mexicoach is a private transportation operator that provides cross-border service in the san diego – tijuana metropolitan area .

the company has been in existence since 1970 , with the main purpose of allowing day trippers to avoid the one-mile walk between customs and the avenida revolución .

in recent years , the service 's draw has been to avoid the long lines at the port of entry , which have plagued both vehicular and foot travellers , because mexicoach passes between the two nations in a special clearance lane .

the coachline runs two routes .

the primary line runs from the san ysidro district of san diego , picking up san diego public transit users at the san ysidro transit center or travellers leaving their cars at the border station lot , to the mexicoach terminal on avenida revolución .

the secondary line is designed for both mexican and american beachgoers , as it runs from the terminal in tijuana to a station connected to the rosarito beach hotel in the ocean resort town of playas de rosarito .

mexicoach

taking tourismo express formerly mexicoach to tijuana makes crossing the international border more relaxed . . .
mexicoach was late picking us up in tj and then left us at the border . took us 3 1 / 2 hours to get back to our car . will never use mexicoach again ! will never go to tj again ! will tell everyone i know to never use a worthless and unreliable company like mexicoach ever !
the mexicoach picks up at the trolley and then drives across the border to downtown tijuana , i e - mailed them .
i think it is possible to catch mexicoach only in tj . i don ' t think they cross the border at all .
we’re still waiting for the official scoop . beat us to the news by messaging mexicoach to learn specifics about their style and services .
i haven ' t seen a mexicoach bus in ages . i would suspect they ' ve gone under but can ' t confirm it .
we don‘t know mexicoach ‘s story by heart , but we can assure you it‘s pretty awesome . message them to get to know more about their business .
our driver didn ' t really tell us what to do afterwards . so we missed the part where the mexicoach pulls up and takes you back to the parking lot . we walked .
you would use mexicoach if you were going to rosarito beach ( 30 min . south ) or ensenada ( an hour and 15 min . to an hour and a half south . you would , of course , take the mexicoach back , and that ' s where you might have a long wait . crossing into the u . s . is unpredictable ; sometimes very quick ; sometimes hours .
i used mexicoach round trip in november or december 2015 . picked it up at the border station crossing parking lot , they had a person standing at the shack selling tickets for $ 5 . i don ' t think the bus even said mexicoach on it . and it was definitely a very small plain white shuttle van that picked us up from tj to go back to san diego later that afternoon .
if i could give zero stars , i would . mexicoach is no longer running . i repeat , mexicoach is out of business . the mexicoach terminal on ave revolucion in the shopping district of tijuana is just the remains of a building . i don ' t know why this information isn ' t anywhere on the web , but i found out for myself so i ' m letting everyone else know . if you ' re heading to rosarito , just grab a cab from the end of the pedestrian walk - way when you come through the border . make sure to negotiate . you should be able to get to rosarito for $ 20 usd give - or - take , and it ' s always cheaper to use pesos . $ 300 - 350 pesos is what you should aim for . again , mexicoach is defunct .
i was really disappointed with the mexicoach on december2 . there was a bomb scare at the san ysidro crossing and it was closed . we were taken to another crossing real far away and were told that the mexicoach would take us back to the parking lot after we crossed . we were all stranded there and had to take taxis to get back to the san ysidro side . they sure made a lot of money off that fiasco . and , there sure were no mexicoach buses waiting after we crossed the border either . the taxi would not let us off at the parking lot so i had to take another taxi to get back there . was anyone else stranded there ?
btw i heard that uber now operates in the tijuana - rosarito area , while i doubt many drivers would be crossing the border i wonder is uber a good idea for local transportation within tijuana and rosarito to avoid the hassle of dealing with buses and taxis there . i am guessing i would need to ride one of the other cross border buses from the bus station to get the same line bypass advantages as mexicoach if mexicoach no longer does it .
i just used mexicoach for san ysidro to rosarito over christmas , and it was vip service all the way ! we went on the mexicoach bus to tijuana and then they provided a private car to go down to rosarito as there were only two of us going that far . on the way back , same thing . also , the bus was fairly crowded from tijuana to san ysidro and the supervisor made sure that we had a place for our luggage before the crowd got on the bus .
i was wondering whether mexicoach went out of business as no one answers phones and its website is under construction for more than a year . the company had operated for quite a long time i believe around 12 years and was pretty successful as its really helpful for a novice crossing the border to avoid getting lost in the confusion and lets one sit in air conditioning through a very short line rather than stand in long lines on foot or idling for hours in a car . though i notice that many travel guides , wikitravel , and independent travel / hotel websites including rosarito beach hotel still point to mexicoach as a means of transportation to get to the hotel in rosarito . therefore i am confused does it still exist or i would be waiting in a parking lot for a bus that will never arrive . i can find no resources online that state mexicoach is no longer in service . i bet many people might still expect to be able ride mexicoach and may be surprised its not there anymore .
taking tourismo express formerly mexicoach to tijuana makes crossing the international border more relaxed and convenient . no more waiting in long lines and no more costly auto insurance . it’s the easiest and safest way to go to and come back from tijuana , mexico .
unless you have a large group , this is the most affordable option . the main bus service for tourists is mexicoach , which charges $ 6 for a round trip ticket between its downtown tijuana depot and the rosarito beach hotel . mexicoach can be found at avenida revolucion between calle 6 and calle 7 or just catch the bus at the parking lot in san ysidro located on the corner as you get off on the last u . s . exit - camino de la plaza . the cost is only $ 1 . 00 as of this writing and you can park in the lot at the posted rates . mexicoach runs four round trips daily , the first bus leaving tijuana at 11 a . m . and the last bus departing rosarito at 8 p . m .
i ask this because my boyfriend and i went on mexicoach while he was visiting from netherlands . we asked all questions at the mexicoach office and on the return asked the bus driver . luckily , one of the four languages i am fluent is spanish . so i was able to communicate and understand that mexicoach is one of the bus lines that goes across the border from san diego to tijuana . as well as mexicoach also goes to rosarito or ensenada and back for a minimal fee compared to other bus lines that go to both sides of the border . prior to our trip we checked tour prices and we noticed that for 2 people other bus tours charge anywhere starting from $ 75 to $ 220 roundtrip from san diego to ensenda per person or $ 50 - 100 roundtrip to rosarito and back to sd . that is pricey ! but then again it would of been pricier for us to get a car rental , pay for gas , car insurance and still waste time waiting in line to cross back at the border . we also checked the border times to get anapproximate idea of how long it would take which made us realize it something like 4 hours if we drove back in our a car or 3 hours to get across in the line to cross back that day . on a regular basis it standing in line to cross back during the week or weekend can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours . so all these factors made the mexicoach bus ride inexpensive .
tourismo express formerly mexicoach runs daily express buses from san ysidro to downtown tijuana 7 a . m . - 6 p . m . these departures are from border station parking in san ysidro every hour on the hour and until 6 p . m . the fare is ( $ 10 ) each way .
we called them when our original shuttle company , five star tours , failed . mexicoach picked us up on time at our baja hotel and drove us in style back to san diego . the shuttle was clean and new , the driver was nice , the price was cheaper than the other company . success !
driving south on freeway 5 or 805 take the exit
camino de la plaza last usa exit
. at the end of the ramp theres a traffic signal . make a right and right , and there another right to get into the san ysidro border station parking lot . the mexicoach station is inside the parking lot .
