Constantia Glen Tasting Room

Hidden amongst the vineyards of Constantia Glen lies a story waiting to be uncorked. Constantia Glen Tasting Room isn’t just a place to sip award-winning wines. It’s a journey through time, a testament to the enduring legacy of South African winemaking. The story of Constantia Glen begins in 1685 with Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape Colony, who established the Constantia wine region. While the original Constantia farm was later divided, the land that now houses Constantia Glen, originally known as Benydendal and later Klein Benydendal, began its own unique chapter. Johannes Gregorius van Helsdingen first planted vines here in 1813. The property changed hands many times over the next century, witnessing periods of prosperity and decline, its use evolving from a productive vineyard to small-scale farming and even a period of overgrown forest. In 1960, the Waibel family from Austria acquired Glen Alpine, the farm’s name at the time. They focused on a textile business, using the land for their homes and a champion Red Angus breeding stud. It wasn’t until a devastating wildfire in 2000 that the Waibels decided to return the land to its winemaking roots. Extensive soil tests were conducted, and the first vineyards were planted in September 2000, with the majority planted in 2001. The 29 hectares of vineyards you see today are a testament to their vision. The Waibel family renamed the farm Constantia Glen when the first wine was produced in 2005. Today, at the Constantia Glen Tasting Room, you can savor the fruits of their labor. The Sauvignon Blanc, a tank-fermented delight with tropical fruit flavors. The Constantia Glen TWO, a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, barrel-fermented and matured to perfection. For red wine enthusiasts, there’s the Constantia Glen THREE, a Merlot-driven blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. And the flagship wine, the Constantia Glen FIVE, a Cabernet-driven blend of five red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Each wine tells a story, reflecting the unique terroir and the passion of the Waibel family. So, as you raise your glass at Constantia Glen Tasting Room, remember the journey. From the vision of Simon van der Stel to the dedication of the Waibel family, you’re tasting more than just wine. You’re experiencing a piece of South African history.