Constantia Winelands, Cape Town

Make the home-base of your Western Cape trip one of the luxury villas, fine boutique hotels, elegant guesthouses or historic homesteads sheltered in the affluent, peaceful suburb of Constantia in Cape Town, South Africa. Constantia’s serene wine-growing district, was formerly a farm belonging to Cape Governor, Simon Van Der Stel, and is one of the oldest and quietest suburbs in the region. As the closest grape-growing area to the center of Cape Town, Constantia is a convenient location from which to experience the vibrant city bowl of Cape Town just 20 minutes away. At the end of a busy day, the return to Constantia’s farm-style cafes, classic Cape Dutch architecture and lush vineyards delights the senses and soothes the soul. 

Spend a leisurely day tasting the fine local wines at the legendary wine-farms in the area. Tickle your palate with a burst of Cap Classique bubbles from the Steenberg Vineyards before moving on to the excellent varietals at High Constantia, Groot Constantia and Constantia Glen. 

Constantia’s breathtaking pastoral beauty makes it a choice destination for hiking and walking expeditions. There are a variety of quiet trails to explore varying from from a gentle ramble to fairly steep climbs, with stunning views of Hout Bay, the Constantia Valley, Orange Kloof, or the city of Cape Town. View sites all along the Constantia Green Belt beckon you to savor a backpack picnic alongside a mountain stream or catch your breath under a rocky overhang, surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains.  

Constantia is also known for its world-class cuisine and no vacation in the area would be complete without trying the delectable, locally-sourced French-style dining offered by restaurants like La Colombe or authentic Cape Malay-inspired, bistro-style food at Jonkershuis.

Best Time to Visit Constantia:

The best time to visit Constantia for warm weather outdoor activities and clear skies is between the months of December to March, Winters in the Cape are cool, wet, and partly cloudy. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat if you are walking in the summer heat and keep a look-out for snakes on the mountain trails.