i used the mexicoach to cross the border from san ysidro border parking lot to tijuana back in 2012 . it was a very nice alternative to driving or even walking across the border where heavy traffic , long lines , and confusing directions plague border crossers . mexicoach takes riders from the border parking lot and drops people directly in the middle of zona centro after clearing mexican immigrations and customs in a exclusively for bus passenger checkpoint with minimal wait . on the return trip mexicoach uses the bus sentri / fast lane to return to us immigration checkpoint which bypasses the long driving or even walking lines . i heard they even have connections to rosarito and beyond . based on my good experience i planned to use the service again soon , alas for some reason their website was down since a year ago and the phone appears to be disconnected . i have to assume to suddenly went out of business . though i wonder are there other similar bus services that provide similar cross border express bus service ?
i used mexicoach on dec . 29 , 2007 . i parked in the ' last exit ' lot and picked up the mexicoach there in the parking lot . round trip ticket was $ 8 . because i read the above posts before my departure i knew what to expect and easily made it back to the bus , after going thru customs . i didn ' t walk across the border to us because the line was very long . people were actually coming out of the line and getting onto a van shuttle to cross back to the us . oh , and by the way , there is a restroom near the back of the parking lot you can use before you board the bus .
i ' ve read a few postings about mexicoach . the rate seems reasonable and the proximity to the trolley is great . how about the time it takes to actually cross the border ? is it hours ? i had read somewhere that the mexicoach takes some sort of
express lane
but then i read that we can be sitting on the bus for almost 2 hrs . just to cross . just wondering about the conflicting info and if it is a long wait , is it worth it just to say we had been to tijuana ? we ' re only looking to do a little souvinir shopping and hope to stay only a couple of hrs in the am . any advice would be great . thx .
what a disaster ! mexicoach totally missed the pick up date for a group i had going from sd to tijuana . after calling them they send a unit , so the group is 2 hrs late getting to their meetings . next day the unit overheats and driver has to add water in front of the whole group . manger admits having ' issues ' with the unit ( hello , this is what they do . . . give maintenance to the darn units ! ) . totally unprofessional . will not use their serivce again , buyer be ware . . .
a fan of living on the edge , while in san diego , i went against the advice of the state department and others and took the family to tijuana for a few hours . we parked at a lot in san ysidro right near the las americas outlets and took the mexicoach bus right from the lot . it was a shuttle type bus and cost $ 6 . 00 rounf trip per person . the trip across the border into mexico was uneventful . the driver pulled into a special bus lane and a border officer boarded the bus , looked and got off . i do not believe that there was any conversation at all and we were through . the mexicoach terminal in tijuana is on aveenida revolucion and is scheduled to leave tijuana every hour on the hour , however our return bus was 40 minutes late leaving ( luckily , so were we ) . the ride back was longer due to the traffic going to the us but the bus got to take advantage of a special lane that got us to the border in about 30 minutes instead of what could have been several hours . once you get to the border , you get out and go inside to clear immigration . the bus takes longer and the driver instructed us just to continue walking for 5 minutes to the lot which was fine . very friendly service .
anyhow , mexicoach only charges $ 20 roundtrip to rosarito . i think is somethingaround $ 10 roundtrip from san diego to tijuana and back . this is one of the most inexpensive ways to see baja california without the hassle . that is why when the bus reaches the border and if its not full the driver lets people on before a certain point which is us territory ( the gate near the embassy office ) these people that get on not only includes mexican residents but also us citizens travelling from other parts of the country , southern california locals and foreigners like yourself . any person in their right mind in a hot day . especially if they know that to get on the bus it cost something like $ 5 dollars per person one way .
i live a few minutes south of rosarito beach and recently had to leave my car in san diego for repairs . i called mexicoach to inquire about using thier service to get to their stop at the rosarito beach hotel from the station on revolucion in tijuana . the quote for this short trip was $ 130 . 00 dollars . their website lists the cost of the trip at $ 26 . 00 dollars for one person , but that one person must become a part of a five person charter . if you want to use the service you have to schedule your trip and become a part of the five person charter . if it happens to be on a date you need and no charters are scheduled , the cost is $ 130 . 00 dollars . my advice is to walk across the border and get one of the yellow cabs a few steps after getting across , and the ride will cost around $ 20 . 00 dollars for the cab .
so first off , very disappointed to have to give even one star here ! this company isn ' t worth the headaches ! if you want to listen to the best advice you will ever get pertaining to bus transportation , do not use mexicoach ! ! ! ! ! i am a 24 year volunteer and past president of an amazing organization that provides cleft palate and lip surgeries for those less fortunate children in mexico . we had reserved two buses for over two months to transport our volunteers who take time out of their busy work schedules and families to come provide service to the children that desperately need our services . buses never showed and no phone call . . . . . . . . . . really ! ! ! it is hard to contact them and their makeshift office is in a kiosk at the swap meet near the border . what i don ' t understand is how someone can run a business like this that caters to getting people to a destination at a certain time . i am coordinating a reunion in which we will be chartering a bus to long beach to board a cruise ship next year . i had thought of using them but that is no longer in the cards for them . can you imagine them not showing up for that and everyone misses the boat ? no pun intended ! best of luck in your travels ~ mark
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don’t forget that american citizens need a valid u . s . passport to enter and leave mexico . if you are 21 years or older you can bring back one quart of liquor duty - free . victor and sons liquor ( 10 ) at 1020 ave . revolucion in downtown tijuana has the best selection .
tourismo express also takes people to the new airport border crossing cbx for a fee of ( $ 10 ) each way . until the city of san diego builds a bigger parking lot , the best way to avoid getting a ticket for parking too long on the street near the terminal and getting your car towed away and having to pay a huge fee to get it back is to opt for a shuttle service . tourismo express makes multiple stops at cbx , the tijuana airport terminal — in san diego daily .
san ysidro is home to the world’s busiest land border crossing , where u . s . interstate 5 crosses into mexico at tijuana . each year over 14 million vehicles and 40 million people enter the u . s . at the san ysidro port of entry .
the great majority of these are workers ( both of mexican and u . s . nationality ) commuting from tijuana to jobs in the greater san diego area and throughout southern california . there is also a thriving reverse traffic , both of workers traveling to maquiladoras in mexico and those purchasing services ( vehicle repairs , hair and beauty services , childcare , medical and dental ) or seeking entertainment in tijuana .
crossing times are notoriously slow at san ysidro , particularly for those entering the u . s . in cars . for this reason many cross on foot , which is frequently much faster than the vehicle lane . some pedestrian travelers own a car in each country , and store them in one of the large parking lots located near the border post , or use the respective public transportation systems of both cities ( both systems have a bus station built solely to serve the border crossing point ) .
our tijuana tourist terminal is located in downtown tijuana - mexico on avenida revolucion between 6th and 7th street , the main tourist avenue of this city .
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intercalifornias does it . i ' m not sure where they stop in san ysidro ; the wait is never very long going south , and going north you can have a cab drop you at ferrocarril and frontera ( just say
déjeme a los vans pa ' l norte por favor
if you have language issues ) and there are a million vans that can use the bus lane . usually runs $ 5 or so .
intercalifornias does not go out of the border area . the first mexican stop is at the línea bus station , though , and from there you can get an abc bus to rosarito or you can just take a cab ; shouldn ' t cost more than $ 15 - 20 dlls . for a cab .
if you ask your taxi to drop you off on ferrocarril you will see all the vans that will take you in the bus lane for $ 5 .
i guess the company changed names . though it is quite shady that there is no name nor any type of contact information .
