Steenberg was there even before Simon van der Stel built his great house in the heart of a valley, giving it the name Constantia. Steenberg, Mountain of Stone, has a romantic ring, but the original name was more beautiful still, for it was called Swaaneweide - The Feeding Place of Swans. In 1990 it was purchased by J.C.I (Johannesburg Consolidated Investments) and re-developed into the glorious vineyard that it is today. In April 2005, Graham Beck's Kangra Group bought Steenberg Hotel and Steenberg Winery.
Steenberg underwent extensive soil and micro-climate analyses before a complete replanting programme was begun. There are about 70ha under vines, 60% white mostly Sauvignon Blanc, followed by Chardonnay, Semillon and Muscat de Frontignan – and the rest are red varieties, a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The farm is also one of only a handful in the Cape to have invested in the Italian variety Nebbiolo.
The Constantia valley is generally accepted as the supreme wine growing region of the country, and wines from this region are sold as "top of the range" of wines.
The cellar currently produces about 50 000 cases of wine under the Steenberg label.
Steenberg white and red wines are excellent food wines due to the uniqueness of the terroir which guarantees varietal fruit expression, firm acidity and longevity.
Located in the heart of the Constantia valley at the southern tip of South Africa, the farm is one of the most historically significant landmarks in the country and compromises of a total farm area of some 203ha, perfect for both establishment of a premier wine estate and for the development of a golf estate in the areas containing low potential soils. The state-of-the art cellar was built in time for the 1996 vintage.
Planting density is varied depending on soil, clone and rootstock vigour. Ranges vary from approximately 2 700 to 10 000 vines per ha, and are planted mostly in a north-south row direction to ensure maximum sunlight exposure and protection from the afternoon sun. Vineyards are trellised with only supplementary irrigation applied at critical periods.
The belief is that Steenberg can capitalise on its uniqueness due to:
A) Macro-climate: Mild temperature, cool breeze from the sea, reliable winter rainfall, good exposition to sunlight.
B) Meso-climate: Southern-eastern slopes, variety of altitudes ranging from 60m to 160m, proximity to ocean.
C) Micro-climate: Moderate plant growth, canopy management, soil ranging from low vigour to high potential types.
D) Geographic Placement: Close to the city and harbour.
Steenberg is in the wine business primarily to produce the best quality and the most exclusive red and white wines. The philosophy is that the "wines are grown in the vineyard and then cared for in the winery". Special attention was therefore placed in obtaining the very best and latest known clones and matched to the correct soils and slopes.
Opening Hours
The wines are available to clients and guests who are welcome to visit the winery for tasting when in the area. Please note wine tasting is by appointment. Other wineries on the Constantia Valley wine route are a short drive away, and tours can be arranged at your convenience.
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday - Friday: 09h00 - 16h30
Saturdays: 09h30 - 13h30
Closed on Sundays
Public Holidays open 09h30 - 13h30
Cellar tours by appointment - Mondays to Fridays at 10h00 and 15h00
Click here for more on Steenberg's history. ConstantiaValley
