Beau Constantia

When taking in the landscape of our Modern farm, it is hard to believe that it used to be a simple goat farm. That chapter came to a close during the all-consuming fires of 2000 which left nothing but a thick stand of alien vegetation in its path. In the year 2002 the Du Preez family purchased the pocket of foreign forest with the intention to restore the site to its original pristine state. That meant costly alien-clearing, the establishment of a firebreak around the border of the farm and extensive soil studies which naturally led to the establishment of vineyards.

History: When taking in the landscape of our Modern farm, it is hard to believe that it used to be a simple goat farm. That chapter came to a close during the all-consuming fires of 2000 which left nothing but a thick stand of alien vegetation in its path. In the year 2002 the Du Preez family purchased the pocket of foreign forest with the intention to restore the site to its original pristine state. That meant costly alien-clearing, the establishment of a firebreak around the border of the farm and extensive soil studies which naturally led to the establishment of vineyards.

The first vines were planted in 2003 with the help of dedicated farm manager, Japie Bronn. Japie Bronn was our farm manager at Beau Constantia from inception in 2002 through to his departure in 2015. He was a devoted man who dedicated his life to vineyards and wine production. 

Hailing from the Robertson district, this salt-of-the-earth winegrower was involved in developing vineyards around Constantia and Cape Point for over 35 years. Prior to taking on the project of planning and planting the vineyards at Beau Constantia, Oom Japie was instrumental in setting up the vineyards at both Steenberg and Cape Point Vineyards. He was a silent legend in the wine industry, too often taking refuge from the limelight behind his extensive beard. His commitment as a winegrower was admirable beyond reproach. 
 
Our philosophy on winemaking is simple – we strive to produce wines that are an honest expression of their origin. We want to create wines of purity, focus and complexity. Above all, we want the wines to show balance, an equilibrium between all elements. We aim for every mouthful to transport you back to that specific place in time and the prevailing conditions that governed the ripening of the grapes. If you can succeed in creating that level of engagement between person and place, as well as produce a wine that delights in taste, I believe you’re onto something. 

Formal environment: Our glass-encased tasting room is permeable to the landscape and provides a lens into the natural environment, creating a constant state of transition as the vineyards change with the seasons.  It is a space that embraces change as the basic rule of nature, as elegantly as our carefully created range of wines.

Experiential: Our amphitheater has been home to some of the most exciting local talents! Whether we are screening a film, facilitating a music concert or hosting one of our famous Silent discos, we invite our extended family (that’s you) to grab a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine for a relaxing afternoon or evening on our lawns overlooking the greater False Bay!

Playground: The newest addition and our latest attempt to keep things fresh is our open-air deck that floats like a ship over the Constantia Valley’s rolling vineyards! On the deck a funky food truck from which we collaborate with local brands to serve our guests food offerings to match our wines! Collaborations change on a monthly basis to ensure we are always serving fresh experiences (that pair with our wines, of course)! 

Key innovations: Sustainability innovation through a future centric approach.