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tijuana work permit for u . s . citizen - is single - day avail ?
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they are ok if you want to get to tijuana . if you want to go back , just forget about them and have a walk . when we were buying tickets in us , they told us that the bus leaves tijuana station back to us every hour . well , later , it turned out it is not every hour , but every two hours . in the end , the bus did not show up at all . so we walked . . .
i called for 2 days straight and after receiving no calls back or anyone picking up their phone i gave up . what kind of business is this ? after reading the reviews for this charter bus company i realize now this is a joke , a waste of money , and a complete waste of time ! go somewhere else people !
still running . terribly unreliable , but the price is okay ( $ 3 each way ) . it does help to bypass the walking line - - but you shouldn ' t expect much from the service . we waited almost two hours for the coach ( it was
held up
at the border ) . the staff was super unfriendly and unhelpful . the bus was crowded ( a lot of people were standing ) .
the ride to rosarito beach was good ! ! but the ride back was a different story they took us to some side stop where it look for shady back there and switched drivers . then we had to stop in tj to pick up passengers and like 25 freakin people got on so it was so uncomfortable . then once we got to the border there was another driver that got on and then the other driver came back to drive again i don ' t know what the hell was going on but we sat in that line for about 2hours even though we were close to the gate . the good thing all 25 people were together and they decided to get off and wait in the line so the 2hour wait was ok . it was a good ride with us ladies talking and there were 2 other people left on the bus with us and they said you ladies made the time go by fast it was better then reality tv . : )
the $ 5 price roudn trip sounded good . from sd to tj , the trip was okay , but didn ' t like the stop at the flea market before crossing the border , i guess it depends on what side of the highway you board from . the return back to the border was one of the worst expereinces we ever had . they said it would take 20 minutes and we sat just a few yards from the border for an hour , some people got off and stood in the long line . we watched them cross over the boarder as we were still seated on the bus . what ! ! the buss then moved a few feet and we asked to get off but the driver refused and said he and us would be fined . total bs ! ! ! . we yelled to the custom offiicals that we being held hostage and we were let go by the driver . what law is it again that you can ' t leave a bus ? ? we waited in foot line and waved to our bus mates as we passed them still in the same spot . i would just haggle with a taxi next time .
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that sounds horrible ! i ' ll continue to advise people to rent a car and drive to rosarito . for me , being in charge of your destiny yourself makes up for a few extra dollars to rent a car .
i am sure you got your moneys worth . as also would like to suggest for any time you go outside of australia that it pays to know a second language or to learn a bit of the local language . at least thats been my case in the multiple countries i have been abroad in central europe , scandinavia , eastern europe and latin america . in your case , according to you you had a terrible experience and i can understand that the driver was probably not the best . but then again let me ask you this . how much did you pay to get across the border and was tijuana your only destination ? how do you know the people that got on were illegals ? did you check the passport of each of those
illegals
? did you ask where the drop off was or the procedure before boarding the bus ?
for those that don ' t know - buses pay us immigration / customs a yearly fee to get on special lane called
sentri line
. the bus after crossing the border picks up passenger from san diego heading to tijuana and goes back . that is why when you reach the checkpoint where the customs officer is marks end of the bus route . unless you paid to go another city in california thru their bus company or want to pay to go back then you should get back on . but thats the end of the route for everyone . the officer checking the bus ask you to stand on a special sentri line for bus passenger which is also quite short and nothing compared to the regular lines to cross immigration therefore , you should not say they are illegals . . . and i doubt theres anything to feel unsafe about because all these people that get on the bus are not concerned with you or what you have . but are concerned in getting home , going to work , going shopping , catchinga tour bus to go on holiday or contnue their vacation .
@ cass015 . i respectfully suggest that i did not get value for money at all . no bus service should abandon paying passengers half way to their paid destination . . . especially in the dark . also , it was pretty easy to work out the young mexican nationals who boarded our bus were illegals . they didnt even have passports and were booted out of the customs line and sent back into mexico when trying to enter usa . . you don ' t need a degree , or a second language to work that one out . . .
just went . the parking lot in to the right on the
last exit before mexico
exit . it ' s 8 bucks round trip . the come every 30 minutes and they drop you off in ave . revolucion near 6th .
the return is hell . the bus stops at door where you have to walk across the border with your bag and such .
advice : when you get near the border and are stuck in traffic . just ask the driver to let you off and walk across . it will be faster . it took us 1 hour and 15 minutes to get a across the border . walking up when we got close would have been only 10 .
sorry , you had problems with the bus crossing . i was confused with their information too .
sorry about the event on dec . 2 ! bus drivers don ' t seem to speak much english and i was thankful i had read the above posts .
i - 5 south | e st . to camino de la plaza = last us exit =
it takes no time to cross into mexico . you walk across after parking your car in the lot right by the border or you take the trolley . going back to the u . s . , you will also walk across the border .
if you are just going to tijuana , you can walk . the tourist area is close to the crossing or you can take a cab to the zona rio , a nice shopping center . you ' ll find items at the stores in the zona rio to be more expensive than in the u . s . the tourist area will have the handcraft type items you are probably thinking of .
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coming from san diego to rosarito is easy by car , bus , route taxis , or one of the yellow taxi cabs . please see our driving directions page for more info on how to get here .
yellow cabs are in plentiful supply if you walk across the border to tijuana from san ysidro . these cabs will charge from $ 25 to $ 30 to take a carload to rosarito . work out the price with the driver before getting in the cab . once in rosarito , you can hire a cab to take you back when you are ready . in rosarito you can take an eco taxi or one of many route taxis constantly going back and forth to and from tijuana .
service from boulevard benito juarez to tijuana only cost $ 1 or less , but route taxis are always the slowest and least comfortable means of transportation as they really pack them in with three in the front , four in the middle and three in the back of the station wagon . rosarito cabs are typically big 1980s ford and chevy station wagons .
you can drive by way of the libre ( free road ) or the cuota ( toll road ) . by far the nicest method is the toll road . the toll is currently 24 pesos ( about $ 2 . 10 ) . the toll road receipt is your insurance receipt should you have an accident while driving on the cuota . the cuota also has the
green angel
service . they are radio - dispatched green trucks to help distressed vehicles . there are telephones about every 2 miles . they have gasoline , battery cables , etc .
while driving in downtown rosarito , the far right lane is not a driving lane . this is for taxi pick ups and a lane to make backing out of parking easier . do not park where the curb is yellow . you will be towed and the fine is $ 70 for the towing charge and a four hour ordeal ! ! !
there are several pemex stations in rosarito . super unleaded at the moment is $ 2 . 40 per gallon . buy your gasoline in pesos for the best deal as the exchange rate at the gas station is usually not the greatest . and don ' t let your tank get really low . on some holiday weekends , the demand from tourists causes them to have long lines , especially if a motor home caravan of 100 rigs appear at once , and they do !
you are welcome to bring your animals to mexico . mexico does not check registration and shot records , but when you go back north , you may possibly need those records to get your pet ( s ) back into the u . s . there are no leash laws in mexico and your pets can enjoy the beach with you . be sure to inquire if your condominium or hotel will allow pets . there are pet sitters around town , but they really get booked up , so plan early .
not under any circumstances should you attempt to purchase a
mexican pretty green parrot
from the street corner and think it would be
cute
to take home . u . s . customs considers that almost as bad as drugs and has a healthy fine and a 50 year jail term !
