Steenberg Wine Farm | Luxury Wine Tastings, Artful Pairings and Bistro Sixteen82

1 week ago Leave a Comment by Sharese Hunt Steenberg Vineyards

One of Cape Town’s most treasured destinations, Steenberg Wine Farm is situated at the foot of the Constantia mountains. Only a short drive from the city and close proximity to False Bay, Steenberg captures a timeless sense of elegance and charm. Steenberg meaning “Mountain of Stone” in Afrikaans, was established in 1682 and is steeped in history that still echoes through its vineyards and architecture.

Today it is a luxurious destination that brings together exceptional food, award-winning wines and leisure. Steenberg is home to two outstanding restaurants, a world-class spa, a winery with a beautifully designed Tasting Room and a challenging 18-hole golf set against a breathtaking Steenberg Mountain backdrop.

As you arrive you are greeted with vineyards framed by mountain views, architecture and art. The immaculate gardens create a serene welcome that leads you to the heart of the experience.

At the Wine Tasting Bar, a striking chandelier that resembles thousands of dangling red and white grapes creates a beautiful focal point. One can choose between the Tasting Lounge and the Outdoor Terrace. The Tasting Lounge provides a calm, elegant space with plush seating snd thoughtful touches, while the Outdoor Terrace overlooks water features and lush greenery that add a sense of elegance.

The Tasting Menu presents a selection of curated experiences, each designed to showcase the character and finesse of Steenberg wines.

Bubbly Glass Exploration introduces a range of sparkling and Cap Classiques and discover the beauty of different stemware.
Sense of Sauvignon takes you on a journey through Steenberg’s acclaimed Sauvignon Blancs.
Curate Your Own offers a personalised tasting of four wines for a guided tasting focusing on terroir and winemaking.
Cool Climate Excellence highlights four wines illustrating the hallmark of Constantia terroir.
Artisan Pairing beings together three characterful wines from their artisanal range, paired with complementary flavours. A selection of dukkah spices, nuts and dried fruits enhances and highlights the unique notes found in each wine.

For those seeking a deeper dive experiences such as the Icon Tasting, Vineyard Experience and Cellar Experience, each blending indepth storytelling with Steenberg’s philosophy of excellence. Bookings are essential to ensure you get the best experience.

Artisan Pairing

The Artisan Pairing is a thoughtful and interactive experience designed to showcase the balance between wine and flavour. You get to explore three distinctive Steenberg wines, each paired with dukkah spices to highlight the unique character and notes of the wine. The pairing is served with freshly baked bread and olive oil, then to take a sip of the wine, dip a piece of bread into the olive oil and then into the dukkah to experience how each element enhances the other.

Steenberg Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2023

This elegant wine is produced using a combination of stainless steel, french oak barrels and concrete eggs, with each vessel adding its own nuance and matured separately for 7 to 9 months. The result is a wine that balances freshness with texture. This Sauvignon Blanc is one that will appeal to many, including those that only drink Chardonnay. The influence of oak and stainless steel introduces gentle spice, peach, citrus and subtle vanilla notes, while the concrete egg contributes minerality and depth. The overall mouthfeel is rich yet refined, carrying the signature purity of Steenberg’s style.

As Sauvignon Blanc is Steenberg’s flagship variety, 36 hectares on the estate are dedicated to it, allowing for a diversity of expressions. The cool-climate conditions of Constantia, shaped by the influence of the ocean, the steady South Easterly wind and the shading of Steenberg Mountain, create the perfect environment for cultivating Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional quality and finesse.

Dukkah pairing:
A base of peanuts, dried basil, peach and fruit complements the texture and flavour of the wine. The creaminess of the peanuts enhances the waxy texture, while the fruit and herbs lift the citrus notes, creating a perfectly balanced and sensory pairing.

Steenberg Semillon 2024

Steenberg Semillon is a wine that celebrates the elegance and versatility of this often-under appreciated variety. Traditionally blended with Sauvignon Blanc to add texture and fruit complexity, Steenberg’s substantial vineyard block of Semillon allows the estate to produce both a single-varietal wine and contribute to their prestigious Icon wine, Magna Carta.

Fermentation takes place in large french oak barrels, with the wine resting on gross lees for 3 months before maturing for 10 months in a combination of 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill french oak barrels. The result is a wine that is fresh yet possesses remarkable ageing potential. Its rich, waxy texture is perfectly balanced by bright, lively acidity, offering layers of flavour including cinnamon, dried apricots and orange blossom, accompanied by a subtle fragrance. As the wine matures, the texture becomes even more sumptuous, allowing it to be enjoyed on its own or paired with food.

Dukkah pairing:
A combination of honeyed crisp quinoa, almonds, dried apricot, vanilla and cinnamon elevates this wine, enhancing both the flavours and texture while highlighting the subtle spice notes. This pairing invites a full sensory experience that complements the wine’s richness and elegance.

Steenberg Nebbiolo 2021

Steenberg Nebbiolo is a wine of character and complexity, produced in a cool-climate environment that presents unique challenges for this sun-loving varietal. To ensure optimal ripening, the Nebbiolo vines are planted in the sunniest position on the estate, capturing the warmth needed to develop their signature depth and structure.

This wine is matured in french oak barrels for 24 months, using mostly new oak alongside seasoned barrels to add a leathery texture and generous tannins. On the nose, it is savoury and herbaceous, revealing layers of dried mushrooms, rose petals and rooibos, while the palate offers bright cherry and blueberry notes that lead to a dry, elegant finish. Subtle spice and leather notes add further elegance, giving the wine depth and excellent ageing potential.

Dukkah pairing:
A thoughtfully mixture of hazelnut, rooibos, dried fruit and porcini mushrooms with hints of nectarine, ginger and clove enhances the wine beautifully. The pairing adds lifts the natural flavours of the wine, creating a layered tasting experience.

Bistro Sixteen82

No visit to Steenberg is complete without enjoying a delicious meal at Bistro Sixteen82. Named after the year the estate was established, 1682, the restaurant opened its doors in 2009 and has since become a destination in its own right. Located adjacent to the Tasting Room, it offers both elegant indoor seating and a sun-filled outdoor terrace overlooking water features and sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains.

The menu celebrates freshness, flavour and seasonal ingredients with offerings for breakfast, lunch and evening tapas. Mains range from Roasted Pork Belly and Ricotta Lamb Neck to Ethically Sourced Fish, Beef Fillet and Sirloin.

On our visit, the Ethically Sourced Fish was chosen and served with mushroom potstickers, grilled pak choi, shiitake mushrooms and a tamarind vinaigrette, perfectly paired with Steenberg Semillon. Another highlight was the Grilled Ostrich accompanied by carrot purée, tender greens, arancini, bergamot and rooibos jus, perfectly paired with Steenberg Catharina, a Merlot-dominant blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

Dessert at Bistro Sixteen82 is all about flavour and texture. The Passionfruit & Almond Frangipane was served with honeycomb crumble, yoghurt pannacotta, banana & coconut ice cream, creating a sweet conclusion for that sweet tooth.