Looking for something to do over the weekend, and perhaps a new spot to eat in Constantia? We have just the places for you.
The Constantia Wine Tour covers an array of top class Constantia restaurants offered in the area. Allow us to take you on a tour of our favourite Constantia wine farms as well as Constantia’s best Restaurants.
Jonkershuis
A Historic eatery nestled in the historic core of Groot Constantia Wine Estate next to the historic Manor House and surrounded by ancient oak trees. Your first impression is dominated by sweeping views across the oldest wine producing vineyards in South Africa, down the valley to the enveloping coastline of False Bay.
The Vibe: Jonkershuis boasts a diversity of locations from private dining grandeur, to intimate interior fire side dining; typical Italian village gatherings in the covered courtyard to family style lunches on their front lawns, were children can safely play amongst the old oak trees.
The Food: Expect to discover real Bobotie (a South African dish of curried minced meat baked with a rich savoury custard) served with almond flavoured yellow rice and sambals, or traditional Malay Curries – all classics.
The X-Factor: Rustic atmosphere and authentic Old Cape feel.
Open Door
The rustic charm and unique space of Open Door comes, in part, from its distinctive history. The farm Constantia Uitsig dates back to 1685 when the VOC Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, was granted a large tract of land by the Dutch East India Company
The Vibe: It’s a comfortable, stylish space. Bay windows, white walls and wooden tables with cast iron legs give a nod to the history of the building – which was once a schoolhouse – while low banquettes in a regal blue, a selection of brass doorknobs, and a gleaming open kitchen add interest. It’s a big restaurant, and well segmented: there’s a side room, more seating outside, plus a wooden deck around the corner.
And…
There’s a fantastic-sounding children’s menu (cookies and steamed milk).
The Food: Modern contemporary feel and menu, Open Door offers lunch, dinner and breakfast too.
The X-Factor: The door theme is cleverly carried through the interior design, for example, as one enters into the function room whole doors have cleverly been hung from the ceiling, a completely unusual design quirk! In the main restaurant room a clever collage of house numbers and door handles decorates both sides of the fireplace. Near the front door there is a collection of locks.
Catharina’s
Catharina’s Restaurant at Steenberg pays homage to the woman who started it all, the fascinating and feisty Catharina Ras, who established Steenberg in the 17th century.
The Vibe: Stylish Catharina’s is nestled in the werf of the old farmhouse precinct and 5-star hotel. Breakfast is served from 7 am each day. Lunch choices are from a blackboard menu which changes with the seasons. For fine dining, the candlelit dinner is a romantic treat.
The Food: The menu centers on simplicity, and lets the finest quality ingredients do all the talking. Chef Archie Maclean is always adding delicious new dishes to his lunch and dinner menus.
The X-Factor: A stunning location. The interior is gorgeous with different architectural elements. Beautiful view of the vineyard and mountain. The food is very well done and some of the dishes are perhaps for a more adventurous palette which includes Zebra & Crocodile.
La Colombe
La Colombe is the kind of restaurant where you sit back and let the more than accomplished staff take the reins of your afternoon (or night for that matter). A quick meal here could never do it justice. A long, indulgent tasting menu is the only way to go.
The Vibe: Fine Dining with a relaxed vibe. The Silvermist Wine Estate venue includes sweeping views of the Constantia Valley, Hout-Bay and the restaurants very own organic gardens is the perfect venue for Chef Scot to weave his magic and treat guests to unexpected delights.
The Food: Contemporary cuisine fusing local ingredients with French flair in upmarket vineyard restaurant.
The X-Factor: Throughout the restaurant you can soak up views of the Constantia valley. It’s relaxed, yet ultra elegant.
We are proud to associate ourselves with these top class restaurants and all our tours involve a sit-down lunch at one of the above restaurants depending on availability.
For tour inquiries and the opportunity to taste some of Cape Town’s top Restaurants contact us at bookings@theconstantiawinetour.co.za