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you need the fm - 3 mexico document , which is your legal status in mexico as a foreigner . you need four copies of the following items when you come :
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constantia wyn ( wine ) is a south african dessert wine .

it is made from muscat blanc à petits grains ( muscat de frontignan ) grapes grown in the district of constantia , south of cape town .

in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was widely exported to europe .

however , production of constantia ceased in the late nineteenth century following the devastation of south african vineyards by the phylloxera epidemic .

production resumed at klein constantia in 1986 , at groot constantia in 2003 and at buitenverwachting in 2007 .

constantia ( wine )

the wine cellar houses a wine museum exhibiting wine making equipment , especially wine storage and wine drinking vessels .
simon van der stel founded constantia’s first wine farm , groot constantia in 1685 .
cape silversmiths buying wine at groot constantia – cloete wine ledger , 1825 & 1840 , groot constantia manor house .
today , other estates have joined groot constantia to form the scenic constantia wine route . these estates include klein constantia , buitenverwachting , constantia uitsig , steenberg , constantia glen , eagles ' nest , silvermist vineyards and beau constantia .
two of the five wine and chocolates you can savour at the groot constantia wine and chocolate pairing .
having subsequently been subdivided into smaller farms , constantia uitsig is now one of a select handful of wine estates that together make up the constantia valley wine route .
the constantia wine valley is the oldest in the country , groot constantia having been established by simon van der stel in 1685 .
following his death , and with no remaining family at the cape , van der stel’s constantia farm is subdivided into groot constantia , klein constantia ( later named hoop op constantia ) and bergvliet .
as the oldest wine - producing region in the southern hemisphere , constantia’s uninterrupted history of wine making stretches back over 300 years .
buitenverwachting was established in 1796 , klein constantia in 1823 , eagles’ nest and silvermist in 1984 , constantia glen in 2000 and beau constantia in 2002 .
special thanks to constantia wine route for all their work in helping us uncover the area .
stellenbosch is celebrated for wine , food , people and culture . explore this acclaimed wine region with your expert wine guide .
groot constantia’s revered history tells us how a man’s love of wine established the first wine farm in south africa , going back 330 years .
feel like royalty and visit a wine estate , which originally formed part of the constantia estate .
visit a wine estate , which originally formed part of the much larger , historical constantia estate .
simon van der stel founded constantia’s first wine farm , groot constantia in 1685 . constantia is a rich and diverse destination of its own within cape town , with wine farms , restaurants & many other attractions to look forward to on a short or long visit !
constantia valley shops offer the ultimate shopping experience from big brand names to unique boutiques the constantia valley has it all .
our wine tasting options range from r45 to r90 per person , depending on your wine selection . if you purchase wine to the value of r350 , one wine tasting fee will be waived .
klein constantia - described as one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates , this wine farm is set amidst ancient trees on the upper foothills of the constantiaberg .
the constantia valley’s nine wine farms located just 20 minutes from the city centre are in fact cape town’s vineyard .
constantia glen is ideally located below constantia nek , just moments from the bustling cape town city centre . we are a picturesque boutique wine estate producing ultra - premium , cool climate wines . steeped in history , constantia is the oldest wine producing region in south africa dating back to 1685 .
comte de las cases . napoleon & constantia wine . my residence at the cape of good hope , balkema 1970 .
aside from the occasional afternoon tea in the the historical groot constantia , i haven ' t really ever spent much time exploring the offerings or enjoying the wine of the other wine farms located right on my doorstep in the constantia valley .
there are no less than 9 wine farms that make up the constantia wine route , starting from the top of constantia nek near hout bay , moving down the valley all the way to just below the steenberg mountains near tokai . . .
all the farms are close together , meaning you can hop from one to the other with minimum fuss , but we would recommend taking two to three days to really explore the area properly . each farm has its own unique selling point and charm , but one thing they all have in common is fantastic wine and superb attention to detail . groot constantia , klein constantia , steenberg vineyards , constantia glen wine estate , beau constantia , buitenverwachting , constantia uitsig , eagle’s nest and silvermist all await you in the valley . for help in unpacking it , contact constantia wine route .
constantia , south africa’s oldest wine producing region , is situated less than 20 minutes from the cape town city centre . constantia glen welcomes wine enthusiasts to embark on a wine tasting experience with us . tasting our wines while enjoying the sweeping views from our tasting room and the vineyards is a rare pleasure .
a custom - made wine tour in the wine valley of legends with exclusive access to certain farms and the option of meeting a local wine - maker , makes for a memorable experience in one of cape town’s top wine regions .
of course , constantia has more on offer than the wine farms , with a huge amount of restaurants and bars to choose from .
as portfolio ' s kathryn recently discovered , there are many hidden gems on the constantia wine route just waiting to be enjoyed . . .
unwind with a glass of wine and scrumptious french cuisine in front of a blazing fire at the quaint brasserie pastis , in constantia . situated alongside the vineyards of groot constantia , it exudes warmth and an informal vibe .
ou constantia wyn , c . j . orffer , 1990 , unpublished mss .
contract with loius philippe , king of france at the groot constantia manor house .
hidden gem : constantia glen 5 is a classic constantia blend of the five archetypal bordeaux varieties – cabernet sauvignon , merlot , cabernet franc , malbec and petit verdot .
in the picturesque constantia wine valley , you’ll find cape town’s oldest and most beloved wine estate , groot constantia . it has a whole lot going for it including a beautiful estate , hundreds of years of history , wonderful food and of course the most incredible range of wines . what makes the estate…
constantia valley restaurants offer a wide selection of dining experiences catering for all tastes and ages .
the constantia wine valley is situated on the green slopes of the constantiaberg mountain range and is a mere 15 - minute drive from the center of cape town . dating back to 1685 , constantia is the oldest wine region in south africa boasting eight award - winning wine estates and boutique wineries . the area’s climate favors the production of white wines , notably sauvignon blanc , and is renowned for its sweet wines that first won acclaim in the 17th century . be sure to visit groot constantia , the very first south african wine farm , and indulge in wine tasting and gourmet food al fresco at one of the many on - site restaurants .
wine lovers from around the world travel far and wide to visit groot constantia , south africa’s oldest wine producing estate . here , guests are delighted by cellar and vineyard tours , wine tastings of a number of award - winning wines , a handful of world - class restaurants and the iziko museum set up in the…
die alledaagse lewe op groot constantia tussen die jare 1685 – 1885 . 2 vols , m . p . s . van der merwe . – groot constantia sale , vol . 11 , p . 294 . colyn supervising winemaking at groot constantia vol . 1 , p . 71 .
groot constantia is a historic farm estate that dates back to 1685 , thus making it one of the oldest wine farms in south africa . a visit to groot constantia gives you the chance to relive it’s rich history and discover its development over time , including slavery on the estate . the wine museum gives you a glimpse of the life of a wine merchant and exhibits wine storage and drinking vessels from antiquity to the early 20th century . groot constantia is a fun day out and a magnificent way to gain insight into the life of a successful 18th to late 19th century cape farmer .
