Klein Constantia Wine Farm
Klein Constantia
Just around the corner from Buitenverwachting is Klein Constantia, the home of the iconic Vin de Constance. The drive towards the tasting room is beautiful, as you’re increasingly surrounded by vineyards as you get closer to your destination. You’ll notice a kramat on the property, one of 3 in the area - these are a snippet of the once diverse history of Constantia. Take a moment to browse the wall-mounted historical installation as you enter the building - they are one of few wineries who acknowledge a truer reflection of the Cape wine industry's past.
The Bistro, their restaurant situated under the Jacaranda trees, focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and celebrates a ‘farm to table’ and ‘head to toe’ menu.
The Vineyards:
The vineyards mostly face south to east and the higher slopes (70 to 343 metres above sea level) are some of the coolest in the Cape, thereby concentrating flavour while retaining acidity. The vineyards are cooled by altitude and sea breezes from the False Bay coast. The soils originate from 600 million year old granite, and are mainly deep, fertile Oakleaf and drier Glenrosa with a saprolite subsoil higher up - providing well drained, fertile, decomposed granite with good clay content to ensure water retention. Klein Constantia practice precision farming, organic products and biodynamic preparations, and minimise conventional methods and products. As a conservation effort, no virgin soil is ploughed. Klein Constantia has been recognised as a WWF Conservation Champion since 2011.
As it's a residential area, they are hesitant about how much of the farm you are able to explore.
The Wine Tasting:
The tasting: this smaller space is better suited to individuals or groups of no more than 8 people. They offer 4 tastings:
Reservations are required / Wines are subject to availability
The Restaurants:
The Bistro:
The Bistro is situated alongside the tasting room, under the Jacaranda trees. It's a hidden gem that's a pretty nifty meeting venue away from the buzz of the wine route. The Bistro focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and celebrates a ‘farm to table’ and ‘head to toe’ menu. In addition to the Klein Constantia wines, they offer older and rarer vintages from their wine library.
Curated cheese plates are available at the restaurant from mid-afternoon and can be paired with the Vin de Constance vintage featured on the day. It's a great secret hideaway for quiet lunches or relaxed business meetings.
Hot Take
It’s a cold tasting room - in terms of both temperature and some of the staff. I don’t know why - they’re really lovely people. I’ve found that the best bet at experiencing their warmth and friendliness is to have at least one person in your tasting part do the Vin de Constance tasting. It means you’ll receive extra attention (given that you’ll receive more information). We tend to share the VdC tasting (one between 3 people works if everyone takes small sips) alongside additional tastings.
PS. The security may seem strict as it is also the entrance to a residential area - but the security guards are darlings.
Contact Details
Location: 37 Klein Constantia Road
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10h00-17h00
Contact: 021 794 5188 / winetasting@steenbergfarm.com
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