Travel Journal: Constantia – South Africa

Angelique Werner
Aug 11
5 min read

Planted in the 17th century, South Africa’s vineyard is arguably the one with the richest and most beautiful winegrowing history in the New World.

The Constantia vineyard is not only a sought-after destination for wine lovers, but it is also steeped in history and charm, offering visitors a truly unique experience. The region continues to stand as a hub of winegrowing excellence in South Africa.

Over the years, the Constantia vineyard has undergone changes in ownership and management. Some of the oldest wine estates, such as Groot Constantia, have been preserved and are still in operation today.

https://grootconstantia.co.za/

Located in the Constantia Valley, near the city of Cape Town, Constantia is one of the oldest and most famous vineyards in the country. This wine-growing region is nestled between Table Mountain and the Constantiaberg Mountains. It is closely linked to the establishment of the Cape Colony by the Dutch East India Company, before experiencing a period of decline in the 19th century due to various factors, including war, vine diseases, and changes in consumer tastes.

However, in the 20th century, efforts were made to revitalise viticulture in Constantia. According to the National Institute of Wine Landscapes and Architecture, it is considered one of the most legendary vineyards in the world.

Origins

Founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, governor of the Cape Colony and a passionate viticulturist, this region was chosen for its favourable climate and soils well-suited to vine cultivation. It benefits from a Mediterranean climate ideal for viticulture, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The region’s varied soils, combined with the moderating effect of the oceanic climate, create excellent conditions for growing high-quality grapes.

The vineyard area of the Constantia region in South Africa is relatively small compared to some other wine-producing regions in the country, with its size limited by the geographical constraints of the area. It covers approximately 400 hectares.

Traditional grape varieties cultivated in Constantia include Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot (among many others). As in other regions, these varieties are carefully selected to match the specific characteristics of the terroir.

The first wines produced in Constantia quickly gained an excellent reputation for their exceptional quality.

The region is particularly well-suited for the production of sweet, dessert, and liqueur wines, which have attracted the attention of renowned figures. Napoleon Bonaparte, for example, is said to have been a great admirer of Vin de Constance, a sweet wine produced in Constantia. Jane Austen also mentioned the wines of Constantia in some of her writings.

She wrote: “A little Constantia… for its healing powers on a disappointed heart.”(Sense and Sensibility)

Napoleon & Vin de Constance

Vin de Constance has an interesting history with Napoleon Bonaparte.

It is reported that during his exile on the island of Saint Helena from 1815 onward, Napoleon developed a particular fondness for Vin de Constance. During this period, he is said to have regularly enjoyed this South African wine.

The story goes that Napoleon requested regular supplies of Vin de Constance during his exile, greatly valuing the quality and flavor of this sweet dessert wine. As the climate of Saint Helena did not allow for wine production, he relied on imports to satisfy his tastes.

Vin de Constance thus gained additional fame through its association with the French emperor during this period*. This connection contributed to the wine’s international reputation in the 19th century, adding a romantic touch to its history and reinforcing its status among the world’s most prestigious dessert wines.

(*Reason why it is spelled the same way in South Africa)

From Frontignan to Constantia

Although production declined over time, Vin de Constance has experienced a renaissance in recent decades. Some wine estates in Constantia, such as Klein Constantia (ranked among the best estates in the world), have revived the production of this iconic wine and have been rewarded for the exceptional quality of their wines. Today, Constantia is considered one of the most prestigious wine regions in South Africa.

Note: Vin de Constance from the Klein Constantia estate is made from a French clone – Muscat de Frontignan – which is predominantly found in France. It is considered one of the oldest known grape varieties in the world and is also a member of the Muscat family. This white grape variety originates from ancient Greece, after which it spread to parts of Italy and later to France during the Roman era. The 2020 vintage contains 172 g/l of residual sugar — an exceptional vintage.

At the time, Constantia was purchased by the European courts in preference to Yquem, Tokay, and Madeira. (Hugh Johnson)

Distinctive Feature of Vin de Constance

Vin de Constance is a sweet dessert wine characterized by a high residual sugar content.

It is generally made from white grape varieties, most notably Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The grapes used to produce this sweet wine are harvested at late maturity, which contributes to its concentration and richness (thanks to the presence of noble rot—Botrytis cinerea—a beneficial fungus that helps concentrate the sugars). Production often involves slow fermentation and extended maturation in oak barrels. It offers complex aromas of tropical fruits, apricots, honey, and flowers, with a balanced acidity that offsets the sweetness. It is often described as an elegant and luxurious wine.

Today, Vin de Constance is considered one of the treasures of the South African wine industry and is sought after by connoisseurs worldwide. Wine lovers can visit the Constantia estates to taste and purchase this rare and historic wine.

The history of the Constantia vineyard reflects its pioneering role in South Africa’s wine heritage, as well as its ability to maintain an exceptional reputation for quality over the centuries. Visitors can now explore Constantia’s historic wine estates and taste some of the wines that have contributed to its fame.

Passionnément’Vin’s Favorite: The Sémillon I’m Your Huckleberry

From an 18-year-old vineyard, northeast-facing, located on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains in the Constantia Valley, its predominant soil type is decomposed granite.

Fermented as whole bunches in older oak barrels (70%) and partly with skin contact in open vats (30%) for 15 days. (Whole-bunch pressing is mainly used in vintages with low acidity to give the wines more freshness and acidity, but it also slightly reduces the alcohol content.) Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occurred spontaneously (with indigenous yeasts). No additions were made apart from SO₂. The fruit is concentrated, the first nose offers a burst of fresh basil, the palate has a lively acidity and a slightly tannic finish.

A rich, powerful, and absolutely delicious wine, it pairs beautifully with Indian or Moroccan cuisine, Thai curry, or Cape Malay prawns.

“The name comes from a line in the old western Tombstone. The expression means accepting a challenge—saying ‘I’m the one you’re looking for, I’m in, I’m game.’ It’s essentially a conversation between Sémillon and me for our first vintage, saying ‘let’s go.’” – Jolette Steyn

You’re in Cape Town…

…and don’t have time to visit the vineyard?

Head to Culture Wines bar—a selection of dozens of wines by the glass from across the South African wine regions, sure to satisfy your cravings and your palate.

The plus: Extremely tasty cuisine and an incredibly dedicated staff… Highly recommended, 100%!.

https://culturewinebar.com/home/

Cape Town Old Winery

In the heart of Cape Town, the city’s oldest wine cellar is located in the Cape Heritage Hotel. Marked by a vine stock over 250 years old, this place never fails to surprise. The restaurant Le Bouchon reinvents your favorite dishes and serves them right at your table, in the middle of their barrel cellar.https://www.bouchon.co.za/