beau constantia - laying claim to the highest vines in the valley , planted to an elevation of 350 metres above sea - level on some of the steepest agricultural slopes in the cape , this is a beautiful boutique wine farm situated right at the top of constantia nek .
letter ordering wine for france , 1847 . cloete papers , accessions no . 452
join our wine club to receive special news and exclusive offers from the estate .
accommodation in the constantia valley offers visitors views of historical vineyards , lush greenbelts and glorious mountain ranges .
nestled between tokai forest and the the constantia valley , this market boasts magical vineyard and mountain views .
die geskiedenis van wynbou en wynhandel in die kaapkolonie , 1795 - 1860 , professor d . van zyl , cape town , 1975 – constantia a natural sweet wine , p . 74 .
not only uninterrupted , constantia’s history is also internationally admired . muskadel from the constantia valley won acclaim during the 18th century from famous authors , poets and statesmen alike . napoleon bonaparte had as much as 1 , 126 liters of the cloete family’s constantia wine shipped in wooden casks each year to his home in exile on st helena from 1815 until his death in 1821 . and in sense and sensibility , jane austen’s character mrs jennings recommends a little constantia for “its healing powers on a disappointed heart . ”
van der stel built the house and used the land to produce wine as well as other fruit and vegetables , and for cattle farming . following van der stel ' s death in 1712 the estate was broken up and sold in three parts : groot constantia ; klein constantia ; and bergvliet .
constantia shifted it’s focus to the world market , with the first wines exported by 1761 . by 1788 , the constantia dessert wines ( constantia wyn ) , were highly acclaimed in europe , having been enjoyed by notable historical characters such as frederick the great of prussia , charles dickens , jane austen and napoleon bonaparte .
nobody knows constantia better than a local . when you’re in town be sure to visit the closest vic at kirstenbosch where staff can help you really uncover the magic on offer in constantia and surrounds . also be sure to visit urltoken for all the ins and outs of what is on offer in the constantia valley .
constantia uitsig - known until 1940 as constantia view , this beautiful wine farm is currently undergoing extensive refurbishments to make it one of the most appealing for visitors to the valley . there is a small wine tasting area and the recently opened open door restaurant which comes highly recommended as one of the best foodie experiences in the valley , plus there are also big plans to create a beautiful kitchen garden , picnic area , larger wine tasting facilities and another casual restaurant .
our glass hire service includes wine glasses , flutes and hi - ball tumblers . *
the groot constantia wine range boasts an exquisite array of wines that pay tribute to the amazing terroir and climate that the estate finds itself in . each wine contains notes that make it fit extremely well into its category and stand out at the same time . despite their uniqueness , each wine has a common characteristic , that of being a fantastic and easy wine to drink while at the same time hiding interesting and complicated tasting notes within its bottle .
records of the cape colony , ed . g . mccall theall , govt . printers 1897 . – king george iv & constantia wine , 1827 , p . 74 , 77 & 278 .
since constantia glen is a working farm , for your own safety we can not allow any pedestrian access .
prepare your palette to be amazed with the chocolate & wine pairing , that has unlocked interesting flavour combination by groot constantia with the help of a team of chocolatiers who came together to collaborate on creating not only a sweet way to taste wine , but also a way in which some of their wines with more complicated notes could be tasted and understood . each wine has been delicately paired with a chocolate and the expertly trained staff at groot constantia guide you through the tasting . groot constantia has six options from which they select a daily five flavour pairing option , depending on stock availability .
new york ' s largest producing wine region , the finger lakes has more than 100 wineries dotting the panoramic hills around the lakes . tasting rooms and tours abound , and you ' ll be able to sample such varietals as chardonnay , pinot noir , vidal blank , and riesling . start your tour of the region with a stop at the new york wine & culinary center , which offers wine tastings and information on the region . two popular wine routes to check out are the cayuga wine trail and the seneca wine trail . both showcase the region ' s finest wineries . explore this region ' s wine scene with these
cape town and its surrounds is a world renowned wine region , recognised internationally for its fine wines . while the cape’s famed winelands have spread to stellenbosch , paarl , franschhoek and beyond , it all began in constantia , quite literally cape town’s back yard . with a wine - making tradition that spans more than 300 years , the constantia valley and its surrounds is the oldest wine - producing region in the southern hemisphere , its picturesque farms still producing world class , award - winning wines .
one of the handful of farms in the constantia valley wine region , constantia uitsig is one of the farms that were created after former governor simon van der stel’s constantia was broken up into smaller estates after his death . the estate produces a host of award - winning white wines , as well as a great red blend . uitsig is also home to the recently opened open door restaurant and a bike park for cycling enthusiasts .
nestled beneath table mountain national park and commanding vistas of the constantiaberg and table mountain ranges lies constantia , the oldest wine - making region in the southern hemisphere . filled with heritage and landscapes of unsurpassed beauty , constantia is the perfect place to base yourself when visiting cape town , the mother city in south africa .
but all that changed recently with a visit to some of the hidden gems of the constantia wine route . . . which inspired me to visit a few more and discover their secret delights . . .
in 1885 groot constantia was purchased by the government of the cape of good hope and was used as an experimental wine and agricultural estate . following a disastrous fire in 1925 the house was extensively restored .
we cover everything to do with sa fine wine . wine magazine was published from october 1993 until september 2011 and now lives on in digital form as winemag . co . za .
great food with amazing views . . . perfect location to eat after a wine tour !
think the shire with a modern - day twist and you may come close to the boutique wine farm that is beau constantia . close , but not quite on the money , because chances are you have never experienced a wine tasting in a venue quite like it . a rolling green embankment is the…
the constantia wine tour is a leading wine touring company in cape town . we provide tours in the constantia valley , the origin of south african wines . we have a selection of tour options available which include premium tastings , private rooms , exclusive access high up onto the mountains that look over the vineyards , cellar tours , meeting the winemaker , sit down a la carte lunches and photographs taken throughout your day ! !
hugh johnson ' s modern encyclopaedia of wine , mitchell beazley , 1983 , p . 480 .
cape town is a favourite destination for wine connaisseurs from around the world , and some of the best and oldest wine farms in the region can be found right in the city’s back yard .
in the picturesque constantia wine valley , you’ll find cape town’s oldest and most beloved wine estate , groot constantia . it has a whole lot going for it including a beautiful estate , hundreds of years of history , wonderful food and of course the most incredible range of wines . what makes the estate really special is the unique experience it offers for its visitors , including an exquisite chocolate and wine pairing and a visitor route experience . have a look at the not - to - be - missed activities when visiting this estate :
paradiso is a family run guesthouse and self - catering cottage , offering guests friendly and personal service is set in a tranquil treed garden with sweeping views of the distant constantiaberg mountains , constantia valley and its wine farms .
learn more about our august history , winemaking philosophy , unique terroir and the people who bring klein constantia to life today .
you’ll find senhor prego at taste at simon’s , a new market at groot constantia . we love his pregos , too .
the constantia valley was made for trail junkies . the constantia green belts provide a number of relatively easy routes for runners . if you’re looking for more of a challenge , you can head up constantia nek for some tough climbs and single track . just make sure somebody knows where you are . and take a map ! you can find these at our visitor information centres .
