Cape Town's beautiful Constantia Valley

The Constantia Valley Wine District is one of South Africa’s most historic and picturesque wine-producing regions and is located just a 15 minute drive from MEI's conference venue, the Vineyard Hotel. Lying on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and extending towards False Bay, cool ocean breezes and fertile soils create ideal conditions for viticulture and it is a wonderful place in which to just relax after an MEI Conference. The views of vineyards against Table Mountain are some of the most iconic in South African wine tourism.

Founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, then Governor of the Cape Colony, Constantia is the oldest wine-producing region in South Africa and the original estate is Groot Constantia.

Groot Constantia

Barbara, Amanda, Will and I spent 6 days at Silvermist Organic Wine Estate, the highest wine farm in the Valley. with  a stunning location overlooking Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic Ocean.

Silvermist

The Constantia Valley is great place just to relax, walk some of the hiking trails and enjoy fine food, nowhere better than at the estate with the unpronounceable name, Buitenverwachting.

Silvermist

Silvermist

Steenberg

Constantia Nek

Enjoying the sea breeze at nearby Hout Bay

I would highly recommend Constantia as a great place to chill out after a Vineyard conference. There is no real need to rent a car, as Uber will get you around cheaply and safely.