Constantia Wine (and Rooibos) Route

Every once in a while I like to visit some of the many beautiful winefarms of the Cape for wine tastings and delicious lunches. There are many wine areas in the Cape but the closest to the central Cape Town is definitely the Constantia Valley.

After just a twenty minutes drive the vineyards stretch up the eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg mountainside. In 1685, during an annual visit to the Cape, Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein granted the grounds of Groot Constantia to Simon Van Der Stel, the VOC (Dutch East India Company) Governor of the Cape of Good Hope. Since then much has changed and nowadays there are nine wine estates. 

Apart from a winery and tasting facility, which is opening in 2018, Constantia Uitsig is also home to the Heritage Market since December 2017. The converted labour cottages offer a range of artisanal craft producers ranging from hand-churned ice cream, to craft beer and single-origin coffee. The lovely Nest Deli & Coffee Shop is now open daily, offering finest single-origin coffees, breakfasts, light lunches and cakes.

If you are craving some Rooibos tea, you can also find the complete selection of Sunbird Rooibos teas at the deli among other gifts, fresh produce and home ware.