Vin de Constance

Foie gras on brioche with vendage tardive wine jelly.

These historic vineyards were first planted in the late 1600s as part of the original Constantia estate, whose legendary sweet wines were celebrated in literature by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Baudelaire. It was sought after by Napoleon, in his exile, and by the courts of Europe in the 18th and 19th century. Chosen for its soil of decomposed Table Mountain granite, and its cooling sea breezes from both the Atlantic and Indian oceans, these vineyards provide the perfect terroir for premium winegrowing.

Fermentation in stainless steel tanks is followed by a lengthy cellar maturation process that can take up to four years and involves at least two years barrel maturation.

Grapes are hand harvested and after crushing and destemming are left on their skins for several days to macerate. This process aids in the eventual pressing of the grapes as they yield their juice much easier when the skins are soft and slightly broken down.

Dating back to 1685 and described as one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates Klein Constantia is set amidst ancient trees on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg with views across False Bay. The perfect location for cool climate wines Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa’s top wines including one of the world’s best natural sweet wines Vin de Constance.