Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Beau Constantia

Simone Bradley

This image shows a black and white BEAU CONSTANTIA sign in front of a flowering bush. By: D. Koen

Located atop the scenic Constantia Nek, Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm renowned for producing some of South Africa’s finest wines.

This wine estate is well known for its experimental approach to wine-making in some of the toughest growing conditions in South Africa.

This image shows the modern, glass-fronted tasting room set among lush fynbos plants. By: D. Koen

Despite these challenges, they produce wines with a distinct mineral character, which sets them apart from other estates.

The farm has indoor and outdoor wine-tasting areas with panoramic views of the Constantia Valley, all the way to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

This image shows the mountain and suburban views as seen from the estate’s deck. By: D. Koen

Beau Constantia is also home to the award-winning Chef’s Warehouse restaurant, which makes it a must-visit destination for visitors to Cape Town.

Here’s what you should know before heading out to Beau Constantia 👇

📍 Location

Situated amidst the rolling hills of the Constantia Valley, Beau Constantia is just 25 minutes from central Cape Town and close to one of the many entrances to Table Mountain National Park.

This image shows the lawns, vineyards, and greenery found on the estate. By: D. Koen

Located at an elevation of 350 metres above sea level, the vines thrive on some of the Cape’s steepest wine-growing terrains and the estate boasts breathtaking views of Stellenbosch’s Helderberg Mountain and the shimmering waters of False Bay.

💡Insider tip: Due to limited parking capacity, we recommend that you use a taxi service when visiting the estate.

📜 History

Beau Constantia used to be a goat farm, but the landscape dramatically changed in 2000 when raging fires swept through the area and destroyed both the Fynbos and pine forests that thrived there.

After the fire, the Du Preez family purchased the land in 2002. The slopes were cleared and terraced, which heraldeduntapped potential for viticulture.

The family was determined to restore the estate’s natural beauty; they undertook extensive soil studies, cleared invasive alien vegetation, and established protective firebreaks.

This image shows the estate’s glass-fronted tasting room and mountainous views. By: D. Koen
This image shows a sign that directs visitors to the wine bar, wine tasting, Bronns’ box, and Chef’s Warehouse. By: D. Koen

By 2003, under the careful guidance of their devoted farm manager, Japie Bronn, the first vines took root. This marked the birth of the Beau Constantia we know today.

☀️ What Activities Can You Do on the Farm?

There’s plenty to do and see on a visit to Beau Constantia. Here are some of the top activities you and your family can enjoy.

🍷 Wine tasting

Beau Constantia offers visitors an exquisite wine-tasting experience from their elegantly designed tasting room – a glass cube with floor-to-ceiling windows which provides panoramic views of Cape Town’s scenery.

Visitors can opt for wine tastings inside or outside under the trees, or on the farm’s lower terraces. The experienced staff are on hand to guide guests through the wine selections.

This image shows the interior of the tasting room, featuring woven chairs, intimate seating, and large windows. By: D. Koen

This image shows the glass-fronted tasting room from the outside. By: D. Koen

This image shows the outdoor deck, where wine tastings are hosted. The mountains and rolling vineyards can be seen in the background. By: D. Koen

You have a range of tasting options to choose from, starting with The Pas de Nom Tasting, which offers a sample of 3 wines. For a more exclusive experience, the Beau Constantia Family range tasting provides a tasting of 4 estate red and white wines.

A combined tasting of selections from both ranges is also available.

If you are done with your tasting and want to stay a while longer, wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle. Cheese and meat platters are also available.

This image shows shaded outdoor seating on a gravel deck surrounded by lush plants. By: D. Koen

⚠️ The tasting room has a capacity for 16 guests, so booking is essential – make sure you secure your spot to avoid disappointment.

The tasting room is open from 11:00 to 18:00 from Tuesday to Thursday, and 11:00 to 19:00 from Friday to Sunday.

🍣 Fine Dining at Chefs Warehouse

Beau Constantia is home to Chefs Warehouse – the brainchild of acclaimed test kitchen head chef Ivor Jones and restauranteur Liam Tomlin.

