Constantia Winelands Private Wine Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore historic Constantia wine estates
- Enjoy guided wine tastings
- Discover Cape Town's wine heritage
- Experience scenic vineyard landscapes
- Learn about winemaking traditions
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation from Cape Town
- Guided tour of Constantia wine estates
- Wine tastings at selected wineries
- Meals and additional beverages
Itinerary
After pick up at your accommodation in Cape Town at 9:30am we will set off on our Constantia Winelands private tour which we have dubbed: The Simon van der Stel wine tour. We will travel from Cape Town along the M3 passing Rhodes Memorial and the University of Cape Town (UCT) and proceed on the M41 to our first wine stop for the day which is Constantia Glen wine estate. Perched high up on the hill with amazing views of mountains and vineyards, Constantia Glen was originally part of the Simon van der Stel farm. After undergoing farming changes including forest hills farming and cattle stud farming, it returned to its original farming of wine. The wine production is 70% Red and 30% White cultivars.
We then proceed to the historical Groot (meaning Big) Constantia wine estate. Groot Constantia is the oldest wine producing farm in South Africa since 1685 and even after the farm had changed ownership, it still maintains the production of high quality, award-winning wine. The farm produces 70% Red and 30% White cultivars. We can recommend a beautiful lunch either at Simon’s Restaurant or at Jonkershuis Restaurant, both set on this exquisite wine estate.
We end off our Simon van der Stel wine tour with Buitenverwachting (meaning Beyond expectation) wine estate. This too, had formed part of the original Constantia farm which was found by Simon van der Stel. Even though it changed ownership, they retraced the roots of the estate and restored the historical buildings on the farm. The farm produces 8 % Red, 90% White and 2 % Rose cultivars. From there we make our way back to Cape Town where guests will be dropped off back at their accommodation.
Our next stop is at Klein (meaning Little) Constantia wine estate. Set on the foothills of the Constantiaberg, with spectacular views across False Bay, Klein Constantia was also part of the Constantia farm by Simon van der Stel in 1685. Through its decomposed granite soil slopes and cool ocean breeze, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa’s top wine. The farm produces 30% Red and 70% White cultivars.
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; please specify the number of participants when booking.
- Confirm the pickup location and time with the tour operator prior to the tour date.
- Be aware that some wineries may have specific tasting hours; check in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and vineyard tours.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic vineyard landscapes and historic estates.
- Ensure you have a valid ID for wine tasting purposes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
Beautiful vineyard a short distance from Camps Bay. Lots of outside seating and stunning views. The service was spot on and I enjoyed the wines. I had the best meal here in the whole of our stay - crispy fish which was cooked to perfection with a delicious chilli/red onion topping. I would recommend booking. We went early due to an afternoon flight but on leaving at 1.30, couldn't spot an empty table.
Disappointing to say the least.
This tour started out with our tour guide arriving almost 20 mins late to pick us up. He did call the hotel to inform but we were not given the message. After he finally got there he didn’t even know what tour we were doing and asked us what our itinerary was if which I explained to him that we signed up for the tour that was online and we wanted to do what was suggested online. He was unaware of what the suggested wineries were online. He was completely uninformed by the company. I had to find the website and show him. He was very nice just not informed and I didn’t blame him I blame the company that sent him with no info. He knew nothing about the wineries either (so unlike the other wine tours we took). I was aware when booking the tours that the tastings were not included but the website listed the fees of the tastings so we knew what to expect. Well we should have know what to expect. The first winery (Klein Constantia) was supposed to be R100 per person and we got there and were told that they don’t have a tasting for that amount and it was actually R250 per person. Not to mention they were had no reservation and the winery had no idea we were coming (which was an issue later in the day). I asked the tour guide to call the company and he did and was told there was nothing they could do as the price of the tasting had increased recently. I asked the winery and they stated that their fees had not changed in several months so this was not true. We were offered no apology and no remedy but to pay!! This happened over and over all day at each winery we went to. The fee was higher than we expected and had no reservations. At one winery we were almost turned away bc they were busy but the tour guide spoke to them and we were able to do the tasting but we all had to do the same tasting and had to stand at the bar. Very disappointing day. So much so we actually forfeited the last winery and just went back to the hotel.
Fantastic visit to the Contantia Vinyards
We were picked up from Cape Town cruise terminal by our private guide Charlton. We asked to go immediately for a decent coffee (cruise ship coffee was dreadful) and he took us to an amazing coffee shop in Cape Town. We then embarked on our tour of two Constantia Vineyards including wine tasting. It was a brilliant day and experience, which was very much aided by the knowledge, wisdom and company of Charlton. He returned us to the airport in good time for our flight home. I would not hesitate to recommend to others. Thank you