Eagles’ Nest
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In Their Words
Eagles' Nest History & Location
Located in the oldest wine producing region in the Southern Hemisphere and just 25 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, Eagles’ Nest was originally a section of Groot Constantia, the wine supplier to European nobility established by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600’s.
For many years Eagles’ Nest operated as a commercial fruit and vegetable farm. Following a devastating mountain fire in 2000 which destroyed all of the natural fynbos vegetation, Protea plants and forest, it was decided to move the focus of the farm back to wine.
Whilst the secluded Constantia Valley is most famous for white wines, Eagles’ Nest boasts such a unique terroir that it is in fact more suited to reds. The farm features east, west and north facing slopes and is the steepest commercially farmed land in the Cape region, if not all of South Africa.
Along with the planting of 12 hectares of vineyards, 25000 Silver Tree seeds were planted as well as thousands of proteas, ferns and other fynbos indigenous to the area. The estate now proudly houses one of the largest Silver Tree plantations in the country.
Eagles' Nest Operating Hours
Wine Tasting: open daily 10am-4.30pm (pre-booking recommended).
*PLEASE NOTE*
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.
Eagles' Nest Wine Tasting
With just 12 hectares under vine, Eagles’ Nest is a boutique wine farm and features some of the steepest vineyards in the Cape Winelands – planted predominantly to Shiraz, Merlot and Viognier. Quality and consistency are paramount where our unique terroir, combined with passionate attention to detail in the vineyards, yields fruit that is crafted into wines which are the epitome of elegance, finesse and complexity.
Join us for a tasting of our award-winning varietals which also include Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé, in our quaint Tasting Room, hidden under a lush green canopy. Alternatively, relax on our outside covered patio or lawns, nestled at the foot of awe-inspiring Table Mountains. Friendly dogs on leads are welcome and please note some of are wines are vegan-friendly.
Wine Tasting Prices
Taste the full range of Eagles’ Nest wines for R85pp which depending on availability usually includes 3 of our Little Eagle Wines (a white blend, red blend and rose) plus 4 of our single varietal Eagles’ Nest wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Merlot, and our flagship Shiraz). Wine can also be served by the glass or bottle.
A selection of deli boards are also available including biltong, charcuterie cuts, artisan cheese, plus Antipasto platters for 2 and other seasonal items including homemade soups. Priced from R185 per platter.
Eagles' Nest Restaurants
The farm doesn’t feature a dedicated full service restaurant, however visitors are welcome to enjoy artisan deli platters alongside their wine tasting. See Wine Tasting section for more information and prices.
Eagles' Nest Tours & Activities
Currently Eagles’ Nest do not offer scheduled cellar or farm tours, however should you have a specific request, please contact the farm as they may be able to assist.
When Lucy Visited
Tucked away high up in a peaceful valley surrounded by towering indigenous trees, Eagles’ Nest is a cosy local spot where families, friends and doggie owners come to kick back, open a bottle of wine, feast on a deli platter and make memories. What’s not to like?
So what makes Eagles' Nest stand out?
This family–run boutique farm has a really idyllic forest location in the fertile Constantia Valley, at the back of beautiful Table Mountain National Park. Unless you know it’s here, Eagles’ Nest would be easy to miss, save for the sign off the main road at Constantia Nek. But for me this only adds to its attraction, for it feels like a little secluded hideaway.
Whilst you don’t have mountain views, you’re instead treated to lush flora, soaring trees in every direction, the sound of trickling streams and an amphitheater of birdsong. Combined with the lighthearted giggles of kids and doggies lying on the grass, it’s chilled and peaceful.
So What About The Farm Itself?
Located in an affluent area known as Constantia Nek, Eagles’ Nest is around 25 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town and is accessed via car, taxi or on the hop on hop off City Sightseeing Constantia Route bus. You can’t walk here so don’t even try!
There’s ample parking in two areas located up a steep hill from the entrance. I usually park in the upper section which is a short 2-3 min walk down through the forest on a pathway to the Tasting Room. This is a lovely welcome as under the canopy of trees you’re greeted with beautiful birdsong and in summer, the entire area seems to bloom.
The farm is boutique in size and centres around a relatively small but bright and airy heritage Tasting Room with high ceilings, 4 or 5 tables plus retractable floor to ceiling doors. Usually though, everyone sits outside either on the lawns, in the covered patio area or at tables under umbrellas on another paved patio. Seating is mostly ‘pub beer garden’ style, with a pretty stream intersecting the areas, adding to its natural beauty.
Whilst there are no dedicated kids facilities (i.e. jungle gyms), Eagles’ Nest is popular with families and they actively welcome young ones. The flat lawns and pretty stream provide a nice setting, however it’s worth noting that they do ask that visitors stay out of the stream, for safety’s sake (and very small ones should be monitored to avoid this). They don’t offer a kids’ menu but have plenty of nibbles to keep kids happy as well as juice boxes etc. Dogs are very welcome however must be kept on a lead at all times – I always see friendly pooches here.
The farm is hugely popular on sunny days however it’s worth noting that COVID restrictions mean some sections are closed. For example on the (sunny) day I visited, they closed both the inside and outside ‘covered’ areas to ensure maximum occupancies weren’t exceeded. On rainy days, they switch the seating around and open the covered areas instead. Overall space is limited, so it’s definitely worth pre–booking, especially at weekends.
So What About The Wine Tasting Itself?
Constantia is renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, so it was surprising to hear that the flagship wine here is a Shiraz (although they do also produce a popular Sauv Blanc). They’re able to successfully produce this Shiraz due to their notoriously steep vineyards, which allow the plantings to sit right at the top of the estate, soaking up the necessary abundant sunlight. And what a lovely Shiraz it is (my top pick)!
There’s just one wine tasting option, R85pp for a choice of 5 wines across their 2 ranges (they have 4 premium Eagles’ Nest single varietals and 3 ‘Little Eagles’ Nest’ red/white blends and a rose). Even though they only produce 7 wines, they all seemed quite different yet all were crowd pleasing: easy on the palate, fruity, smooth and approachable in their own ways. The reds were perhaps leaning towards the heavier side but there were definitely enough options to suit most.
Service was attentive and our wine host was friendly and explained the wines clearly. Not much was mentioned about the history of the farm but they helpfully give you a menu with the history printed on the back, which is a nice touch.
I’ve had a couple of platters here before and they’re consistently fresh and good value. I particularly love the cheese platter which also comes with olives, pesto, caramelised onion and sweet pickles. You can order a basic platter and then add various little deli items from the menu to bulk them up, which is nice. Average selection of beverages for non-drinkers and they offer a kiddies juice box. No other heavy meals but really the platters are all you need.
In Summary
An unpretentious and fuss–free wine farm located in a secluded sunny forest, with nice wines and decent deli platters. It does what it says on the tin! Most suited to small groups, couples and dog owners looking for a relaxed few hours away from the city – and best enjoyed on a sunny day when you can soak up its wonderful natural outdoor setting.
Top Tip!
If you have kids or like a sunny spot, definitely book a table on the grassy lawns if you can, however this might be tricky to access if you have limited mobility, due to a few steps and gravel. Should you have mobility issues, the upper covered patio would be better however it’s always worth giving the farm a call to discuss your needs as they’re a really friendly team.