although steenberg is the oldest private estate in the constantia valley , having been granted to free burghers hans and catharina ras , groot constantia is really its grande old dame . it was groot , or grand , constantia that put constantia on the international wine map , as well as being its stand - out estate for more than 300 years . i love to take guests there and make them walk from the old entrance gates down the oak - lined avenue to the main manor , with the old werf ( farmstead ) buildings flanking on the right and vineyards sweeping away to false bay to the left .
stopping off at groot constantia , eagles’ nest and beau constantia , there’s no better way to see the wine route than with cape town’s beloved red bus , the city sightseeing bus . with an informative audio guide in 15 languages , you’ll get clued up while marvelling at this picturesque neighbourhood of cape town as you hop on and off as you please .
this popular wine estate offers lovely views , delicious wine , and its famous 1 000 - strong duck parade . enjoy all of this , as well as a market - style brunch , every saturday .
while established wine destinations ( like stellenbosch , franschhoek and constantia ) remain the most popular destinations , there is an increasing demand to experience more than just the food and wine . visitors are requesting unique tours that allow them to meet producers and gain exclusive access to experiences outside the standard offering . and the statistics support this claim .
part of the popular primi piatti franchise , the constantia branch is a staple in the old village square at constantia village . serving pasta , pizzas , burgers and more , the food is wholesome and well - priced and the restaurant is very family friendly .
this constantia wine tour was an unbelievable one with good memories made with friends . we were taken around to many beautiful wine estates by blake gowar who shared his extensive knowledge of the delicious wines we tasted and lots of other interesting information . his warm and kind nature made our visit that much much more memorable . this is definitely a tour i would love to do again with family and friends . if you are looking for a wine tour where you are exposed to the beautiful vineyards of constantia with excellent tour guides , this is the tour you want to experience .
one of the oldest areas in cape town , and south africa , constantia is home to incredible wine farms , unrivalled natural beauty and some of the most renowned restaurants in town . see why locals and visitors love it so much :
going wine tasting is a charming way to spend a day or a weekend . it is so enjoyable , in fact , that wine tasting has become a vacation in itself . wine tourism has increased in the past 10 years and many wineries around the globe now provide exquisite tasting rooms with scenic vineyard views , wine tasting dinners , and tours of the vineyards and cellars . an oeno - experience , one might say .
dating back to 1685 and described as one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates , klein constantia is set amidst ancient trees on the upper foothills of the constantiaberg , with views across false bay . the perfect location for cool climate wines , klein constantia produces some of south africa’s top wines , including one of the world’s best natural sweet wines , vin de constance .
groot constantia is the oldest wine producing estate in south africa . when simon van der stel’s constantia was subdivided into three farms , and in 1777 hendrik cloete bought one of these farms on the neglected estate . cloete worked hard to restore the farm to its former glory and after his death in 1817 the farm was further divided between his two sons , with jacob pieter inheriting the lower portion of the farm , now known as groot ( big ) constantia , and his brother johan gerhard the upper portion , now known as klein ( little ) constantia . in the nearly 200 years since , every subsequent owner of the groot constantia contributed its success , with wines favoured by the likes of napoleon bonaparte along the way . today groot constantia produces an array of award winning whites and reds that ships around the world . the farm also includes two top class restaurants and a conference / events venue .
constantia valley surrounded with full of greens and grapes garden a fantastic place to visit . i must say one should visit this place during their lifetime . the courtesy shown by the people at the wine manufacturing place awesome and very great gesture .
land was granted to governor simon van der stel . he planted 10 , 000 vines , naming the farm after the voc ( dutch east india company ) ship , constantia . the original property comprised 763 hectares , stretching from the modern - day constantia to dieprivier .
situated on the forested southern slopes of table mountain and within the table mountain national park , this rustic luxurious 60 - acre lodge is just minutes away from cape town’s wonderful beaches , constantia wine lands and restaurants and boasts 22 self - catering cottages .
situated in the heart of the constantia suburb , constantia village has all the convenience of a mall , but its wide , open spacing creates the ambience of a village square . there are a number of high - quality restaurants and coffee shops , high - end boutiques and big - name shopping chains . whether you are looking for an intimate dinner for two or some retail therapy , you will be well served at constantia village .
the following two owners , carl georg wieser and his stepson jacobus van der spuij , respectively owned constantia from 1734 - 1759 and from 1759 - 1778 . wieser had a good knowledge of viticulture and enlarged the vineyards . van der spuij on the other hand did not trouble himself with wine making . he owned a slave who acted as cellar master and wine maker . in 1778 jan serrurier bought constantia from van der spuij , but eleven months later sold it to hendrik cloete , owner of the farm nooitgedacht near stellenbosch .
we have already mentioned the wine farms , but it deserves a second mention , a third , and a fourth… you get the idea . right on the city’s doorstep , the constantia valley is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious farms in the country .
just 30 minutes from cape town international airport and 20 minutes from the v & a waterfront , constantia valley truly is cape town ' s vineyard .
sweet luscious & excellent wine
r . percival , an account of the cape of good hope , london 1804 .
if you receive an unsatisfactory bottle , we will always replace , refund , or recommend another wine we think you’ll love – and there is no need to return the bottle to us . if you do not enjoy a bottle you ordered , simply get in touch with your local majestic wine store , let them know you did not enjoy this wine and our highly knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to replace the wine with something else we think you’ll love or refund the full amount to you .
ah tuscany ! chianti is the first word that comes to mind , the ever - pleasing red wine that pairs so perfectly with meats and pastas . amid the gently sloping hills of tuscany , filled with medieval houses and castles , are acres of grape vines with wineries open for tours and tastings . this is old world wine culture at its finest ; wine - makers still crush the grapes with their feet here , and wine is stored in long , vaulted basement cellars carved right out of the rock .
elysian fields
hugh johnson . the world atlas of wine , mitchell beazley , london , 1979 . p . 246 .
anwilka , our sister farm in stellenbosch , produces world - class red blends under the guidance of internationally acclaimed bordeaux wine experts .
south africa’s wine heritage starts here—in the lush valley of constantia where vineyards slope gently up the constantiaberg mountains and are fanned by sea breezes from false bay . the climate , soil , and cooling winds have played their part in the production of fine quality wines since the 17th century and the…
the selection of vineyards in cape town and its surrounds can be quite overwhelming , making it difficult for even a seasoned wine lover to know where to start . the guys at explore sideways offer tailor - made private wine tours with some of south africa’s top guides , and they’ll be more than happy to help you make the most of your next trip to cape town’s famous wine lands .
one of the oldest areas in cape town , and south africa , constantia is home to incredible wine farms , unrivalled natural beauty and some of the most renowned restaurants in town . see why locals and visitors love it so much : where to eat and make merry : restaurants and bars the…
van der stel was very keen to acquire a farm and in 1685 a piece of land of more than 2454 hectares was granted to him . he named it constantia and , probably in the same year , built a double - storey house on it . vegetables and fruit were grown on the farm , in addition to the practice of viticulture and the production of wine . the produce was supplied to ships which called at the cape . van der stel also specialized in cattle - breeding on his leased land . he died in 1712 . in 1716 , constantia was divided into three portions before being sold . two parts became known as bergvliet and klein constantia and the third part on which the van der stel house stood , became officially known as groot constantia during the mid - 19th century .
prefer something sweet ? - try our famous wine and chocolate pairing or finish your tasting experience with one of our mouthwatering new desserts .
