With its forests, hills and mansions, Constantia Valley is one of the most Picturesque valleys in the Cape. Its northern boundaries lie against Kirstenbosch and Wynberg Park, whilst the Tokai Forest lies to the south. The Constantia Wine Route houses some of the country's most worldclass vineyards. Restaurants and outdoor venues abound – Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in particular is a beautiful and popular venue for locals and visitors alike – there are local malls, and the False Bay beaches such as Muizenberg, St James and Fish Hoek are all easily accessible from the valley.
The oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere, the Constantia Valley is home to one of the Western Cape’s most intimate wine route consisting of eight wine farms, each with their own distinctive heritage and premium wines. Enjoyed by Napoleon Bonaparte and royalty in the 18th century, Constantia Valley’s unique climate produces some of the world’s finest wines that continue to this day to win accolades and international awards for consistently high standard and quality.
The Constantia Valley takes its name from the farm granted to Simon van der Stel in 1685 by Commissioner van Rheede. It is said that Governor van der Stel named his property after Constanza, the little daughter of his benefactor. The Governor planted orchards and vineyards on the farm. When van der Stel died in 1712, the farm was subdivided, first into two, Groot Constantia and Bergvliet and then again into Hoop of Constantia and Witteboomen. Alphen was never incorporated because van der Stel died before this could happen. From 1714 Olaf Bergh and his beautiful wife, Anna de Koning, farmed at Groot Constantia and others followed.
Information on Cape Town's Constantia Valley Region Towns
Constantia, Tokai , Wynberg
