Constantia Glen
Share:
In Their Words
Constantia Glen History & Location
Steeped in history in South Africa’s oldest wine producing region, picturesque Constantia Glen is ideally located below Constantia Nek, just 25 minutes drive from the centre of bustling Cape Town.
A family-run estate lovingly maintained over several generations, the farm sits on just 60 hectares at a sloping altitude of 130-270 metres above sea level. Notoriously difficult to farm, its wine origins date back to the 1700s however prior to the turn of the 21st Century, had been predominantly known as a successful cattle stud and fruit farm.
Following a devastating fire which engulfed much of the area in the year 2000, the farm’s livestock was evacuated and the decision made to return Constantia Glen to its historic wine roots. The majority of new vines were planted in 2001 and the first wines produced in 2005. With a mere 29 hectares under vine, the estate is a true boutique wine operator, producing just 120,000 bottles of premium, cool climate wines per year.
Constantia Glen Operating Hours
Wine Tasting & Food: open Mon to Thu 10am-5pm, Fri & Sat 10am-8pm & Sun 10am-6pm.
*PLEASE NOTE*
Closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan. All times, prices and facilities listed are subject to change. We recommend checking latest details directly with the farm and pre-booking experiences wherever possible, to avoid disappointment.
Constantia Glen Wine Tasting
Constantia Glen has a unique position cradled between the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain ranges, with predominantly north-east facing sunny slopes. This singular location allows for exposure to late afternoon sun ideal for slow ripening, leading to crisp white wines and fresh, vibrant reds of great elegance and structure.
Visit us and unwind with a drink and nibbles in one of our many cosy indoor and outdoor tasting areas, enjoying one of Cape Town’s best views!
Wine Tasting Prices
A wide selection of tastings are available, including the Serious about Sauvignon Blanc (R65pp for 3 vintages), the Van Wyk Family Wines Tasting (R95pp for 5), the Constantia Glen Flagship Tasting (R95pp for 4), White Wine Tasting (R100pp for 6), Red Wine Tasting (R100pp for 5) or the Full House Tasting (R125pp for 7).
Glasses and bottles of wine are also available, as is an extensive menu of food including platters, flammkuchen flatbreads, desserts and casual fare (see Restaurants below).
Constantia Glen Restaurants
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed, seasonal menu served in any one of the farm’s social dining spaces, from the warm and inviting Glass House restaurant, to the sun-soaked Cobblestones patio or charming outdoor Veranda. All boast glorious views of the vineyards and lawns and can be pre-booked.
Note, the farm also features an indoor Tasting Room and rear outside Courtyard. These are available for walk-ins only and cannot be pre-booked however still enjoy lovely views.
Menus & Pricing
Delicious platters, salads, soups, mouthwatering gourmet mains and yummy desserts – you’ll find them all here at Constantia Glen. We use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients from sustainable sources, with an Austrian influence.
Staples include cheese & charcuterie platters, burgers, seared tuna and flammkuchen (thinly rolled flatbread baked in a wood-fire oven). Main courses start from approx. R150pp and platters from R170 for 2.
Constantia Glen Tours & Activities
Currently Constantia Glen do not offer cellar or farm tours, however are popular for private events. Contact the farm for any group enquiries and they may be able to assist.
When Lucy Visited
Constantia Glen was one of the first wine farms I ever visited – and having been back many times since, I still feel they have a little special something which makes them stand apart from the rest.
So what is it? Well firstly they’re always pretty solid and dependable in terms of their visitor experience. They’re boutique in size so they can get busy, yet whether I’ve visited on a hot summer’s day, a cool autumn evening or as a mid week treat, I’ve found the food and the service have been consistently good – and the wine, views and vibe pack a real punch.
The Location & Layout of Constantia Glen
As the name suggests, the estate sits on the edge of the affluent suburb of Constantia, around 25 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town in the Constantia Valley. You can only enter the estate by car (or taxi) for safety reasons, so please note it’s not currently possible to use the City Sightseeing bus which stops nearby to get here. Just Uber in Cape Town – it’s so easy!
The farm sits within a basin facing sloping vines and woodland, scaling all the way up towards the back of Table Mountain and the Constantiaberg. There are some great walking trails around here and it’s certainly a very scenic and ‘green’ part of Cape Town which makes for excellent views as you sip wine.