This image shows the entrance sign at the restaurant, an iron piece with cut-out letters. By: D. Koen

Chefs Warehouse is a dining experience that combines casual elegance with impeccable service. Ivor Jones brings a distinctive flair to the Chef’s Warehouse set menu, with dishes that are inspired by travel and nostalgia.

The tapas-style menu comprises four courses based on what’s in season. Ivor Jones is an experimental creative who brings fresh and innovative twists to classic dishes. Much of the fresh produce is locally sourced or handpicked from the farm.

The menu changes regularly, but here is a taste of what you can expect:

  • Tuna tataki with pickled ginger, ponzu, and corriander
  • Beef tartare with parmesan, quail egg, and capers
  • Grilled prawns with garlic butter, lemon, and parsley
  • Pork belly with apple puree, fennel, and mustard jus
  • Chocolate Nemesis with salted caramel and hazelnuts
Food critic review:

“It’s incredibly clever, confident and considered cooking from start to finish. Pair it with a stellar service team, who don’t miss a beat, and it’s no surprise that Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia is as exciting and impressive a culinary destination as we have in SA right now”.

  • Steve Steinveld

The dining experience extends beyond the plate. Nestled within an architectural marvel, the main restaurant resembles a suspended glass cube, as if floating in the air.

There are a few ways to enjoy your dining experience at Chefs Warehouse:

🔸 Kitchen tables: This seating area is placed alongside the open kitchen and provides a culinary-focused experience. Guests seated here have a front-row seat to observe the chefs at work.

🔸 Outside terrace: Guests can sit outside if the weather is good. Seating in this inviting outdoor space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

🔸 Protea Pod: This newly introduced private dining space for 8-10 people is separate from the main restaurant and is perfect for a small gathering of family or friends.

🥓 Opening Hours:

The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.

➡️ Lunch: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (last orders 2:30 p.m.)

➡️ Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last orders 8:30 p.m.)

⚠️ We highly recommend that you make a reservation as this is a very popular restaurant. You can book a table here.

ℹ️ For more information, contact +27 (021) 974 8632 or email cw@beauconstantia.com

🚗 What Does a Perfect Day at Beau Constantia Look Like?

We’ve created an itinerary to help you make the most of your visit to Beau Constantia:

☕ Late morning 

  • We suggest arriving at Beau Constantia by 11 a.m. to kickstart your experience with a wine tasting. Sit in the Glass Box wine bar, and try Beau Constantia’s wines, letting the estate’s expert staff guide and enlighten you on each wine.

This image shows a table in the wine-tasting area. A vase of indigenous fynbos and proteas is on top of the table. By: D. Koen

  • After your tasting, stroll around and explore the estate. Discover the patio bar area and take in the fragrant aromas of the veggie patch and vineyard.

This image shows the glass-fronted tasting room from the outside, as seen from the veggie patch in the foreground. By: D. Koen

This image shows wooden stairs leading to the modern glass building where wine tastings are held. By: D. Koen

🍷 Afternoon

  • Treat yourself to lunch at Chef’s Warehouse at around 12:30. Relish dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients while you enjoy the estate’s panoramic views.

This image shows signs directing visitors to various locations on the farm, including the tasting room, restaurants, and view points. By: D. Koen

🌄 Late afternoon

  • After lunch, head outside and relax in the outdoor area. If the weather permits, this is an excellent time to leisurely enjoy a glass of wine on the upper veranda where you might have had your earlier tasting, or explore any of the other options!

This image shows the outdoor seating of the tasting room with a BEAU CONSTANTIA billboard and rolling vineyards in the background. By: D. Koen

This image shows the views from the outdoor deck. Various vineyard hills can be seen, with mountains popping up in the distance. By: D. Koen

This image shows a glass of red wine on one of the wooden tables found on the deck. The table looks out on a mountain range. By: D. Koen

👋 When Is the Best Time to Visit, and How Long Should You Stay?

Plan to spend 3-5 hours at Beau Constantia. The ideal time to visit is from October to March, months which span spring, summer, and early autumn.

This window of time offers beautiful vineyard landscapes, outdoor wine tastings, and sunny days ideal for enjoying the estate’s views.