we hope you enjoy the exciting list of fine values , rising stars and historic producers that populate wine spectator ’s 2015 top 100 .
this open - air market held at the kenilworth racecourse boasts more than 50 food , wine , beer , craft and clothing vendors .
in 1779 the portion of the estate including van der stel ' s cape dutch - style manor house was sold to the cloete family , who planted extensive vineyards and extended and improved the mansion by commissioning the architect louis michael thibault . the wine cellar was added by cloete in 1791 . the house remained in the possession of the cloete family until 1885 , during which period the estate became famous for its production of constantia dessert wine .
find out more about our elegant estate wines , kc range of easy - drinking wines , and icon wine
vin de constance
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enjoy the new visitor route experience where one ticket gives you entrance to the historic manor house museum , the original cloete cellar , a cellar tour , wine tasting and spiegalau crystal wine glass . the manor house is the original cape dutch homestead , beautifully preserved so you can look back in time . at the cloete cellar you’ll find a fascinating and unusual collection of historic wine and archeological equipment as you learn more about this area , the wine and the history of the estate . it’s an enthralling and unforgettable tour that aims to show , not tell .
the history of constantia from then on became the story of mainly three families . oloff bergh was the second owner of the farm . after his death in 1724 , his dynamic wife of slave descent anna de koningh , became the owner . she owned the farm until her death in 1734 . agriculture and viticulture continued on constantia during this period .
just outside of cape town is south africa ' s world - renown cape winelands , where fertile soil and a moderate climate enables growers to produce fine sauvignon blanc , chardonnay , cabernet sauvignon , shiraz , and pinot noir . south african wines have grown in popularity over the last decades , and the region is well - prepared for a wine - tasting holiday . visit groot constantia , one of the most famous and oldest wine farms in the region ; the wines here are stellar , and the views are breathtaking . other wine routes to visit are stellenbosch , paarl , and franschhoek . try a
located in close proximity to the area’s restaurants and with easy access to all major attractions , constantia cottages has been endorsed as highly recommended by the aa quality assured accommodation program .
the groot constantia wine and chocolate tasting is a truly unique experience that should be on every cape town bucket list as an experience that is not to be missed . not only is it unique in its presentation , but does a wonderful job in educating and highlighting characteristics of our favourite wines that we so often miss .
the constantia valley has an appeal that offers something of interest to everyone , from visiting the award - winning wine estates and restaurants , to an array of experiences such as picnics , festivals , tours and adrenaline adventure sports . the mountain ranges and greenbelts offer breathtaking photo opportunities with hiking , horse riding and mountain biking trails .
the 2015 top 100 emphasizes how much the wine world has changed since wine spectator put together its inaugural honor roll , in 1988 . that year , the top 10 counted three bordeauxs , four burgundies , two italian reds and one california cabernet . now , less than three decades later , outstanding wines from almost every corner of the globe compete with these historic leaders for attention . put simply , it’s a great time to be a wine lover .
nestled among the tygerberg hills , just a 20 - minute drive from cape town , lies the durbanville wine valley . the region consists of 12 wine estates each complemented by some of the best fine dining restaurants in cape town . durbanville’s signature cultivar is sauvignon blanc followed by cabernet sauvignon , merlot , shiraz and chardonnay . during the summertime , the region hosts several wine festivals where you can enjoy premium wines and delicious cuisine with family and friends .
constantia remained cloete property from 1778 - 1885 and the cloetes gave a new lease of life to the farm . hendrik cloete gave the farm a new look by having a new wine cellar built , situated at the back and on the same axis as the entrance to the farm and the manor house . he also had the original house adapted by structural changes such as adding gables , sash and new casement windows , and a higher and more pitched roof . cloete also expanded the outbuildings in front of the manor house . he improved the vineyards and introduced his own wine making methods to the farm . his wine became world famous .
the paarl wine route is the second oldest in the country and is known for its signature cultivar , shiraz , although their red and white blends are also highly regarded . an easy 40 - minute drive from cape town , the paarl wine route consists of 70 wine producers ranging from historic family - owned estates to larger cellars . apart from its wineries , paarl is also known for its craft breweries , brandy cellars , artisanal cheeses as well as olive and olive oil producers . like franschhoek , paarl is bordered by scenic mountain ranges and is the perfect location to enjoy cheese and wine underneath tall oak trees .
morgenster is a thriving olive and wine farm with a history dating back to 1711 . at just 35 minutes from cape town , this internationally acclaimed estate sits at the gateway to the cape winelands in somerset west . wine lovers and foodies , don’t miss the chance to taste award - winning bordeaux - style wines…
on - demand tourism : the research revealed that wine tourism is the top activity ( 83 % ) requested by tourists visiting the cape , which is 15 % more popular than culture activities and 44 % more popular than adventure activities . out of all food and wine activities requested , fine dining restaurants and guided wine tours were most popular . the research further revealed a shift towards a new type of luxury travel in which an overwhelming number of visitors ( 82 % ) seek out authentic and immersive experiences around food , wine , culture and spectacular scenery . a supporting trend shows that bookings for guided tours have risen in the last year with a focus on tailor - made itineraries and specialist guides with insider knowledge that go beyond just wine cultivar , origin and pairing advice .
groot constantia - a unique heritage wine estate offering historical tours of the manor house , to a busy day time restaurant under the oaks , large lawns for kids to run on and prepared picnic baskets to feast from . enjoy panoramic views across to false bay or enjoy some live music at simon ' s restaurant - there is something for everyone .
one of the best ways to take in the constantia valley is on horseback . there are a number of companies that offer outrides through the vineyards as well as pony rides for the kids .
constantia glen is happy to have added a selection of flammkuchen and delicious summer salads to our current repertoire of tasting experiences available at the tasting room . you may also enjoy one of our popular cheese
silvermist - located just over the rise at constantia nek , this vineyard straddles the neck of the mountain providing magnificent views in either direction - hout bay and constantia . certified organic by the bio - dynamic & organic certification authority , the natural fynbos is encouraged to grow amongst the vineyards alongside selected lupins and grains thus creating a rich biodiversity and ducks provide the pest control while fertilizing the vineyards !
take a step back in time with a guided tour through the cellar and learn more about this rich history while enjoying a chocolate and award winning wine pairing .
more significantly , it was the cape that produced the southern hemisphere ' s first great wine : constantia . simon van der stel ' s estate on the flank of table mountain , where several varieties of muscat flourished , was the source of a red that would soon be compared with some of the world ' s best dessert wines . if you like history , you can still visit the place where it was made . or better still , you can drink a ( white ) wine that is modelled on van der stel ' s creation . the luscious , abundantly aromatic , orange marmalade - scented 2004 vin de constance , klein constantia ( £25 per 50cl , 14 % , majestic ) remains one of the best sweet wines on the planet .
cradled in a secluded valley high up on the slopes of the constantia mountains , the farm originally served as a refreshment station for travellers on the mountain pass between wynberg and hout bay harbour . devastating fires destroyed most of the farm in 2000 , save for its historic buildings . it has since been turned into an esteemed wine estate , known for its award winning reds .
the oldest restaurant in cape town , constantia nek , has undergone some serious renovations by the harbour house group and now houses a harbour house restaurant and a la parada . the former serves fresh , tantalising , light meals with arresting views of the idyllic constantia valley , while the latter serves up some of the best spanish - inspired tapas in town . it’s the best of both worlds , with an unrivalled view !
