What springs to thoughts if you consider Cape City? Desk Mountain, succulent crimson meat, stunning landscapes and world-class wine. Earlier than visiting this phenomenal metropolis, these had been the issues I routinely related to Cape City. The wine was one factor I used to be notably enthusiastic about, particularly after discovering an enormous love for crimson wine up to now 12 months. Throughout my current journey to Cape City I loved a 2-night keep at The Steenberg Resort which is a part of the Steenberg Wine Property. In comparison with the a lot bigger neighbouring wine area of Stellenboch, Constantia is a small however mighty wine hub that’s the proud house of Steenberg. Based mostly 15km south of the town within the area of Constantia, The Steenberg Property was based in 1682 and is the oldest winery in Cape City.
With a wine bar, bistro, golf course, restaurant, spa and 5* luxurious lodging, The Steenberg Wine Property attracts vacationers and locals of their droves and whether or not you’re visiting for per week or simply afternoon, you can not fail to fall in love with appeal of Steenberg. Listed below are a number of of the issues I notably cherished throughout my keep…
Wine Tasting at Steenberg
Steenberg Farm was our first cease after our Qatar Airways enterprise class flight from London to Cape City. After a heat welcome from employees on the foremost home of the lodge, the primary exercise on our record was a wine tasting session – naturally! The session was held in a spectacular non-public eating room inside Bistro Sixteen82 and overlooking the wine bar.
The tasting was lead by Steenberg Basic Supervisor John Loubser, who has an in-depth data of all of Steenberg’s wines and an unmistakable ardour for the product. We had been guided via a tasting of 4 Steenberg’s hottest wines which all got here completely paired with an entree from Bistro Sixteen82 downstairs.
The collection of wines included a scrumptious Semillon Blanc (my favorite) and an excellent silky Merlot. I used to be fascinated by all the things that John needed to say and furiously scribbled down a number of notes to I might bear in mind all the information and meals pairing recommendation he gave us. Personal wine tastings might be organized for visitors or day guests and can be found upon request.
Bistro Sixteen82
After our wine tasting we had been invited to pattern but extra Steenberg wines over lunch downstairs in Bistro Sixteen82. The superbly designed bistro has been listed as 1 of 20 of the World’s Finest Vineyard Eating places by Wine Entry journal. It has additionally acquired native recognition in Fleur du Cap’s High 100 Locations, Eat in Cape City and EAT OUT’s Finest Bistros record.
It was a superbly sunny lunchtime after we sat down for lunch at Bistro Sixteen82 and the restaurant was buzzing with visitors and guests having fun with a leisurely Saturday lunch. I opted for one of many each day specials which was tuna steak with Asian greens. The tuna was cooked to perfection and the Asian greens had been drizzled in essentially the most great Asian dressing that complimented your entire dish. I loved the lunch with one other glass of the unimaginable Steenberg semillon blanc which I attempted in the course of the tasting.
Excellent For: Lengthy lunches, wine tastings or for sitting within the solar with associates and sampling the various Steenberg wines on supply. You’ll want to take a look at the specials board and be happy to ask for menu suggestions from pleasant waiters.
The Steenberg Resort
The Steenberg Resort sits within the coronary heart of the Steenberg valley and is sheltered by an impressive mountainous backdrop. Rustic luxurious meets rural appeal on this attractive 5 star lodging that’s an intrinsic a part of your entire Steenberg property. I completely love that the lodge is surrounded by working vineyards and after my 2-night keep on the Steenberg Resort I felt as if I had acquired an actual wine schooling.
Within the centre of the principle home is the cosy and alluring reception. With darkish woods, ornaments and characterful rugs, it feels extra like a lovely house than a lodge. Visitor rooms are primarily based both facet of the reception in the principle home and in surrounding 1-storey annexes. My spacious suite was positioned in one of many annexes near the reception and included a reception space, massive lounge space with a luxurious couch and an open-plan bed room and loo house.
The décor had a number of woods and furnishings of the very best high quality. The central bathtub was an opulent function which I couldn’t wait to dive in to and fill with bubbles on the finish of my day.
My suite additionally had a semi-private patio with solar loungers overlooking the vividly inexperienced golf course and mountains that stood tall behind it. The tranquil pool is tucked away in a nook of the annexes, which I managed to make it into as soon as for some pre-breakfast morning lengths.
Excellent For: Escaping the hustle and bustle of the town and spending a number of days immersing your self in Cape City’s well-known wine area. The lodge is right for these wanting to remain on the outskirts of the town. High Tip: It takes about 35 minutes to drive into the centre of Cape City from The Steenberg property so visitors would both want to rent a tour information or a automotive to get round.
Catharina’s Bistro
Catharina’s is thought by locals as among the best eating places in Cape City and simply so occurs to be a part of the Steenberg Property. The restaurant is predicated throughout the grounds of the lodge, which suggests visitors can conveniently get pleasure from effective eating on their doorstep. I received to eat at Catharina’s on the second evening of my keep and I used to be completely blown away by the standard of the produce.
After kicking off with a signature glass of Steenberg ‘bubbly’, I loved a basic tomato, pesto and mozzarella medley starter adopted by the chargrilled beef-fillet. The meat fillet got here with a potato and cheese croquette, asparagus, sauté shimeji mushrooms and foie gras jus. Not being a fan of foie gras, I requested to swap the jus to a peppercorn sauce, which the waiter was solely too glad to do. The fillet was succulent and tender and was the right portion measurement.
Excellent For: Romantic dinners, particular events or an intimate household dinner.
Verdict
Steenberg Wine Property has a lot to supply for each vacationers and locals and in my view, it’s a big asset to the area of Constantia. If you happen to’re searching for central Cape City lodging, the Steenberg Resort isn’t what you might be searching for. However if you’re seeking relaxed and rustic luxurious nestled away on the sting of Cape City, that is simply the ticket.
Planning a visit to Cape City? Take a look at my High 10 Issues to Do in Cape City
What did you consider my Steenberg Resort overview? Are you planning a go to there or have you ever skilled the lodge just lately too? Let me know your ideas and experiences by commenting on the field under! Thanks x
Charges
Rooms at The Steenberg Resort begin from ZAR2650 (approx £150) per room per evening on a mattress and breakfast foundation. Extra particulars can be found at Steenberg Farm
Find out how to Get There
I flew with Qatar Airways, which flies each day from London Heathrow to Cape City through Doha. Roundtrip costs begin from £747 economic system and £3122 Enterprise Class. Guide through 0333 320 2454 or go to www.qatarairways.com.