🍷 The Wines of Beau Constantia

Even though the steep, mountainous vineyards only cover 12 hectares, , Beau Constantia offers a diverse selection of boutique wines.

This diversity is epitomised in their two collections: the Family and the Pas De Nom ranges.

This image shows shelves lined with various bottles of Beau Constantia wines. By: D. Koen

Each wine produced at Beau Constantia reflects their philosophy of minimal intervention. It’s more than just wine; it’s a testament to their unwavering dedication to crafting premium wines.

We’ll discuss their wines in more detail below:

The Family Range

🔸 Aidan

Aidan represents a masterclass in meticulous winemaking. The grapes for this red blend are harvested by hand and fermented in small casks to maintain their integrity. Rather than undergoing heavy processing, Aidan is presented in its most natural form: unrefined and lightly filtered.

This image shows a close-up of a glass of red wine. By: D. Koen

Aiden offers a sophisticated palate of bold blackcurrant notes complemented by star anise, white pepper, and clove hints. As its aromatic profile suggests, the palate is graced with dark fruits and a delightful plum essence, which result in a luscious and smooth wine.

Pairs well with: Braised beef short ribs with plum sauce and creamy mashed potatoes.

🔸 Lucca

Lucca is a harmonious blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The prominence of Cabernet Franc adds a vibrancy to this wine, which comes across on the palate.

Its bouquet is inviting, with seductive hints of cedar wood and opulent black cherry, punctuated by a zesty touch of cranberry.

This image shows a glass of red wine on an outdoor table. Vineyards can be seen in the background. By: D. Koen

This symphony of fruit and spice is exquisitely heightened by the wine’s signature tannic structure, balanced out by the characteristic saline edge for which Beau Constantia wines are renowned.

Pairs well with: Medium rare game and chimichurri.

🔸 Stella

Stella is a pure expression of 100% Syrah grapes, meticulously cultivated on the farm’s gentler slopes where they flourish alongside Viognier vines.

This wine captivates with its alluring bouquet, and offers rich notes of ripe black cherries, dark fruits, and the distinctive aroma of Fynbos.

As one delves into the taste, Stella unveils an elegant spiciness marked by hints of white pepper. These spicy notes are harmoniously balanced by deep berry undertones.

True to the tradition of the Beau Constantia wine region, Stella boasts a full-bodied profile enriched with ripe and well-structured tannins.

Pairs well with: Simple ostrich carpaccio with umami-provoking flavours – try truffle, pecorino, honey, or/and Dijon mustard with good quality, local olive oil.

🔸 Cecilly

The Cecily Viognier from Beau Constantia is far from ordinary. The grapes from which this wine is made are grown at different parts of the estate and harvested at different times of the year.

For this reason, the Viognier is rich with an exotic aroma. As soon as you open the bottle, you will detect notes of orange blossom, jasmine flower, and mascarpone, maybe even some apricot.

The light colour of the wine belies its complexity. Cecily is creamy on the palate and beautifully balanced with tropical flavours, white peach, and candied mandarin. Its complex body and intense aromas create a very special taste experience.

Pairs well with: A fresh seafood dish like lobster or shrimp.

🔸 Pierre

If there was a way to bottle the essence of Beau Constantia, Pierre would be it.

This Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend is named after the estate owner. The grapes in this wine are grown on incredibly steep northeast-facing slopes that rise280-360m above sea level.

The elevated terrain where these grapes are cultivated result in a slower ripening process, which allows a deeper concentration of flavours and aromas to develop.

This image shows a glass of white wine on a wooden table overlooking the mountain ranges in the distance. By: D. Koen

With crisp acidity and pronounced mineral notes, this wine exhibits a vibrant spectrum of citrus and tropical fruit flavours balanced by the subtle herbaceous undertones of buchu and Fynbos.

The Beau Constantia Pierre is a critically acclaimed wine, the worthy winner of a 95-point rating and a gold award at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards.

Pairs well with: A morish pork belly bao bun and Asian slaw.

🔸 Karin

Beau Constantia’s family range would be incomplete without “Karin”–named in honour of one of the farm’s co-owners. This rosé is crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc. With its pale hue, Karin first greets you with delicate floral whispers of elderflower.

