Constantia Winelands take 2

Constantia Glen
 
Constantia Glen
The last couple weeks have been extremely busy, and while I have quite a few updates to write, I haven't had the time to write them in between copy editing and writing for House & Garden and a special project to be launched in the next couple of months... Plus, I threw a birthday party for my fiance and myself a week ago, and it was my birthday this past Saturday, so lots has been going on!!

Constantia Glen

So anyway, a week ago, Mr fabulosity and I decided to head back to Constantia for a pre-birthday lunch for me, and to visit a couple farms we missed out on our last visit. Our first stop was at Constantia Glen, on Constantica Neck (on the chance that they weren't as full as last time), as we were still keen to try the wines and check out the venue. 
 

As it turns out, it was a quieter day and we were immediately welcomed to take part in a tasting, which was both informative and delicious :-)
Constantia Glen
On offer for R30 are two tastings of the sauvignon blanc vintages (2009 and 2010) and two red blends, the Three and Five (named after the number of varietals in each blend). The 'Three' consists of a break down of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, while the 'Five' is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. I enjoyed Five the best, and the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc. They also have cheese and charcuterie platters on offer. 
Constantia Uitsig
You can buy wine directly from the farm, or online at http://www.constantiaglen.com. The farm is open for tasting on weekdays from 10am to 5pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, 021 795 5639.
 
We then continued onto Constantia Uitsig for lunch and a tasting. We dined at the River Cafe, and did a wine tasting in-between our courses at the wine shop next door which was quite fun. The tastings also cost R30pp, but include a long list of wines, starting with a bubbly (2008 Brut) and ending with a dessert wine. Other wines we tried, included the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Red and White Bordeaux blends.


Constantia Uitsig

Constantia Uitsig
For lunch I ordered the broccoli soup (R45), which was warm, thick and full of flavour, while Mr fabulosity had the chicken liver pate with onion marmalade (R45), which was probably the largest portion of chicken liver pate I have ever seen, plus it tasted amazing (can easily be shared as a starter)!
I then had a warm butternut salad with goats milk chevin and slivers of pear as a main (R65), and Mr Fabulosity had the spicy (think aromatic curry flavours) lamb shank with vegetables and crushed potatoes (R120), which once again was a large portion. 

Constantia Uitsig chicken liver pate
Constantia Uitsig broccoli soup

Constantia Uitsig butternut salad with goat's milk cheese and pears
Constantia Uitsig curry lamb shank


River Cafe is open for lunch from 12:30 to 4:30pm, 021 794 3010. They also have a restaurant specials, two courses for R99 or three courses for R119 on selected dishes, including tea or coffee.
*NOTE: the annual closure of River Cafe will be from 13 August to 4 September. http://www.constantia-uitsig.com


Constantia Uitsig tasting room


We ended the trip at another stop at Steenberg, and tried a couple more of their wines. It's great because it stays open until 6pm, so it's always worth a pop in (and the tasting is free!)

Steenberg
Steenberg


Comments