the valley was the cradle of quality winemaking in south africa and the name constantia is linked with the most famous wines ever produced in this country . enjoyed by napoléon bonaparte and royalty in the 18th century .
wesgro , in partnership with explore sideways , has completed a survey with tour operators in the western cape to profile wine and food tourists and determine the sector’s main trends .
buitenverwachting - living up to it ' s name which means “beyond expectations” , this is a beautiful historical wine farm that was originally part of groot constantia . i love to take the trip to their tasting room as it takes you on a slow meander through vineyards , past paddocks and down an avenue of oaks . . . transporting you to another world in just a few minutes .
the future of the cape’s food and wine tourism : creating awareness amongst tour operators about fine dining and wine tasting experiences is therefore a crucial marketing tool to draw both foreign and local customers . the key takeaway for the future of food and wine tourism in the cape is that real , authentic experiences are more valuable than standard concepts of luxury . according to one operator , “luxury is more about experiences tailored to specific interests and having a truly inspiring , insightful tour rather than a fancy car and expensive restaurants . ”
the cellars - hohenort is ideally situated as a central point from which to experience the diversity of activities , including cape point , robben island , table mountain , kirstenbosch botanical gardens , the constantia valley wine route and the famous beaches of boulders and camps bay . all 48 rooms and suites boast panoramic views of the iconic mountain or over the 9 . 5 acres of beautifully manicured gardens .
this seaside market is a good place to enjoy the stunning views of the bay and table mountain while sipping a cold beer or glass of wine as the sun goes down .
when duggie jooste bought klein constantia in june 1980 , he and professor chris orffer , world - renowned authority on wine varieties , stood on the stoep of the homestead after dinner .
do you realise ,
said orffer ,
that in the 18th and 19th centuries only one truly great wine was ever made in the southern hemisphere , and do you know where it was made ?
where ?
asked duggie .
right here ,
said orffer excitedly ,
right here in this valley and this farm of yours is part of those vineyards .
we took a half day tour of the constantia wineries and it was very enjoyable . after the first winery we already had a buzz . they give you a spittoon if you don’t want to swallow the wine samples , but since we were not driving , we drank it all and it was a blast . highly recommended . there are full day tours , but i believe half day is plenty .
the target base : although the western cape attracts visitors from all over the world the tour operators indicated that visitors from the usa , canada , australia and europe show the most interest in wine and food tourism while relatively few visitors from africa pursue such tours . there is therefore a huge opportunity to expand the number of people participating in wine and food tourism .
one of the most well - known farms in the durbanville valley wine region , diemersdal has been producing wine for more than three centuries , originally under the watchful eye of captain diemer . in 1885 the louw family took over the farm and today , six generations later , the louws are still producing award - winning whites and reds for both the local and overseas markets .
set on one of the most renowned ( and picturesque ) wine estates in the country , this market has over 70 vendors selling a vast array of fresh produce , art and crafts .
the perfect way to spend a relaxed day with family and friends , this market’s unpretentious farm vibe is what makes it unique . in addition to a delicious variety of food stalls , an interesting selection of crafts , wine tastings , and entertainment for the kids , its location on one of the oldest and most picturesque wine estates in south africa make it a wonderful day out .
during this period they acted as wine supplier to the exiled french emperor napoleon bonaparte on st . helena . in 1823 jacob pieter bought the farm from his mother , and continued the highly established viticultural standards . during his ownership the farm officially became groot constantia . jacob pieter cloete died in 1875 and he was the last private owner of the farm . the farm remained in his estate and his son henry acted as farm manager . the vine disease phylloxera urged him to leave for europe to study methods for treatment , and during his absence his two sons were left in charge . henry returned in 1885 and it was decided to sell groot constantia by auction .
when bergh in turn died in 1724 , groot constantia was owned for a time by a freed slave , his wife . neither had been much interested in wine making , so the property was neglected . and so it remained until it was bought by wealthy stellenbosch wine farmer hendrick cloete in 1778 , when begins its golden years . cloete had the manor remodeled in the neo - classical old cape style by the outstanding architect - craftsman of the day , frenchman michel louis thibault , and added a large new cellar , the pediment with its bacchanalian bas reliefs sculpted by famous cape artist , german - born anton anreith .
in 1685 , during an annual visit to the cape , hendrik adriaan van rheede tot drakenstein granted the grounds of groot constantia to simon van der stel , the voc ( dutch east india company ) governor of the cape of good hope .
for your final stop , you will head up the mountainside to one of the highest tasting room in the constantia valley . you’ll finish your tour with a view across the bay all the way to the beginning of the helderberg mountain range .
working for him was anna de koningh , daughter of a freed slave angela van bengale , who married the commander of the cape town castle , captain olaf bergh . when the governor died , in 1712 , bergh bought the major portion of groot constantia , with the portions bergvliet and klein constantia going to pieter de meijer . but one incident occurred here in 1705 that throws some light on the controversial willem adriaan , son of simon who had succeeded his father as governor in 1699 .
night market at waldorf school constantia on the last friday of every month , not sure of times . i’m definitely favouriting this page . i’m always looking for new markets to check out , especially on a friday night . thanks for this ! 😀
dessert wines were first made on the constantia estate in the late 1660s and were celebrated in the literature of austen , dickens and baudelaire . produced in the oldest winemaking area in the western cape from hand harvested , shrivelled grapes . released after four years . fresh , floral muscat aromas with a hint of spice , and a rich , opulent palate of stone - fruits , nuts , vanilla , wood spices and honey . well balanced by crisp acidity with a long , succulent finish . this wine can age for up to twenty years , but if you can ' t resist it the wine is eminently drinkable now with tarte tatin or brûlée .
eagles’ nest is cradled in a secluded valley on the slopes of the constantia mountain range , forming part of the world heritage site , table mountain . the farm’s origins go back to when it was used as a refreshment station between the area now known as wynberg in the east , and the harbour of hout bay in the west . enjoy a leisurely afternoon of sipping on wine , under the tall trees , enjoying the relaxing sound of the babbling brook .
groot constantia has two remarkable restaurants on site : jonkershuis and simon’s . while the former serves decadent breakfasts and lunches next to the fire place or uner the amcient oak trees , the latter has relaxed al fresco or a la carte meals and special outdoor picnics .
stellenbosch is one of the most popular tourist destinations for wine tasting in the western cape . steeped in history , the district features some of the best examples of dutch architecture and is home to around 150 wine estates and producers . stellenbosch is known for the quality of its blended reds and produces wines from almost all the grape varieties . due to the vastness of the district , the stellenbosch wine route has been divided into five sub - routes , namely bottelary hills , greater simonsberg , helderberg , stellenbosch berg and stellenbosch valley . take advantage of the many scenic tours on offer and enjoy some of the best wines in the country .
nestled between majestic mountain ranges , this picturesque town is home to a variety of 300 - year - old wine estates and contemporary boutique wineries – many have their own superb restaurants on - site too . it all started 300 years ago when the french huguenots arrived in south africa , bringing with them their age - old wine and food culture . today franschhoek is known as the gourmet capital of south africa , boasting several award - winning restaurants and wine estates . franschhoek’s vineyards produce all the classic varieties as well as many unique blends . visit this magnificent town and enjoy luscious wines paired with world - class cuisine amid breathtaking scenery .