Things to do in Constantia, Cape Town
Visiting the Constantia area? These are just a few places you should put on your list to visit.
Beau Constantia
Just before the peak of Constantia Nek, you will find a wine farm that boasts unprecedented views over the valley and out towards False Bay. Beau Constantia is a boutique winery perched high on the hills, with vines planted a staggering 350 m above sea level. In a valley that has a long, traditional wine history, Beau Constantia is a contemporary breath of fresh air. Floor to ceiling glass windows frame the view from every angle and the design is modern and stylish. Stop in this winter at the Tasting Room and sample the estate’s three reds – Lucca, a rich Bordeaux-blend, Aiden, a contemporary red blend and Pas de Nom, an easy drinking blend. Your fourth tasting is complimentary and you can choose your favourite of the three. Enjoy Asian inspired tapas, sushi from the Sushi Box, as well as cheese and charcuterie platters. If you feel like lingering longer, take a seat in the wine bar below – this is the spot to order a bottle of wine or craft beer and while away the day with friends.
Tasting room open daily 10h00 – 16h30
Wine bar open daily 12h00 – 20h00, Closed on Sun & Mon evenings from 16h00.
Green Vine Eatery at Silvermist
Green Vine Eatery is the kind of place you will walk into on a winter’s day and not want to leave. Rustic, cosy and inviting with an eclectic mix of furniture and a comfy lounge area situated right next to a roaring ceramic fireplace. The Green Vine Eatery opened in November 2014 to a busy season and is now gearing up to welcome guests in from the cold this winter. The new seasonal menu features bold flavours and warming dishes that will banish the winter blues. Try the pulled pork served on a homemade choux bun or lentil bobotie spring rolls, which are crispy and packed full of Malay flavour. For something lighter, tuck into the harvest platter, which boasts local cheeses, a to-die-for beetroot relish, charcuterie, homemade pickles and other tasty bites. Paired with a glass of the estate’s organic, single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc it makes for quite the sumptuous feast.
Only 3400 bottles of this delicious wine were bottled in 2014, so be sure to try this limited edition wine before it’s sold out. Silvermist is the only Organically certified wine estate in the Constantia valley and the winemaker, Gregory Brink Louw, takes great pride in his sustainable approach to wine-making and the result of this purist approach has been recognised by wine enthusiasts.
If you happen to catch a clear day and can work up the nerve for some adventure, try the zip line course that operates on the estate. Alternatively, if adventure is not for you, cosy up and enjoy a cappuccino and a slice of Chef Craig Andersson’s decadent chocolate cake. If you feel a warm nuzzle at your feet that will be Rocket, the winemaker’s dog, who may be jostling you for prime position in front of the warmth of the fire.
Constantia Nek, Constantia Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Open Mon – Sun, 08h00 – 17h00 (winter)
Greens, High Constantia
If you’re looking for a place to stop in for a meal, try Greens at High Constantia. Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner seven days a week, with a well-known menu of favourites. Breakfast is served from 8h00 daily – enjoy flapjacks with banana and honey, or eggs of your choice served with a freshly brewed Lavazza cappuccino. Crispy based pizzas are a favourite for lunch and dinner and the restaurant has a well-stocked wine list, as well as local craft beers. Greens is great for families, with a kiddies menu that will appeal to young palates. During winter, cosy up to the central gas fireplace, or if you happen to visit on a clear day, enjoy some winter sun in the outdoor seating area.
Shop 7, High Constantia, Constantia Main Road
greensrestaurants.co.za
Chardonnay Deli
Chardonnay Deli is a delightful place to stop in at as you make your way around the Constantia valley. Whether you’re looking for coffee and cake, fresh bread, flowers, a gift or a take-home meal, you will find it all under one roof here. With an inviting farmhouse feel, it’s the kind of homely place you can browse through for a while. There are loads of delicious homemade and artisanal goodies on offer and everything is beautifully fresh. The tempting smell of home baked breads, quiches and pies is heady, and the aroma of Truth coffee is enough to send your senses into overdrive. If time is on your side, pull up a chair and order something off the chalkboard menu – for breakfast, there are options like granola and yoghurt with chia seeds or honey almond toast. For lunch, perhaps soup of the day or chicken curry with quinoa. The menu is seasonal and will change according to what is available; but whatever is on offer, you can be assured it will be wholesome and tasty.
87 Constantia Main Rd, Pagasvlei, Cape Town
Tel: 021 795 0606
chardonnaydeli.co.za
Raith Gourmet, Constantia
Raith Gourmet has become renowned in Cape Town as a purveyor of superior meats, German delicacies and baked goods. Pop in to pick up traditional Bratwurst or Eisbein, local or imported cheeses or perhaps a loaf of fresh rye bread. If you’re looking for something unique to do for dinner in the valley, book a seat for the Raith by Night menu. On offer are delicious German-inspired dishes, including a traditional cheese fondue. This is a fun way to have dinner with friends and makes for a very entertaining evening. The gooey cheese fondue is served with chunks of bread and a selection of vegetables. Enjoy with a German beer on the side, but don’t lose focus on what you are doing… tradition says that whoever loses their bread in the fondue has to do a shot of Jagermeister, so be sure to hang on to yours!
Graciales Social, Peddlars & Co.
Graciales Social is a vibey new spot located at the revamped Peddlars & Co. As the name suggests, this is a place to hang out with friends and where social nibbling and sharing is totally encouraged. The décor is bright and contemporary with pops of colour that perfectly fit the casual atmosphere. Chef Brad Ball heads up the team in the kitchen and the menu is reflective of his signature style. Tasty bites likes sticky pork belly with chilli bean curd, grilled calamari with chimichurri and Vietnamese ribs will get you started. A sharing menu wouldn’t be complete without grazing boards and there are three to choose from. A Middle Eastern style board combines flat breads, pulled lamb and dips like hummus and harissa. An antipasti board offers charcuterie, cheese and pickles, and the mixed board, a variety of the smaller sharing plates on one platter. Local craft beers are available, a good selection of Constantia valley wines, as well as a list of fun cocktails. The name Graciales Social is a combination of the Spanish words gracias – thank you, and sociales – social, which perfectly sum up this spot – a place to appreciate good food and the company of good friends.
Spaanschemat River Road, Cape Town
Mon – Thu 15h00 – 23h00 & Fri – Sun 12h00 – 23h00
peddlars.co.za
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