The very name Constantia evokes the old world and the weight of history. Constantia is experiencing a new flurry of activity as it reinvents its wine tourism offering to cater to guests, young and old. Across the board what is on offer is of a consistently high standard, to be expected in this verdant valley, home of old money in the Cape.

The Red Hop on Hop off buses have introduced scores to the delights of the winelands right on Cape Town city’s doorstep. Those to benefit most have been Groot Constantia, Beau Constantia and Eagle’s Nest where the London-style buses stop off.

Red hop on hop off buses make visiting the wine route easy for all

Starting off at Eagle’s Nest owned by the Mylrea family, the fresh ‘Little Eagle ‘Rosé is the perfect breakfast wine. For young families it is hard to beat the picture perfect dell surrounded by established trees to the left of the tasting room. Because it is a boutique family-owned winery, it is highly likely that you will encounter a member of the family helping out in the tasting room.

The venue is very popular on weekends when families – including well-behaved dogs – can come and spend the day enjoying the peaceful ambiance and one of the many platters and picnic options on offer. By special arrangement one can enjoy – at a price – a trip up to the highest vineyards with jaw –dropping views in the farm’s rustic 4 x 4.  Under the leadership of winemaker, Stuart Botha, Eagle’s Nest Shiraz has secured the accolade ‘Best Shiraz in the world’. During a private tutored tasting only possible through booking a private wine tour with guide – we enjoyed the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc – yet to be released, made from 30 year old bush vines from the Darling area. Well known for their Viognier, the 2014 did not disappoint. The 2011 Merlot, which was bottled in 2013, with its delicious savoury meatiness reflecting the minerality and iron from the granite block was my favourite.

The Eagle’s Nest relaxed tasting room and picnic venue

Constantia Uitsig is home to the flattest vineyards in this valley. Formerly home to the old River Café, La Colombe and the Constantia Uitsig hotel, loyal past customers to these old Cape Town institutions have had to adjust to the changes. The new owners are now establishing a new destination winery.

Jacques Du Plessis is the new winemaker who performs an impressive sabrage on the Uitsig MCC. The new mountain bike park is already in operation even though parts are still under construction. Plans to build a coffee barn serving coffee and pastry from the Open Door restaurant are in the offing as is a picnic area near a little dam planted with Fynbos banks.

A new green cellar on the estate will produce its own wines on site. Another great wine tourism idea is a public vineyard where members of the public can come and pick Hanepoort grapes.

Although I was an ardent fan of The River Cafe, I like the new Open Door restaurant with its hands on owner and great decor. They have a brilliant Children’s menu with mains such as Spaghetti with pea sauce, crispy bacon and Parmesan. Their cookies and steamed milk dessert also looks good.

Their standout white wine is the white blend with Semillon making up 70 % and Sauvignon Blanc 30%, a reversal of the traditional percentages, although their Chardonnay Reserve 2013 with ripe pineapple notes was a close second.

The newly opened Open Door Restaurant at Constantia Uitsig

At the top of the Constantia  Valley is boutique wine farm, Beau Constantia. It boasts awesome views across the valley, towards the Stellenbosch Mountains in the distance and False Bay and has on-site the Sushi Box restaurant. There is a grassy amphitheater perfect for kids to play in whilst the adults sip delicious wines and imagine themselves as extras in a James Bond movie! All in all a visit to the Constantia valley offers a brilliant and accessible escape from city living and its accompanying stresses. The Constantia Wine Route comprising 10 farms offers something for every age and persuasion. From fine dining to picnics, wine-tasting to bike-riding, it is an exciting destination open to everyone and well worth visiting. For private tours please contact melissa@vindigotravel.com

The modern Beau Constantia tasting room with breathtaking views