164 of 800: Klein Constantia in the Constantia Wine Valley
Klein Constantia is one of my favourite wine farms for service excellence. I also love the rich history of this estate, being the oldest wine region in the Southern Hemisphere of the world! Klein Constantia is also ranked as number 32 on the World’s Best 50 Vineyards list for 2023.
The History of Klein Constantia
The Birth of Constantia (1685)
The roots of Klein Constantia trace back to the year 1685 when Simon van der Stel, the visionary first governor of the Cape, selected this specific valley as the perfect site for his farm, aptly named "Constantia." It was a land blessed not only with breathtaking beauty but also with the perfect terroir - decomposed granite soils cooled by gentle ocean breezes.
Constantia's Rise to Fame (17th - 18th Century)
Under Van der Stel's guidance, vineyards were planted, and winemaking began. The quality of the wine from Constantia quickly got attention, with accolades pouring in from as far as the Dutch East India Company's headquarters in Batavia. Constantia's fame spread across Europe, finding favour among the nobility, including Prussian Emperor Frederick the Great and the court of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
Challenges and Transformation (19th Century)
The estate flourished, but with the passing of time came challenges. Constantia was divided, fortunes shifted, and external factors such as labour shortages and changing market preferences tested its resilience. By the late 19th century, the golden age of Constantia had waned, and winemaking ceased, leaving behind a legacy steeped in history but lying dormant.
The Great Gatsby Era (1912)
Klein Constantia's story was far from over. In 1912, the estate entered a new era reminiscent of the roaring twenties when American heiress Clara Hussey and her husband, Braam Lochner de Villiers, infused new life into its veins. Lavish parties reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era graced its grounds, breathing vitality back into its spirit.
Duggie Jooste and the Modern Renaissance (1980)
Despite the passage of time and changing hands, Klein Constantia remained steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. In 1980, a new chapter unfolded as Duggie Jooste started to revive the estate to its former glory. With the guidance of Professor Chris Orffer and the expertise of winemaker Ross Gower, Klein Constantia's vineyards were rejuvenated, and a state-of-the-art cellar was constructed, blending seamlessly with the estate's historical charm.
Klein Constantia's Modern Vintages (1986)
In 1986, Klein Constantia's modern renaissance was realised with the release of its first new vintages in over a century. The wines captivated palates and garnered acclaim, reaffirming Klein Constantia's place among the world's finest vineyards.
The unveiling of the first Vin de Constance in (1990)
For four years, the winemaking team meticulously nurtured two barrels of natural sweet Muscat de Frontignan in their cellar, following what they believed to be the old recipe used to create the original mythical Constantia sweet wine cherished in the 18th and 19th centuries. Named 'Vin de Constance,' this wine immediately captivated connoisseurs with its historical significance and exceptional quality.
Awards and Accolades (1997)
By 1997, Vin de Constance had solidified its place among the world's elite wines, earning a spot among the 44 'greatest wines in the world' in David Cobbold's esteemed publication, "The Great Wines and Vintages: Les Plus Grands Vins du Monde." Furthermore, in 2000, Klein Constantia was recognised as one of the nine 'most mythical vineyards in the world' by the Institut International des Paysages et Architectures Viticoles, standing shoulder to shoulder with esteemed estates like Yquem and La Romanée-Conti.
An International hand-over (2011).
Czech-American investor and philanthropist Zdenek Bakala and UK-based businessman Charles Harman acquired the estate in 2011, entrusting its management to Hans Astrom. This transition culminated in a merger with Anwilka Vineyards, a joint venture with Bordeaux luminaries Bruno Prats and Hubert de Boüard, further solidifying Klein Constantia's global presence and commitment to preserving its heritage.
Klein Constantia Today
Today, Klein Constantia’s winemaker is Matthew Day and the Viticulturist is Craig Harris. Together they make one fantastic team, creating exceptional, site-specific Sauvignon Blanc Wines and sweet wine. Visitors can also visit the Klein Constantia Bistro for a lovely lunch.
Visiting the Tasting room
I always seem to visit Klein Constantia in the winter months and retreat to their wine-tasting room, which feels very much to me like a modern church. I think the reason it feels church-like to me is because of the wooden furniture and the stained glass windows. This tasting room is also very refreshing in the summer months as it is kept nice and cool, especially if you book one of the cellar room tastings.
Klein Constantia offers a variety of wine-tasting options to choose from, which I really think is great. They are, however, best suited to wine lovers who enjoy Sauvignon Blanc and dessert wines. They do have a red wine property called the Anwilka Signature Tasting, which comes from their Stellebbosch property, should you not enjoy Sauvignon Blanc. The wine-tasting prices border on the expensive side however it is justified considering this is a boutique winery.
Signature Tasting: Taste 5 Estate Wines – grown, made & bottled at Klein Constantia. R150 per person (2025)
The Sauvignon Blanc Story Tasting: Taste 3 variations of Sauvignon Blanc. R150 per person (2025)
Vin de Constance Experience: Enjoy a guided tour through the Vin de Constance cellar to find out more about the art of making this legendary wine. The experience includes a tasting of 3 selected vintages of Vin de Constance. R1000 per person (2025)
Anwilka Signature Tasting: Taste the red wines from their Stellenbosch property. R150 per person (2025)
Special Vineyard Drives
Upon my visit, I was lucky enough to experience one of the exclusive vineyard drives which takes you up to the top of the winery, and you can taste wine with some of the most incredible views! Available on special request.
The Bistro & Gift Shop
Klein Constantia also has a very lovely bistro and gift shop. The menu uses local, fresh ingredients and is presented in a beautiful European-inspired fashion. One can expect delicious mussels and steak dishes that will complement the range of Klein Constantia Wines perfectly. In the summer, it is just fantastic to sit outside under the shade of the giant tree. Pre-bookings are pretty much essential and the bistro hours are 12-3pm, lunch only. To book, visit: https://www.kleinconstantia.com/the-bistro/
Contact Klein Constantia
Klein Constantia is about a 15-20 minute drive from Cape Town city in the Constantia Wine Route. Give them a visit and let me know what you think in the comments below.
Website: https://www.kleinconstantia.com/
