Constantia
We begin our exploration, however, in the district-less ward called Constantia. It was first planted in 1655, three years after the arrival of the first Dutch settlers. Thirty years later, in 1685, Simon van der Stel founded the Constantia wine estate. Its Muscat-based dessert wine, known simply as Constantia, became famous and was in high demand in Europe in the 18th century. The vineyards lie just south of Cape Town, on the southeast slopes of Table Mountain and Constantiaberg, which form a curve facing towards False Bay and its southeasterly winds. Soils are mainly decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. The area has high rainfall and mild winters. Breezes from False Bay keep the summers moderate and the growing season long, providing excellent conditions for cooler climate whites and late harvest dessert wines. Principal varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscat. Some Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz is grown at lower elevations which receive more sunlight. There are only a few producers here, including five located on what was the original Constantia estate. Two of them, Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia, produce modern versions of the legendary sweet Constantia Muscat de Frontignan.

(Constantia, South Africa)