Picturesque and peaceful, Constantia is one of the oldest suburbs of Cape Town. Famed for its wine estates, Constantia is the perfect place to escape to, if you’re looking to relax and enjoy the finest in wine and cuisine.

Constantia is renowned for its five great wine estates. These wine farms produce some of South Africa’s most revered wines, but they are also known for other interesting programmes and products.

Groot Constantia is a historical wine estate, with a long heritage that dates back to the 1600s. A national monument, Groot Constantia is an adventure not only for the wine-lover but the history buff too. Iziko Museums supervise the operations of and conduct tours around the orientation centre, manor house and original wine cellar. Groot Constantia is regularly commended for its commitment towards preserving its historical heritage. Regular art exhibitions also take place at this wine estate.

Klein Constantia is uniquely located and the wine farm employs simple winemaking techniques to extract the very best from their vineyards. Klein Constantia is a Biodiversity in Wine Initiative champion, and continually strives to produce wines in an environmentally responsible manner. The Vine Art Project is a community upliftment programme. The project teaches wine farm staff members crafting skills and enables them to supplement their income whilst expanding their individual skillsets. All products are created using by-products from the wine growing and creation processes.

Constantia Uitsig, formerly known as Constantia View, used to be part of the Groot Constantia wine estate. The McCay family purchased the farm in 1988 and expanded its operations. Constantia Uitsig is now home to three gourmet restaurants, a cricket oval, spa and small but luxurious hotel. Constantia Uitsig is found just twenty minutes’ drive from Cape Town central and is the perfect, convenient location for a peaceful and private holiday.

Steenberg Vineyards is the oldest wine farm in Constantia. Established in 1682, this wine estate boasts a state of the art modern winery, and 63 hectares of vineyards. The Steenberg Hotel is well known for its emphasis on tasteful furnishings and stylish accommodation. The hotel incorporates a magnificent championship course, spa and swimming pools. Steenberg also houses two restaurants – Bistro 1682 falls under the wine estate and Catharina’s Restaurant operates from within the hotel.

Buitenverwachting Wine Estate lies on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg and just twelve kilometres away from False Bay. Buitenverwachting is home to a magnificent restaurant, which blends both classic and modern furnishings. The restaurant overlooks the vineyards and mountain range. Buitenverwachting Wine Estate is the perfect setting for weddings and other special occasions. With several event venues and the ability to cater for indoor and outdoor parties, Buitenverwachting promises you a memorable function, in a magnificent setting

The five wine estates in Constantia offer you not only the chance to enjoy the finest wine and cuisine, but interesting experiences at every turn.

Lions Head is a wellknown mountain peak situated in our very own and much loved Cape Town. A popular hiking spot, Lions Head forms part of the dramatic and mountainous backdrop to Cape Town.

Whilst suburbs surround Lions Head, development on the mountain itself is kept off the higher ground. Conservation groups and the Municipality work closely together to keep Lions Head pristine and its precious vegetation protected.

Exercise enthusiasts regularly enjoy hikes and walks up to the summit, which treats them to spectacular views over the city. It takes approximately an hour to get to the top of Lions Head, which makes it a popular excursion choice for Capetonians. Walking up Lions Head is most popular during full moon, as people get to experience a glorious scene of moon and city lights. If you’re walking up Lions Head, the view will inspire you and the chains near the top will help you reach the summit.

Once you’ve reached the top of Lions Head, you won’t just see beautiful vires of the city, but you’ll also be able to see right along the Cape Peninsula and out to Robben Island. The hike is not suitable for young children or the elderly though, as it can get quite steep. There are alternative, gentler routes up Lions Head perfect for family outings.

Photographers also love Lions Head for its beautiful perspective over Cape Town, and the view forms the backdrop to many a loved picture.
Walkers and hikers are advised to take a jersey when setting out towards the summit. Even if it’s a warm day, it can get quite blustery and chilly near the top, especially after sunset.

Whether it’s sundowners, a sunny picnic or a spot of exercise you’re after, a walk up Lions Head is not to be missed!