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At the foothills of the Silvermines mountains, on the edge of the Constantia Valley, you'll find Steenberg Farm.
For me, it's a scenic drive from the flat, sandy West Coast and its postcard-perfect Table Mountain views for days, towards this lush ridges of the Southern Suburbs. The shifting seasons from Summer towards Autumn subtly adding some drama.
Cape Town's landscapes are extraordinary, and it isn't lost on you during this 30-minute drive, If you're based in the city, it's even quicker.
Arriving in the estate’s parking area, we were greeted by a fleet of open-top spider race cars – the sort of machines clearly designed for taking sunny weekend road trips between the Constantia Valley wine estates.
Despite being the tail end of February, Cape Town’s weather had other ideas during our visit. Cloudbursts rolled across the city, not entirely surprising given that nearby Newlands is considered one of the wettest areas in Africa.
Inside the elegant Steenberg tasting room, we settled in for a Sense of Sauvignon tasting, while the soft rain rippled across the modern, cube-centric water feature just outside. The combination of glass architecture, reflective pools and misty mountains creates a strikingly atmospheric introduction to the estate.
The Backstory
Tucked inside the historic Steenberg Farm is Bistro Sixteen82 - so named after the farm's founding year. It's one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa - well, let's face it, the Cape's wine farms are all historically old (at least I didn't say steeped!).
It has evolved considerably over the centuries, transforming from farmland into a premium lifestyle destination complete with lux boutique hotel, a spa and a top-class golf course. Steenberg recently underwent a brand refresh, and at the centre of the new identity is its swan logo, inspired by the estate’s original name, Swaaneweide - “The Feeding Place of Swans”.
Founder Catharina Ras, arriving from Lübeck in the 17th century, mistook the spur-winged geese she encountered for swans, resulting in the earlier name. In the rebrand, the swan no longer looks back at the past but instead soars upward, signalling Steenberg’s future-facing ambition. With its embossed glass and new label design, the wine bottles are as beautiful as the farm itself.
The Wine Tasting Experience
We tried the Sense of Sauvignon tasting, a thorough introduction to the farm's approach to the single variety under winemaker Elunda Basson, and the Constantia Valley’s reputation for cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc. Over the course of about 60 minutes (R210 per person), guests are guided through four expressions:
- Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc
- Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc
I'm not the biggest white -ine drinker; I prefer bold reds. However, my friends would disagree with that statement when it comes to bubbles, which, in Steenberg's case, is dry and delicious. These Sauvingnon Blanc wines move from bright and lively to more layered, with the Black Swan earning its premium placement.
If, like me, Sauvignon Blanc isn’t your sole interest, other tasting options include a bubbly exploration or tailored tastings based on personal preference.
It’s also the perfect prelude before heading next door to Bistro Sixteen82.
The Menu
Named after the year Steenberg was founded, Bistro Sixteen82 opened in 2009 and has become a Constantia Valley staple for relaxed, contemporary dining.
The restaurant spills out from the winery into indigenous gardens and terraced seating, framed by the reflective water features and views of the surrounding mountains. The last time I visited this open-air terrace made it all the more pleasant.
This time round, the weather was doing its thing - but still, as a Capetonian, you learn to simply go with it. And of course, it's reason enough to add this one to your list for a winter treat - its warm and inviting setting will not disappoint. During our visit, both the restaurant and tasting room were packed, suggesting advance bookings are a wise idea.
Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin focuses on seasonal ingredients and flavour-driven plates, anchoring the menu with local influences. The tapas menu is the star of the evening offering, and the recommended three plates per person is spot on. It's an enjoyable setting, easy and sociable.
Standout dishes include:
- West Coast oysters – simple and fresh
- Pickled fish tacos – generously portioned and packed with flavour, but could have easily had two portions of this, it was that tasty.
- Slow-cooked venison with creamy polenta and apricot atchar - this one is distinctly South African, and the venison was tender and rich.
Other crowd-pleasers include arancini balls, the bread board with flavoured butters, and a decadent baked brie with mango and raspberry vinaigrette.
Besides tapas dining, the menu is extensive, with vegetarian, seafood, and meat options ranging from mushroom carpaccio and patatas bravas to gambas, pork ribs and beef tataki.
The Vibe
If you’re after a slow, easy weekend outing, this is about as good as it gets. The estate clearly sits firmly on the international tourist circuit, yet it still attracts plenty of locals looking for a relaxed wine estate experience. Service is attentive and knowledgeable, and staff seem genuinely enthusiastic about both the wines and the menu.
Why go?
Cape Town is spoilt for choice when it comes to wine estates, but Steenberg remains one of the more accessible options close to the city. Many of the wines tasted here aren’t widely available in supermarkets or bottle stores, which makes a visit worthwhile if you want to explore the estate’s full range. The delightful dining at BistroSixteen82 makes it a well-rounded experience - calm and classy, you're in for a treat.
Depending on the weather, take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy the views across the valley. Just watch your step after the rain - the pathways can be a little slippery.