Klein Constantia Estate

On the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg, set amidst ancient trees with views across False Bay, lies Klein Constantia -- one of the world's most beautiful wine estates and home to Vin de Constance, the legendary sweet wine that enchanted emperors, poets, and kings for centuries.

The estate's origins reach back to 1685, when Governor Simon van der Stel established Constantia after surveying the soils of the Cape Peninsula. Upon his death in 1712, the vast estate was divided, and one parcel became Klein Constantia -- a name that would echo through centuries of winemaking history. During the golden age of the 1800s, the wines of Constantia enchanted royalty across Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte, during his exile on Saint Helena, regularly requested Vin de Constance. Frederick the Great of Prussia, George Washington, and the royal court of Versailles all savoured the wine. It was praised by Jane Austen in her novels, referenced by Charles Dickens and Alexandre Dumas, and celebrated by the poet Charles Baudelaire.

After years of quiet, the estate was revived in 1980 when Duggie Jooste acquired Klein Constantia and sparked a renaissance. Working with winemaker Ross Gower, architect Gawie Fagan, and Professor Chris Orffer, Jooste released the first modern vintage in 1986, immediately setting a new benchmark for South African wine. The legendary Vin de Constance was revived and once again met with fascination and acclaim, eventually being named one of the world's nine most mythical wines.

A new chapter began in May 2011 when the estate was acquired by Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman. A year later, celebrated Bordeaux figures Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus and Bruno Prats, formerly of Chateau Cos d'Estournel, merged their Stellenbosch property Anwilka with Klein Constantia, bringing world-class expertise and an international perspective.

Today, winemaker Matthew Day -- only the third winemaker since the estate's revival in the 1980s -- crafts wines of restraint, elegance, and longevity. A graduate of Stellenbosch University who studied in Saint-Emilion, Barossa, and Napa, Matthew brings global perspective to this singular Cape site. His vision is clear: fermentations are spontaneous where possible, interventions minimal, and oak used with a light hand. Viticulturist Craig Harris tends 146 hectares with respect for biodiversity and terroir. The vineyards rise from 70 to 343 metres above sea level, with decomposed granite slopes cooled by the breezes of False Bay.

The wine range spans three labels. The Klein Constantia range includes Sauvignon Blanc, the single-vineyard Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc, Clara (a Sauvignon Blanc), Rietbos Chardonnay, Estate Red, and a Methode Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs. The Anwilka red blend and its second label Ugaba represent the Stellenbosch terroir. And presiding over all is Vin de Constance -- 100% Muscat de Frontignan, the natural sweet wine that has earned repeated top honours including Best Sweet Wine at Decanter and 98-point scores from Tim Atkin.

For five consecutive years, Klein Constantia has ranked among the World's Best Vineyards. At the estate's heart lies the 22-hectare Grootbos indigenous forest, embodying the belief that great wine begins with thriving ecosystems. As a WWF Conservation Champion, the estate protects its unique setting within the Cape Floral Kingdom through solar energy, water conservation, reduced herbicide use, and regenerative viticulture.

The Tasting Room offers two signature experiences: the Klein Constantia Signature Tasting at R300 per person and the exclusive Vin de Constance Experience at R1250 per person, which includes a guided cellar exploration, vertical tasting of three vintages, and personalisation of a purchased bottle with hand-applied initials and a wax seal in South African flag colours. The Bistro serves seasonal farm-to-table country cuisine paired with estate wines, with a menu that changes weekly. A Wine Club with two tiers -- the Insiders Edition and the invitation-only Club 322, named after the original 322 barrels of Vin de Constance -- offers complimentary tastings, access to Duggie's Dungeon for private tastings, pre-release access, and free shipping.