Steenberg Vineyards
Photo Credit: Steenberg Vineyards
Steenberg Vineyards
Located at the furthest end of the Constantia Wine Route (from Cape Town city centre), this beautiful winery was established in 1682 and is the oldest registered Cape farm. It overlooks Silvermine Nature Reserve as well as False Bay Coast in the distance.
With a 5-star luxury hotel, spa, golf estate, and two fabulous restaurants in addition to their wine tasting - there is no shortage of things to do at this farm.
The Vineyards:
Around 60 hectares are under vine, of which 70% are white varieties: Sauvignon Blanc(64%) and Sémillon. The estate also grows Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, and even Nebbiolo. The vineyards are on south eastern slopes ranging from 60 to 160 metres above sea level, with lean decomposed granite soils that help to hold water. Temperatures are mild and cooled by breezes from the nearby False Bay coast.
Do explore the gardens that lead up to the vineyards if the weather allows. A self-guided audio tour is available.
The Wine Tasting:
Steenberg Vineyards offers a variety of wines - something to suit every palate. The wine stewards are knowledgeable, friendly, and the service is a always impeccable. There are five wine tasting options:
Reservations are required / Wines are subject to availability / They are a cashless Tasting Room. Payments by card & Snapscan are accepted
The Restaurants:
Bistro Sixteen82:
Named after the year that Steenberg was established, Bistro Sixteen82 is situated right next door to the tasting room. The constantly evolving menu serves breakfast, bistro-style dishes, and tapas in the indoor dining space as well as the outdoor terrace. Tip: if you’re spontaneously planning on staying for food, speak to your wine steward who will confirm whether the restaurant has space and can arrange a table for you. Watch out for the change in menu that happens between lunch and dinner - we’ve been caught out a few times but are always happy to indulge in the tapas.
Tryn:
An ode to Catharina who’s nickname was Tryn, this more refined space offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in the beautifully decorated rooms or on the terrace with views of the vineyard or garden. It's the a quieter space than Bistro Sixteen82 that is usually buzzing.
Top Tips
The historic Cape Dutch heritage buildings and 17th Century Manor House are on the hotel and Tryn side of the property so remember to take a stroll. The spaces are a slow 10 minute stroll apart - either park at the hotel and walk over to the tasting room, or vice versa.
The tasting room looks out onto their lush gardens without views of the vineyards. However, Tryn has a wonderful patio area that overlooks the vines.
The outdoor tasting space is lovely in moderate weather but can get warm very quickly at the height of summer. Our favourite space is the large velvet couch that overlooks the water feature because it gives you all the outdoor feels without the burn.
Be sure to ask about Catharina Ras, the feisty and indomitable woman who was granted the land by Simon van der Stel. It is a story that will have you awestruck!
Be mindful of the cutoff hour for wine purchases, though your wine steward will remind you.
Note that: there are no platters/snacks and you’re not able to purchase a bottle or glass to consume in the tasting room or gardens.
Warning: You’ll want to stay at Steenberg for the entire day. We’ve certainly foregone other winery visits to spend the afternoon at this farm with its exceptional service and friendly staff!
Contact Details
Location: Steenberg Road, Constantia Valley
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10h00-18h00 (the last tasting is at 16h30)
Contact: 021 713 2211 / winetasting@steenbergfarm.com
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The farm is wheel chair friendly.
