Constantia WO

Overview

Constantia is South Africa’s oldest and most historic wine region, the birthplace of the legendary Vin de Constance—a sweet wine that was among the most prized and expensive wines in the world during the 18th and 19th centuries, favored by Napoleon, Frederick the Great, and Jane Austen’s characters. Today, this cool-climate region on Cape Town’s doorstep produces exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and has revived the historic Vin de Constance, connecting modern South African wine to its illustrious past.

Geography & Climate

Location: Cape Peninsula; Cape Town suburbs; False Bay

Size: ~500 ha

Elevation: 50-400m (165-1,310 ft)

Climate: Cool maritime

Growing Degree Days: 1,400-1,600 GDD
Rainfall: 1,000-1,200mm (high)
Temperature: Cooled by False Bay; southeaster winds

The False Bay Effect:

Afternoon sea breezes
Significant cooling
South Africa’s coolest wine region

Soil Types:

Granite (Table Mountain derived)
Decomposed sandstone
Clay pockets

Key Characteristic: Cool maritime + granite = elegant, aromatic whites.

Wine Styles

Sauvignon Blanc (Modern Star)

Character: Tropical, mineral

Grapefruit, passion fruit
Mineral
Fresh acidity
South Africa’s best Sauvignon

Vin de Constance (Historic Icon)

Character: Legendary sweet wine

Muscat de Frontignan (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains)
Late-harvest/dried grapes
Honey, orange blossom
Revived at Klein Constantia

Chardonnay

Character: Elegant, Burgundian

Cool-climate expression
Citrus, mineral
Quality examples

Semillon

Character: Historic variety

Traditional Constantia
Revival underway

Vin de Constance: The Legend

18th-19th Century Superstar

Historic Fame:

Most expensive wine in London
Napoleon’s exile comfort (requested on St. Helena)
Frederick the Great’s cellar
Jane Austen’s novels mention it
Pre-phylloxera legend

Decline and Revival:

Phylloxera destroyed (1860s)
Lost for 100+ years
Klein Constantia revived (1986)
Now back in production

Classification & Regulations

WO Requirements:

100% from Constantia
Varietal: 85% minimum

History

Timeline:

1685: Simon van der Stel establishes Groot Constantia
18th century: Vin de Constance global fame
1860s: Phylloxera devastation
1986: Klein Constantia revives Vin de Constance
Today: Historic + modern prestige

Simon van der Stel: First Dutch governor; founded Constantia; named it after his daughter.

Key Constraints & Production Notes

Sauvignon Blanc Excellence:

Cool-climate ripening
Morning harvest
Protective handling
Stainless steel

Vin de Constance Production:

Late harvest
Some dried grapes
Extended fermentation
Oak aging
Authentic historic style

Aging Potential:

Sauvignon Blanc: 3-8 years
Vin de Constance: 20-50+ years

Notable Producers

Quality Benchmarks:

Klein Constantia (Vin de Constance revival)
Groot Constantia (historic; government estate)
Buitenverwachting
Steenberg
Constantia Uitsig
Constantia Glen
Eagles’ Nest

Klein Constantia: Revived Vin de Constance; benchmark Sauvignon Blanc.

Groot Constantia: Original Van der Stel estate; museum and winery.

Common Challenges

Urban Pressure

Cause: Cape Town suburban expansion.
Risk: Vineyard loss.
Response: Heritage protection; tourism value.

Historic Expectations

Cause: Legendary past.
Risk: Modern wines compared unfairly.
Response: Quality focus; Vin de Constance revival success.

Food Pairing

Sauvignon Blanc: Seafood, Cape Malay cuisine, oysters Vin de Constance: Blue cheese, fruit desserts, foie gras

References

WOSA (Wines of South Africa) (2025). “Constantia.” Link
Groot Constantia Heritage.
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link

Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: WOSA, Constantia Wine Route
Research Grade: Technical reference

Permitted Varieties