Constantia Glen | Wine, Food and splendid views

Cape Town and its surrounds is a world renowned wine region, recognised internationally for its fine wines. While the Cape’s famed winelands have spread to Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek and beyond, it all began in Constantia, quite literally Cape Town’s back yard.

One of the most beautiful valleys in the Cape, the Constantia Valley, is an abundant array of forests, hills, stately historical homes and vineyards – a heady mix of old and new that lies nestled in the shadow of the Constantia Mountain, producing world class, award-winning wines.

Situated below Constantia Nek just moments from the bustling Cape Town city centre, Constantia Glen is a picturesque boutique wine estate producing ultra-premium cool climate wines located in the magnificence of the Constantia Valley.

Steeped in history, dating back to 1685, Constantia is the oldest wine producing region in South Africa, yet the small pocket of land today known as Constantia Glen, has a unique history. The property was acquired in the late 1950’s. The farming operation, however had ceased and the whole property had become overgrown by pine trees, until the late 1990’s, when it was decided to reinstate the farm with its fertile soils to its initial purpose as a wine estate.

The drive up to the estate is nothing but beauty. Imagine a backdrop of rolling green grassy hills and luscious vineyards whilst sheep grazing in a small field, adding to an ambiance of pure serenity.

You know you are in for a special treat when you are escorted to a table in the corner with big wide windows with the best panoramic view this valley has to offer. Spend sunny days on the patio under sun umbrella, and chilly, rainy days under the covered terrace or inside at the contemporary chic wine bar.

They have various Wine Tasting options to match the view and also to suit every palate. We opted for the Flagship Tasting and we were also spoilt with the Van Wyk Family Tasting. Whatever you choose, their wines are amazing and every sip of wine will be a taste sensation!


CONSTANTIA GLEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020

A beautiful and vibrant bouquet of citrus and tropical flavours that follows through on the palate with a rich, creamy texture. Fermented in stainless-steel tanks at a constant cool temperature of 14 degrees Celsius. The wine is then matured on the lees for 5 months in the stainless-steel tanks, before it is stabilised and bottled.

A splash of Sémillon was incorporated into the blend to add some depth to the wine’s acidity and rich core, resulting in a mouthfeel that demands a sip more. This is a classic Constantia Sauvignon Blanc, showing beautiful elegance, a well-defined minerality and the kind of structure that allows for superlative ageing under ideal cellaring conditions. A wine of freshness, impeccable balance and great length.

CONSTANTIA GLEN TWO 2019

A wine with elegance and finesse. A blend of 67% Sauvignon Blanc for freshness and 33% Semillon for body, and the end result is a lovely freshness, good depth and structured barrel fermented wine
with stony mineral nuances and well-integrated minerality.

The fresh acidity is beautifully balanced with a mouth-coating creamy texture on the palate. A perfect sunshine in a bottleq with exceptional balance and length and fantastic ageing potential.

CONSTANTIA GLEN THREE 2018

A classic red blend of the three most revered Bordeaux grape varieties – Merlot being the dominant cultivar, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The nose displays expressive dark fruit flavours of blueberry, black currant, and plums. Beyond these initial ripe fruit aromas, there is complex collection of savoury dried-herb and peppery notes and an underlying red raspberry perfume. The red and black fruit aromas on the nose follow effortlessly onto a medium-bodied palate where elegant, velvety tannins grip the palate in a vibrant intensity of flavour.

CONSTANTIA GLEN FIVE 2018

A classic Constantia blend of five Bordeaux varieties with Cabernet Franc being the dominant cultivar followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. This compelling wine was matured for 19 months in French oak barrels.

Bright aromas of ripe blackcurrant, juicy plums and fragrant dried herbs. On the palate it is bold with concentrated dark fruit flavours. Well-structured wine with character, depth and incredible mouth-coating texture. Long lingering and smooth finish.

VAN WYK FAMILY WINES OLIVIA GRACE 2019

A fragrant and wonderfully textured Cape White blend, made up of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Roussanne and Viognier. Stone fruit and floral aromatics, combining with good texture and freshness, this white blend was matured for 7 months in a combination of old French oak barrels and clay amphorae.

Justin hails from a sheep farm in the Great Karoo and now lives in Cape Town with his beautiful wife an two daughters, to whom this range of wines is dedicated. They are symbolised by three delicate daffodils, which in turn pay homage to their Welsh heritage. This honest and elegant wine is true to its origin and is an expression of nature, circumstance and passion.

VAN WYK FAMILY WINES CHENIN BLANC 2020


Chenin Blanc from old vineyards planted between 30 and 50 years ago. Sourced from granitic soils in Wellington and Stellenbosch, this Chenin blanc displays fantastic freshness and elegance with bright yellow fruit and a long saline finish. Matured in old French oak barrels for 6 months on gross lees before bottling.

“These wines are very special to me as they bear my family name. The blends are crafted to showcase the diversity of the Cape, and these are particularly dear to me as they are named after my two daughters, Rebecca May and Olivia Grace,” says Van Wyk.

VAN WYK FAMILY WINES RIESLING NV

A very unique non-vintage Riesling from an old vineyard in Stellenbosch. This vineyard was planted in 1982 in the lower Helderberg on sandy granitic soil. Perfumed and floral orange blossom with citrus undertones, this bone-dry Riesling is bright and fresh, but with sufficient depth texture.

VAN WYK FAMILY WINES REBECCA MAY 2019

This is a fresh Rhone-style blend of Cinsaut, Syrah and Grenache. Predominantly fermented as whole bunches and basket pressed, followed by maturation in French oak barrels for 7 months.

Notes of red fruit, cherry, lavender, earth and spice on the nose. Light, fresh yet flavourful fruit-driven wine with soft tannins. Absolutely delightful!

VAN WYK FAMILY WINES SYRAH 2019

Black fruit flavours underpinned by elegant spice and black pepper. Medium-bodied with good freshness, structure and persistence. This Syrah was fermented with 50% whole-bunches in small vessels and underwent 13 months of maturation in second fill French oak barrels.


A beautiful setting with splendid wine is not complete without a bite to eat to complete the experience. Delicious Salads, mouth-watering gourmet mains such as Sliders and Burgers to a Lobster Sandwich and Pulled Lamb, various Platters and Flammkuchen and last but not least a few dessert options to crave the sweet tooth.

Is there any better way to enjoy a glass of fine wine, than with a cheese or charcuterie platter?

Whether you opt for wine tasting or enjoying a laidback meal, you’re guaranteed to have the best experience with impeccable service and knowledge from the staff, complete with the most magnificent panoramas in Cape Town at this Constantia gem.

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