As it opens up, vibrant aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, gooseberries, and fresh citrus emerge. Contrary to its subtle nose, Karin surprises with a bold palate – a testament to the influence of the Cabernet Franc.

The farm’s distinctive terroir gifts this rosé with an impeccable equilibrium of fruitiness and dryness, which makes it a favourite choice for varied dishes and sunlit celebrations.

Pairs well with: Grilled Salmon Niçoise salad.

Pas de Nom Range

The Pas de Nom range is a tribute to Beau Constantia’s late farm manager Japie Bronn, who was instrumental in developing the vineyards. The challenges he had to overcome were daunting, because Beau Constantia has some of the steepest vineyards in the Cape!

🔸 Pas de Nom MCC

The Pas de Nom MCC is a Methode Cap Classique made purely from Chardonnay grapes, handpicked from the sandstone mid-slopes of Franschhoek and fermented at Beau Constantia.

This MCC has a vivacious and invigorating citrus aroma that beckons you to indulge! Delving deeper, there’s a momentary hint of brioche before the senses are wholly captivated by green apple and limestone notes.

On tasting, the MCC reveals a rich texture on the palate, yet remains light and balanced with refreshing acidity.

Pairs well with: A delicious salmon sushi platter.

🔸 Pas de Nom Creative Block

“Creative Block” emerged as a distinctive wine, a testament to innovation in unconventional times. This cuvée, the brainchild of winemaker Megan Van der Merwe, brings together an intriguing mix of Chenin Blanc, Fernao Pires, Rousanne, Verdelho, and Viognier grapes.

Given its intricate composition, it’s only fitting that Creative Block has an interesting aroma that will make you do a double take! This avant-garde blend releases heady scents of citrus, cloves, ginger, and toasted almonds.

It continues to defy expectations on the palate by introducing a medley of cardamom, cumin, and ginger – which is unusual in a white wine. It makes for an intriguing tasting experience and is well worth exploring!

🏅 The Pas de Nom Creative Block 2021 won Mundus Vini Gold and a Silver award at the 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards.

Pairs well with: A salty snack like cheese or salami. Alternatively, this wine combines very well with fish and light salads.

🔸 Pas de Nom Rosé

The Pas de Nom Rosé harmoniously blends early-harvested grapes that include cultivars such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Benefitting from a brief fermentation process with the skins on, the wine obtains a beautifully soft pink hue.

The Rosé introduces itself with fragrant rose petal and cherry aromas, underscored by herbal inflexions of oregano and thyme.

On tasting, a lively medley of red berries meets hints of pink grapefruit, while subtle stone fruit nuances and a touch of minerality add depth. This rosé beautifully showcases its intricate grape blend and finishes with an aromatic hint of herbs and a trace of white pepper.

Pairs well with: Grilled herb-marinated chicken with a summer peach and arugula (rocket) salad.

🔸 Pas de Nom White

The Pas de Nom White is a wine that speaks volumes with its profound aromas. Its vibrant, lime-green hue hints at the punchy gooseberry, tropical fruit, and green melon notes that envelop the senses upon opening a bottle.

This refreshing wine is creamy with hints of white peach and tangerine, which combine beautifully on the palate. This white wine stands out for its finely balanced flavour and fresh, enduring finish.

Pairs well with: Some fresh fruit, or savour it on its own.

🔸 Pas de Nom Red

The Pas de Nom Red from Beau Constantia elegantly combines Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated on the vineyard’s steep mid-slopes. This cuvée blend matures for 18 months in French oak barrels and remains unrefined and unfiltered in keeping with the winery’s tradition for reds.

Merlot infuses the wine with rich aromas of ripe cherries and juicy plums, while the Malbec contributes spicy undertones and soft, supple tannins. With its light structure, the Syrah introduces deep blackberry notes, which create a harmonious balance. The Pas de Nom Red leaves a lasting impression on the palate!

Pairs well with: A rich pasta sauce, like ragù or a spicy arrabbiata, to complement the wine’s spicy notes from the Malbec and fruitiness from the Merlot.

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