Overview

Nestled beneath the dramatic slopes of the Steenberg Mountains in the heart of the Constantia Valley, Steenberg is one of South Africa’s most elegant wine destinations, blending more than three centuries of history with modern luxury. As the oldest registered farm in the valley, dating to 1682, it offers a unique combination of heritage and contemporary sophistication.

Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely tasting, an unforgettable meal, a round of golf or a luxurious overnight stay, Steenberg provides one of the most complete wine estate experiences near Cape Town.

History

Steenberg’s history begins in 1682, when the farm was granted to Catharina Ras, one of the Cape Colony’s earliest female landowners, who named it “Steenberg” (“Stone Mountain”) for the rocky landscape she found on arrival. Its flagship Bordeaux-style blend, Catharina, honours her legacy more than 340 years later.

Over more than three centuries, Steenberg has evolved from one of the Cape’s earliest farms into a leading luxury wine estate while carefully preserving its heritage. Restored Cape Dutch buildings now sit alongside a modern working winery, a five-star hotel and contemporary facilities, allowing visitors to experience one of Constantia’s oldest estates in a refined, elegant setting.

Catharina Ras Legacy

Steenberg traces its founding to 1682, when Catharina Ras secured land in the Constantia Valley and became the first recorded female landowner at the Cape. Having sailed from Lübeck to the Cape of Good Hope as a young woman, she transformed untamed frontier land into a working farm and a welcome refuge for travellers – stories of her courage and determination remain central to the estate’s identity. Her pioneering spirit lives on today in the flagship Catharina blend, named in her honour, and the estate continues to celebrate her remarkable contribution to South African wine history.

Luxury Experiences

Steenberg is much more than a tasting room. Visitors can enjoy premium wine tastings, fine dining at Tryn and the informal Bistro Sixteen82, five-star hotel accommodation, a tranquil spa and an adjacent golf course, all beneath the Steenberg Mountains. Combined with elegant architecture and warm, polished hospitality, these experiences make Steenberg one of the Constantia Valley’s premier luxury destinations – while its Sauvignon Blanc remains regarded as a global benchmark for the variety.