Steenberg Wine Farm in Constantia
is located in the Constantia Valley on the southern edge of Cape Town and is one of the historic farms of the Cape. The vineyards lie at the foot of the Table Mountain massif and are strongly influenced by their proximity to the sea. Cool air currents create a comparatively long ripening period and help Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon in particular to retain freshness and pronounced acidity. Today Steenberg's wine range is clearly focused on the characteristics of this cool Constantia terroir.
The history of the farm dates back to 1682. In that year, Catharina Ras was granted land in the Constantia Valley, laying the foundations of today's Steenberg. According to the winery, the settler from Lübeck is regarded as the first documented female landowner at the Cape. Her estate also developed into an important stopping place for travellers between Table Bay and Simon's Bay. The remarkable story of Catharina Ras remains a central part of Steenberg's identity to this day.
After numerous changes of ownership, Steenberg remained in the hands of the Louw family until 1990. The property was then extensively developed. Graham Beck acquired the hotel and winery in 2005. Today, Steenberg belongs to Beck Family Estates and combines wine production with a hotel, restaurants and golf course, while the historic buildings and vineyards remain at the heart of the property.
Sauvignon Blanc is the estate's most important grape variety and occupies almost two thirds of the vineyard area. The vines grow on soils including Clovelly, Oakleaf and Avalon. The maritime influence and cool conditions allow different interpretations of the variety. The classic Sauvignon Blanc shows freshness and citrus fruit, while The Black Swan comes from selected parcels and develops more structure through extended lees ageing. The portfolio also includes barrel-aged versions using French oak and, in some cases, concrete eggs.
Sémillon complements Sauvignon Blanc particularly in the flagship blend Magna Carta. In the documented 2021 vintage, it consisted of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Sémillon. The two varieties are initially processed separately and later blended. Sémillon contributes additional body and texture, while Sauvignon Blanc provides freshness and acidity. Alongside these white varieties, Steenberg also grows Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Malbec.
Cap Classique is another important pillar. Steenberg produces, among others, 1682 Chardonnay Cap Classique and 1682 Pinot Noir Cap Classique, as well as Lady R, which is offered only in selected vintages. The winery thus uses Constantia's cool climate not only for Sauvignon Blanc but also for base wines with lively acidity and fine structure. The current collection ranges from classic estate wines to limited icon bottlings.
Cellar Master Elunda Basson, who joined Steenberg in 2019, is responsible for wine production. In the vineyards, the focus today is on soil care, water management, regenerative methods and the preservation of indigenous vegetation. At Vin Africa, Steenberg is a characteristic representative of Constantia whose Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Cap Classique show the cool, maritime side of South African wine particularly clearly.