Constantia - South Africa's Renowned Wine Region

The wine region of Constantia is one of the oldest and most famous wine-producing areas in South Africa. It offers excellent wines celebrated for their unique flavours and quality. Discover the diversity of this region and find the perfect wine for any occasion.

Founded in 1685 by Governor Simon van der Stel, Constantia lies just 20 kilometres south of Cape Town at the foot of the Cape Peninsula. Its cool, maritime climate, shaped by False Bay and the Atlantic, favours elegant, fresh white wines as well as legendary sweet dessert wines – above all the famous Vin de Constance, prized by European royal courts as early as the 18th century and reportedly a favourite of Napoleon himself.

Discover more about Constantia

The Constantia Wine Region

Constantia is a historic wine region in South Africa, known for its proximity to Cape Town and its breathtaking landscape. The region has a rich winemaking history dating back to the 17th century. The mild climate, fertile soils and proximity to the sea create ideal conditions for viticulture.

Aromas and Wine Styles of the Region

Wines from Constantia are renowned for their versatility. The region is particularly known for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc and red wines such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are marked by fresh acidity, complex aromas and a distinctive character shaped by the region's climatic conditions and terroir.

Sauvignon Blanc from Constantia

Sauvignon Blanc is considered the region's flagship variety and benefits especially from Constantia's cool, maritime climate. The wines often show a clear, precise aromatic profile with notes of gooseberry, citrus and green fruit, carried by lively acidity. Several Constantia Sauvignon Blancs in our range have been awarded 4.5 to 5 John Platter stars – a testament to this variety's exceptional potential in the region.

The Wines of Constantia

When tasting wines from Constantia, you can expect a range of flavours, from fruity and mineral notes to full-bodied, complex red wines. These wines pair excellently with a variety of dishes, from seafood to hearty meat dishes.

The Vin de Constance

No wine represents Constantia quite like the Vin de Constance. As early as the 18th century, this sweet dessert wine, made from late-harvested, partly raisined Muscat grapes, was considered one of the most sought-after wines in Europe – Napoleon himself is said to have had it shipped to him in exile on St Helena. After a decades-long interruption caused by the phylloxera epidemic, Vin de Constance is once again produced at the Klein Constantia estate and stands today as a living piece of South African wine history.

Recommended Wineries from Constantia

Particularly noteworthy are Klein Constantia, producer of the legendary Vin de Constance, Buitenverwachting, one of the region's leading Sauvignon Blanc specialists with several wines rated 4 to 5 John Platter stars, and Steenberg, Constantia's oldest winery (founded in 1682) and known for elegant, precise Sauvignon Blancs.

Other wineries from Constantia in our range: Beau Constantia, Constantia Glen, Eagles' Nest and Groot Constantia, the region's historic founding estate.

Explore Constantia

Constantia is renowned not only for its wines but also for its picturesque landscape and cultural heritage. If you're looking for a unique wine experience, this region should not be missed. Our selection features exquisite wines that embody the essence of Constantia, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Constantia

What is the Constantia wine region?

Constantia is one of South Africa's oldest wine regions, known for its historic estates and the high quality of its wines.

Which wines are produced in Constantia?

Constantia mainly produces Sauvignon Blanc and red wines such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, valued for their freshness and complexity.

Why should you try wines from Constantia?

Wines from Constantia offer a unique flavour profile that reflects the region's distinctive climatic conditions and terroir.

Which Constantia wineries do we carry?

Beau Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Glen, Eagles' Nest, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Steenberg.

What is the Vin de Constance?

A historic, sweet dessert wine from Constantia that captivated European royal courts as early as the 18th century.

Why is Sauvignon Blanc from Constantia special?

The cool, maritime climate gives Sauvignon Blanc a clear aromatic profile with gooseberry, citrus and lively acidity.

Which is the oldest winery in Constantia?

Steenberg, founded in 1682, is considered the region's oldest winery – even predating Groot Constantia.

What foods pair well with wines from Constantia?

Sauvignon Blanc pairs with seafood and fish, red wines with hearty meat dishes, and Vin de Constance with desserts or blue cheese.

Do wines from Constantia make a good gift?

Yes, the Vin de Constance in particular is considered an exceptional gift thanks to its history and rarity.