If you’ve read about the Top 3 Wine Estates in Cape Town, you should read on to discover the other beautiful vineyards located along the Constantia Wine Route.
- Steenberg Wine Estate
Nestled on the side of a towering mountain, Steenberg Wine Estate is the oldest farm in Constantia Valley, established in 1682. Not only are they great for heritage lovers, they also offer a charming but sophisticated venue you’d happily bring your friends to. Some top wines to try here include those from their Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Nebbiolo, and Magna Carta ranges, and cellar tours are free for those visiting during the week.
Their two on-site restaurants, Catharine’s and Bistro Sixteen82, both have impressive credentials and recently won the American Express Platinum Fine dining awards for 2013, so stop in for a magical meal after your wine tasting. Take note of the fact that Bistro Sixteen82 will be serving Asian-inspired tapas throughout October 2013, so those who love Asian-influenced cuisines should stop on by.
Tasting Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (daily)
- Buitenverwachting
Buitenverwachting is a classic wine estate and the perfect place for social soirees, a day out with your girlfriends, or a romantic rendezvous with your beau, and not only because of the impressive views of the surroundings. Some of the top wines available at the estate include Buten Blanc 2012, Hussey Vlei Sauvignon Blanc 2012, and the Cabernet Franc 2008.
Once you’ve enjoyed a wine tasting, head over to the stately Courtyard restaurant, which has a tinkling fountain to set the mood and plenty of sumptuous high tea and tapas selections to tempt any palate. Lighter foods can be ordered from the artsy Coffee BloC that provides freshly baked cakes and aromatic coffees year-round.
Tasting Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday) and 10:00 – 15:00 (Saturdays)
- Silvermist
Situated within the Table Mountain National Park, around the corner from Kirstenbosch, Silvermist is the only organic wine estate along the Constantia Wine Route, established in 1984. Their position means they get plenty of cooling ocean breezes to temper the effects of warm summer days, which results in truly exceptional products! They produce a limited number of bottles per year and their three cultivars are Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.
A local duck population roams the vineyards, which ensures no pesticides are used at any point during the wine making process, and the well-fed ducks have settled in very nicely, and are rather friendly to visitors. The views from here are outstanding and their on-site accommodation, Silvermist Mountain Lodge, means interested parties can stay over and enjoy a night in the winelands.
Tasting Hours: By appointment only. Tel: 021 794 7601.
Get a first-hand account on 3 more wine estates along the Constantia Wine Route by clicking here.
Which of these wine estates will you take your friends to?
Main image credited to Martin Cathrae (Flickr) .
