In 1685, Simon van der Stel recognised the potential of the decomposed granite and sandstone soils in the sheltered valley facing False Bay, bounded by sea on both sides. It’s why he chose this area to plant the first vines in Southern Africa. Constantia Uitsig, a South African-owned winery founded in 1894, sits as the lowest-lying farm in the valley, where rich, fertile soils are ideal for producing world-class whites. Here, beneath the sandstone slopes of Table Mountain, the crisp Atlantic ocean breeze and gentle climate have combined to create consistently exceptional wines for more than three centuries.
The boutique winery has 18 hectares of vineyards focusing on mostly white cultivars such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon. It’s a small team: winemaker Estian de Wet and two cellar assistants work in the cellar, focusing on creating the best wines they can from what the terroir gives them with minimal interference in the winemaking process. Estian’s passion for winemaking is apparent in the wines Constantia Uitsig produces. As early as 2012, he completed the harvest season in France, gathering important experience and knowledge in one of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Five years later, he qualified with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Elsenburg in Stellenbosch.
For Estian, what he enjoys most is working with what Mother Nature gives. ‘Every year is a different challenge keeping me on my toes,’ he says. ‘Winemaking is not work, it’s my passion and lifestyle. Creating wines for people to enjoy is a great feeling and a proud moment.’
What makes Constantia Uitsig unique is the farm’s position in the valley. As the lowest-lying farm, it gets the most sunlight. The very deep sandstone and sandy soils create wines that are fruit-driven with beautiful balance, minerality and texture. There is usually a slow build-up to summer, followed by a mild sunny season that benefits from crisp Atlantic breezes that help to cool the vineyards and keep them dry.
Constantia Uitsig has an uncompromising commitment to the greenest building and farming practices. The team works as naturally as possible: cover cropping, mulching and using integrated pest management programmes. Flowers play a central theme, welcoming a diversity of beneficial insects and bright colours to the vineyards, whilst farm-made compost enriches the soil. The spectacular glass winery uses natural light to consume less power, whilst vintage oak barrels in the barrel room are tokens to the estate’s rich history. Each wine is represented by an indigenous bird found on the farm, reflecting the commitment to conservation and biodiversity. It’s the prospect of what lies ahead that inspires them most, creating a space that is at once beautiful, biodiverse and still enjoyed for generations yet to come.
