Constantia · Constantia, Cape Town
Klein Constantia
Home of Vin de Constance — the world-historic dessert wine reborn.
About Klein Constantia
The other half of Simon van der Stel's original 1685 estate, and the modern home of the historic Vin de Constance — the sweet wine drunk by Napoleon in exile and celebrated by Jane Austen.
Klein Constantia is more discreet than its bigger neighbour, and quietly among the most important estates in South Africa. The reborn Vin de Constance is a bucket-list wine for sweet-wine lovers globally.
History
The estate was split from Groot Constantia in the 18th century. Under owner Duggie Jooste from 1980 and now cellar master Matthew Day, Vin de Constance was replanted from Muscat de Frontignan and reintroduced.
The wine experience
Seated tastings in the modern tasting room. The Vin de Constance vertical (by appointment) is a must for serious dessert-wine drinkers.
- Classic tasting
- Vin de Constance vertical (by appt)
Signature wines
- Vin de Constance
- Estate Sauvignon Blanc
- Clara (Bordeaux blend)
- Metis Sauvignon Blanc
Food on the estate
No restaurant on-site.
Pros and cons
An honest read from a driver who's been to every farm on this list.
Pros
- Vin de Constance is a genuine bucket-list wine
- Much quieter than Groot Constantia next door
- Beautiful, cooler-climate setting under Table Mountain
- Sensible pricing for the pedigree
- Easy pairing with Steenberg or Constantia Glen for a full day
Cons
- No restaurant — must plan food elsewhere
- Constantia weather is often cool and cloudy
- Vin de Constance flights book out — plan ahead
- Not much for kids or non-wine drinkers
Best for
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about visiting Klein Constantia.
How much does a wine tasting at Klein Constantia cost?+
Tastings at Klein Constantia start from R150 per person. Options include Classic tasting, Vin de Constance vertical (by appt). Prices are typically waived or discounted with a bottle purchase — confirm current rates directly with the estate as they change seasonally.
What are Klein Constantia's opening hours?+
Klein Constantia is open Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 11:00–16:00. Tastings are pre-booked and the last tasting slot usually closes 60–90 minutes before the estate does, so arrive with time to spare.
How far is Klein Constantia from Cape Town and Stellenbosch?+
Klein Constantia is roughly 25 minutes by car from central Cape Town and about 45 minutes from Stellenbosch town, traffic depending. The estate is at Klein Constantia Road, Cape Town.
Do I need to book in advance at Klein Constantia?+
Yes — like most Constantia estates, Klein Constantia works on pre-booked tastings, especially on weekends and in peak season (November–April). Walk-ins are sometimes possible mid-week but never guaranteed.
Is there food available at Klein Constantia?+
No restaurant on-site.
Can Stellenbosch Shuttles drive me to Klein Constantia?+
Yes. We run private, all-inclusive day tours to Klein Constantia and the wider Constantia winelands from Cape Town, Stellenbosch and the Winelands hotels. One flat rate covers the vehicle, driver, fuel and tolls — you taste freely, we drive safely. Request a quote for your dates and group size.
Visiting Klein Constantia? We'll drive.
One flat all-day rate — driver, fuel, tolls and cellar-door bottle collection included.