Beau Constantia – A Glass of Wine on the Slopes of Constantia

Some wine tastings stay in your memory because of the wine. Others because of the place. At Beau Constantia, it is almost impossible to separate the two.

Our journey here followed a visit to Kirstenbosch, one of Africa’s most beautiful botanical gardens, set against the slopes of Table Mountain. After several hours surrounded by South Africa’s remarkable flora, we continued towards Constantia Nek.

And that was the cherry on top of an already memorable day.

Steep vineyards, mountains, sweeping views – and a glass of South African wine. It is difficult to imagine a more enjoyable way to end the afternoon.

Vineyards High Above Constantia Nek

Beau Constantia is a boutique wine estate perched high above Constantia Nek, overlooking False Bay.

Its modern story began after devastating fires swept through the property in 2000. Pierre and Cecily du Preez purchased the 22-hectare site in 2002, and the first vines were planted the following year.

Today, the vineyards climb some remarkably steep slopes, reaching approximately 360 metres above sea level. Once you walk between the rows of vines, you quickly realise that the word “steep” is not a piece of wine marketing here.

It is simply the reality of the landscape.

And one of the things that gives Beau Constantia its distinctive character.

Walking among the vines at Beau Constantia – a great perspective on the steep vineyards and dramatic mountain landscape.

When South African Wine Is All About Freshness

Location plays an important role in the character of Constantia wines.

Beau Constantia’s vineyards range from around 160 to 362 metres above sea level, creating different microclimates across the estate. The maritime influence and relatively mild conditions help the grapes retain freshness and acidity – one of the reasons the wines can show such elegance despite their African origin.

The estate works with several grape varieties, while its winemaking philosophy focuses on minimal intervention, purity, balance and allowing the vineyard itself to speak through the wine.

And at Beau Constantia, the place really is the star.

Wine Tasting Among the Vineyards

The tasting itself feels pleasantly informal. Glasses on the table, several bottles to discover and a story behind each wine.

And then there is the view.

At Beau Constantia, it almost feels like another member of the tasting team.

Vineyards stretch across the slopes in front of you, framed by mountains and distant views towards False Bay. Suddenly, terms such as altitude, aspect and terroir are no longer abstract concepts from a wine book.

They are right there in front of you.

Pas de Nom – The Wine “Without a Name”

The Pas de Nom range comes with a particularly charming story.

Its French name translates as “without a name” and the range pays tribute to Japie Bronn – affectionately known as Oom Japie – who played an important role in establishing Beau Constantia’s vineyards on these challenging slopes.

When the family wanted to honour him, his modest nature got in the way: he did not want anything named after him.

And so the wine was given no name at all.

Pas de Nom.

His distinctive beard, however, found its way onto the label – a visual tribute to the man who helped establish the vineyards.

It is one of the things we love about wine. Suddenly, behind a bottle there is more than a grape variety, vintage and winemaking technique.

There is a person and a story.

Aidan and Lucca

Among the wines we tasted were Aidan 2019 and Lucca 2022, part of Beau Constantia’s Family Range.

The Aidan 2019 we tasted was a blend of Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon – a structured yet remarkably fresh expression of the cooler 2019 growing season in Constantia.

Lucca represents another interpretation of red wine from the estate, built around Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Two different expressions from the same remarkable landscape – and a pleasant reminder that Constantia has much more to offer than white wine alone.

Beau Constantia Aidan and Lucca – two red wines from the estate’s Family Range.

The Cherry on Top After Kirstenbosch

Kirstenbosch is one of those places where nature itself seems to provide more than enough for one day.

And yet, ours had another chapter waiting.

Moving from the botanical gardens to the vineyards of Constantia created a combination we would happily recommend: first, a few hours surrounded by extraordinary South African flora beneath Table Mountain, followed by a slow afternoon with wine on the slopes of Beau Constantia.

It was not the longest stop of our journey through South Africa.

But it was certainly one of those we remember.

Perhaps because of the wine.

Perhaps because of the view.

Most likely, because of both.

One last glass at Beau Constantia – a personal moment to close our afternoon in the vineyards.

TGCC TIP

If Kirstenbosch is part of your South African itinerary, consider combining it with an afternoon wine tasting in Constantia.

Kirstenbosch + Beau Constantia is one of those combinations where you do not need an elaborate programme.

Just give yourself enough time.

And let the place do the rest.