Boutique in every way with a design that is both traditional and cosy, I find Constantia Glen hits the right notes in that they’ve made sure each area is attractive without being too ostentatious. Expect a down to earth country style vibe, with wicker chairs and ornate brooky lace gables painted in the traditional green and white Cape Dutch style. Warm lightning and indoor plants make you feel at home almost immediately, it’s so relaxed and comfortable which is why the locals love it.
Constantia Glen is split into several distinct seating areas and as food and tastings are permitted throughout 7 days a week, it’s worth understanding each section so you can choose your view and setting wisely.
The ‘Cobblestones’ area’ is the outdoor section closest to the entrance, with tables enjoying lovely views out towards the vines and mountains – this is a popular spot for larger groups however they usually sit couples at the front. The ‘Verandah’ is the long outdoor section running along the main body of the property – with unobstructed views of the mountains and vines. Best suited for 2-4 people and probably the most popular.
The ‘Glass House’ is the official indoor restaurant area which sits at the far end of the building, with 180 degree views of the lawns, vines and mountains from the floor to ceiling windows.
There is also a bright and welcoming indoor ‘Tasting Room’ complete with tables and a fireplace and finally a back section known as the ‘Fountain’ courtyard area, reserved for walk ins. Note the views in this area are restricted however it’s still pleasant and often where any live music is hosted.
In terms of food, the menu offers a decent selection of lighter bites and heavier meals, with platters, burgers and their flagship ‘Flammkuchen’ (flatbreads) being very popular. It’s quite unusual for a wine estate to serve meals all day every day so this is also a great advantage of Constantia Glen, especially if you want to enjoy something later on in the day as the sun sets. I’ve enjoyed many a Sunday evening here after the crowds go, watching the changing colours of the sky – cosy under a blanket they’ve provided. If it’s a cold blustery day then booking inside the Glass House is your best bet, otherwise I try and book the Verandah.
Note there are no dedicated kids facilities here nor is there a kids’ menu, however children are welcome. There is a grassy section both in front of the Glass House and Verandah areas, which seem to be the most popular for those visiting with kids.
Wine Tasting at Constantia Glen
For such a boutique farm, they offer quite a few tasting options. Choose from estate wines under the Constantia Glen label (grown, picked, and bottled on the estate), or the Van Wyk, Saddle or Constantia Hill Wine ranges. You’ll notice the Constantia Glen label includes wines such as ‘Constantia Glen Three’ or ‘Constantia Glen Five’ – this corresponds to the number of grape varietals which make up each wine.
I think their blends are particularly exceptional. “Three” is my favourite Bordeaux style red blend: a heady full bodied mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2018 vintage I sampled was packed with concentrated ripe fruit, offering a rich and long finish. I also really enjoy their White Blend “Two”. This is a wooded Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend, and the light use of oak gives it a real depth of flavour and texture, complementing the grapes which are picked from the best blocks on the estate.
Various tasting flights are available, allowing you to mix and match styles and ranges. Tastings are very affordable, starting from R65. They also offer wines by the glass or bottle which is really handy once you’ve found your favourite! Overall, Constantia Glen pride themselves on quality over quantity which really shines through.
I’ve always found the wine hosts incredibly knowledgeable and friendly here – and they usually ask if you’ve been before and want to know a little of the history of the estate. I think this brings the whole experience to life. The farm has an interesting backstory and they’ve overcome many challenges including a devastating fire. Understanding these personal stories often means you walk away from a wine tasting experience (such as this) feeling all the more connected to the estate.
The Food at Constantia Glen
Usually I order a platter such as their Charcuterie for 2 (R180) as it’s always a reliable option however on my last visit we opted for their famous Flammkuchen (“thinly rolled flatbread baked in a wood-fired oven” – i.e. like a pizza). In my opinion, 1 of these is more than enough for 2 and they are packed with delicious (and sometimes unusual) ingredients. You can also find salads and rich meat courses, plus some seafood such as this yummy Smoked Salmon Rosti. They don’t have a kids’ menu but my two kids shared a Caprese Flammkuchen and this was perfect. They also offer vegan options which is great.
In Summary
A gorgeous and versatile wine farm close to Cape Town which ticks so many boxes – friendly and knowledgeable staff, beautiful views, good food and delicious wine. It would just as easily suit couples, small or larger groups, or even during the quieter times, a business meeting. I really have nothing bad to say about this Constantia gem!
Top Tip!
Constantia Glen regularly mix things up offering options such as drink deals, happy hours, half price meals and live music on certain days. Check out their website and social media profiles for the most up to date information and I would always pre-book if you can, if only to get the seating area which suits you best.
