of wine.
My intention was to visit as many wine estates as possible, but even though 3 of the estates we visited lay within a 1km stretch of road, we only managed 4 estates before my rather loud and giggly alter-ego “Rosie” made an appearance. Thanks to the palates of Rosie and friends, you too can have a taste of the Constantia Wine Route. Keep reading to see our top 10 wines of the day!
BEAU CONSTANTIA
Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm on the steep slopes of Constantia Nek, at the very end of the wine route (or at the very beginning if you’re coming from Hout Bay). We loved the elevated views from the modern, trendy deck, and indoor seating area. Unfortunately they were virtually out of stock (sign of a good wine producer I reckon!) and could only offer a tasting of one wine. We were informed that there will be 2 new reds available by the end of July and some whites in November. The bar manager, Oom Japie (whose distinct facial hair inspired the Pas de Nom label), specialises in planting on very steep slopes. And when you see just how steep they are, you will have a new appreciation for this little gem of a vineyard.
Child-friendly: Despite half the visitors having children, I wouldn’t take my kids back until they are older…unless they introduce Velcro strapping to the seats. The tasting room is far too “Top Billing” beautiful for footprints on the couch.
Wines: Pas de Nom Red
Tasting room: Open daily from 10h00 – 16h30 (except Christmas, Boxing Day, New Years Day, and Good Friday). Contact +27 (0)21 794 8632 or email [email protected].
CONSTANTIA GLEN
Constantia Glen forms a small 60 hectare wedge between Beau Constantia and Eagle’s Nest, and receives the most amount of sunlight in the valley – which is exceptionally good for their grapes. They also rely solely on the blessings of Mother Nature and use no additional irrigation. The estate boasts sweeping views of the valley from the beautifully appointed tasting room, which is enough reason to visit in itself. They are busy upgrading their tasting room to an extra 40-seats for the summer season, so if you go now, you’ll have to put up with the occasional drilling and not-so-pretty construction tape; but come summer holidays, it will be a spot to beat!
Child-friendly: While there is no jungle gym or kiddie’s menu, they were more than happy to let the little ones run around the grass embankment. The brightly coloured straws that came with the homemade lemonade certainly didn’t go unnoticed by the kids either. There are also 3 friendly dogs to play with. Just don’t be like some other guests and assume that your dogs are invited to join the party – it is not a pet-friendly venue.
Wines: Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Constantia Glen Three 2009, Constantia Glen Five 2008 (all have a 4 or 4.5 star John Platters rating)
Tasting room: Open weekdays from 10h00 – 17h00 and weekends from 10h00 – 16h00. Contact +27 (0)21 795 5639 or email [email protected].
EAGLE’S NEST
The small and unassuming Eagle’s Nest wine estate delivered far more than expected. Making the most of the sunny winter weather, we took our wine tasting outdoors, plopping ourselves down on quirky wine barrel furniture, handmade by the owner himself. We definitely had the most fun and tasted the most outstanding wines here.
Child-friendly: Eagle’s Nest gets the Noddy badge for child-friendliness. Despite not having actual kiddie facilities, there is plenty of open grass, a bridge, and a little stream that entertain kids with the simpler pleasures in life, like leaf-boat racing and navigating your baby brother across a log without landing in the water. If you’re lucky, you’ll even find a puppy bounding about.
Wines: Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Verreaux 2008, Merlot 2009, Shiraz 2010
Tasting Room: Open daily from 10h00 – 16h30. Contact +27 (0)21 794 4095 or email [email protected].
STEENBERG VINEYARDS
After visiting 3 estates already, we ummed and aahed about another one. Then we remembered that Steenberg Vineyards offers FREE wine tasting of up to 6 wines (as well as other tastings and food and wine pairings at an additional charge). It was far busier and more commercialised than the other estates, with patrons enjoying the wine tasting bar, Bistro Sixteen82, and sunlit deck. If you visit during the week, you can also enjoy free cellar tours.
Child-friendly: While not geared to children, Steenberg has a grassy bank and a beautifully constructed water feature landscape with bridges that keeps kids happy.
Wines: 1682 Chardonnay Methode Cap Classique, Sauvignon Blanc 2012, HMS Sphynx Chardonnay 2012, Rose 2013, Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Klein Steenberg), HMS Echo Red Blend 2012, Merlot 2010, Shiraz 2010.
Tasting room: Open daily from 10h00 – 18h00. Contact +27 (0)21 713 2211 or email [email protected].
Rosie & Friends’ Top 10 Wines:
- Eagle’s Nest Shiraz 2010 (7/5) – Our undisputed winner of the day! The 2007 was awarded Best in the World; 2008 won Best in South Africa; 2009 was named Best in the Southern Hemisphere; and according to the wine producer, 2010 is the best one yet.
- Constantia Glen Five (5/5)
- Eagle’s Nest Merlot 2009 (4.75/5)
- Eagle’s Nest Sauvignon Blanc (4.5/5) – This wine tasted even better the second time round (we ordered an extra glass after the reds) and we upped the rating by half a star.
- Steenberg HMS Sphynx Chardonnay 2012 (4.25/5)
- Eagle’s Nest Verreaux 2008 (4/5)
- Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (4/5)
- Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (After a hot debate, we settled on 4/5)
- Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (3.75/5)
- Steenberg Merlot 2010 (3.5/5) – This was the most contested wine. It has strong mint tones and a fragrance that immediately made me think of the Karoo. It isn’t a first choice on its own, but makes an incredible pairing wine, especially with a dish like roast lamb and rosemary.
I still have to visit Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig, Groot Constantia, High Constantia, Klein Constantia, and Silvermist, so I’ll just have to force myself back for part 2 and 3! What’s your favourite estate on the Constantia Wine Route?
