Constantia Glen

Constantia Glen is located on land with a history of agricultural activity dating back to the 18th century, originally registered as Benydendal in 1813. The Austrian Waibel family purchased the property in 1960. For decades, the site functioned as a forest and later as a stud farm for Red Angus cattle. Following a wildfire in January 2000 that destroyed much of the vegetation, the family decided to return the property to its viticultural origins. Alexander Waibel, representing the third generation of the family, oversaw the conversion of the estate into a wine producer. The first vineyards were planted in September 2000, and the inaugural vintage was harvested in 2005.

The estate occupies 60 hectares on the upper slopes of the Constantiaberg, with approximately 29 hectares under vine. Situated at altitudes between 130 and 270 meters, it is among the highest wine farms in the Constantia ward. The topography is defined by its position in a mountain saddle, which allows the vines to receive late afternoon sun longer than the lower parts of the valley. Soils consist of decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone over a clay sub-surface that retains moisture, supporting dryland cultivation. Justin van Wyk, who joined the team in 2008 and became cellar master in 2011, manages the production. The cool maritime breezes from False Bay regulate temperatures, facilitating a slow ripening period and contributing to a style focused on freshness and structure.

The winery focuses on Bordeaux-style blends and cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc. Its portfolio is structured around a numbered system where the names Constantia Glen Two, Three, and Five indicate the number of grape varieties in each blend. The flagship Constantia Glen Five is a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Constantia Glen Two is a white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, while Constantia Glen Three is a red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The producer has received consistent critical attention for a restrained, European-influenced style, including multiple five-star ratings from the Platter’s South African Wine Guide. In 2021, Justin van Wyk was named the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year.