Gemma BLDOn one of our last evenings in Cape Town, we made our way to Constantia Glen, a wine estate tucked between the mountains and sea, just a short drive from the city. After a peaceful afternoon exploring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, we hopped in an Uber and headed straight there — not really knowing what to expect. What we got was one of the most serene, sensory-rich experiences of the trip.
Arriving at Golden Hour
We arrived around 5 p.m., just as the late-afternoon light started to mellow into that soft, golden Cape Town glow. Constantia Glen is perched on a gentle slope with sweeping views of vineyards, mountains, and endless sky. The setting is almost cinematic — elegant, but not pretentious. Quiet, but not dull. It felt like the kind of place where time naturally slows down.
The atmosphere was calm and intimate, with only a few other guests around. The staff greeted us warmly, and we were shown to a table outdoors on the terrace, where we had an unobstructed view of the valley and the sun beginning to dip behind the hills.
Seven Wines, One Perfect Evening
We opted for the seven-glass tasting, which offered a generous and well-balanced mix of white and red wines, each poured with care and introduced with helpful context. Our server was knowledgeable and engaging, not only explaining the characteristics of each wine but also diving into how South African winemaking traditions differ from the Frenchones we’re more familiar with.
They introduced us to local cépages (grape varieties) and gave us insight into how the climate and soil in this region create such unique blends — especially in their Bordeaux-style reds. It didn’t feel like a lecture; it felt like being let in on a secret.
Each wine had its own story, and as the sun lowered, the flavors somehow became even more vivid — the whites crisp and refreshing, the reds deep and velvety.
A Steak to Remember
With the wine flowing, we decided to order the steak — and I’m so glad we did. It was perfectly cooked, rich, juicy, and bursting with flavor. One of those rare meals where every bite makes you slow down and close your eyes for a second. The pairing with the bold red wines? Chef’s kiss.
We lingered there for a while, savoring the food, the wine, and the view. It was one of those travel moments that feels entirely unhurried — like the world had briefly pressed pause just for us.
Final Thoughts
Constantia Glen isn’t just about wine — it’s about a full sensory experience: the view, the light, the conversation, the flavors. If you love wine, or even just want to dip your toes into South African varietals in a breathtaking setting, this is a must.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for hours — and we nearly did. As we finished our final glasses and watched the sky shift from gold to dusky purple, I remember thinking: This is what a perfect travel evening looks like.
If you go:
– Aim for late afternoon to catch the sunset
– Order the steak — trust me
– Sit outside, if you can
– And be ready to fall a little in love with Constantia wine
