History
Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine region, first planted in the late 1600s.
Situated in the cradle of wine making, Constantia Uitsig was originally part of the Constantia Farm (established in 1685). Over time the farm has been divided up most notably into Klein Constantia. In 1894, what is now Constantia Uitsig was founded as Constantia View. In 1941, the name was changed to Constantia Uitsig (returning to its Afrikaans’s roots).
Constantia soon became one of the most prized wine producing areas, with a devoted following from George IV to Napoleon. However after phylloxera swept through the region in 1886, all the vines had to be uprooted and replanted with American or European vines which were resistant to phylloxera.
In 1988 after the purchase by David and Marlene McCay, they started to reintroduce wine production with 17 hectares under vine. The current owners are particularly interested in sustainability and philanthropy, sponsoring many causes from education to wildlife conservation. There is a school at the farm and all workers are encouraged to attend and further their education.
In 2018 the first vintage was created at the stunning new winery – a futuristic glass structure where “art meets science” to paraphrase winemaker Daniel Kuelder. Daniel’s aim is to create wines which are true to the unique terroir of Constantia.
The Vineyards
Constantia is located between Table Mountain and False Bay. The 17 hectares of vineyards, planted on the Cape's characteristic decomposed granite and sandstone soils. Farming follows organic principles and as naturally as possible.
Through the use of cover crops and mulching, it encourages biodiversity, and the natural compost enriches the soils. Harvest is done depending on taste and phenolic ripeness. Grapes are hand harvested, crushed, destemmed, and left on the skins overnight.