An attraction of the Tokai region is undoubtedly the impressive vineyards and their location just minutes from your doorstep. Purchasing a Tokai property gives you access to the 2 Tokai Vineyards, and mere minutes away, the vineyards of Constantia.
The Tokai Vineyards
- Steenberg – Steenberg holds the distinction of being the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, which is generally considered to be South Africa’s premier wine-growing region. With its cool, sea-facing slopes and majestic granite ridges, this vineyard has developed a worldwide reputation for producing excellent Cape wines. The estate boasts a state-of-the-art modern winery, producing some of the country’s finest award-winning wines.
- Constantia Glen – In its recent past the farm has been transformed from rolling forest hills, to an Angus cattle stud, with history dictating its return to vineyard production. The climate, altitude and aspects of Constantia Glen are our main assets – and these, coupled with our complex soil patterns, result in the creation of fine and distinctive wines.
- Constantia Uitsig – Constantia Uitsig, known until 1940 as Constantia View, was the home of the Lategan family for five generations. Their ancestors arrived in this country in 1735. Constantia Uitsig had been a portion of Simon van der Stel’s original grant of Groot Constantia. In 1894 Willem Lategan married Antoinette Bredell of Schoemanshoek, and with her inheritance he built the present homestead of Constantia Uitsig. Constantia Uitsig produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Red and White Bordeaux blends- all noble cultivars ideally suited to the climate in the valley as well as offering visitors world-class restaurants, spas and a hotel.
Vineyards in nearby Constantia
- Groot Constantia– the oldest wine estate in South Africa and national monument in the suburb of Constantia. Established in 1685 by the VOC Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, Simon van der Stel, originally it was used 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. Today Constantia stands as a pinion of excellence for the wine industry and is an ideal example for the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of the country. It is a fully operational farm, one of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions, where a wide range of quality estate wines are created and sold (seven days a week), and offers a variety of other attractions, including restaurants & museums.
- Klein Constantia – As part of the original farm that in the 18th century produced ‘Constantia’, prized throughout Europe by the leaders and aristocracy of the time, Klein Constantia has helped to reclaim its former glory by initiating the revival of this famous sweet wine. Family owned and run, Klein Constantia’s philosophy is founded on quality rather than quantity, reflected in the wines regularly inviting accolades, both locally and internationally. With its historic background, unique eco-system where ancient indigenous forests stretch up the mountainside, home to birds – some of which migrate from a great distance each year – and unusual combination of architectural styles, Klein Constantia is a remarkable place of great diversity.
- Buitenverwachting – This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg and barely 12 km from False Bay, originally formed part of the Constantia Estate, which was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa. An array of award-winning wines is on offer and take advantage of the historic Cape Dutch farmstead and winery at Buitenverwachting and indulge in a pre-booked summer picnic.
- Eagles Nest – Eagles Nest was originally a section of Groot Constantia, the wine supplier to European nobility, established by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600’s. Its history reveals that it operated as a commercial farm producing export fruit as well as vegetables for the local market up until the late 1960’s. Over time the farm has had a number of owners; since 1984 it has been in the control of the Mylrea family. Eagles Nest is cradled in a secluded valley high up on the slopes of the historic Constantia mountain range, which forms part of the World Heritage Site, Table Mountain. The farm’s origins can be traced back to 1836 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. If you are looking to purchase property in Tokai or the broader Cape Town area, contact Marco today and discover for yourself how a buyers’ consultancy could benefit you. Why not enjoy one of our free and non-obligation area tours and see if Tokai property and the area suits your needs.
Cape Town vineyards - Groot Constantia
Our area buyers’ consultant, Marco Garuti, can be contacted by e-mail here
or by phoning + 27 (0) 83 265 8800.
