Klein Constantia
One of South Africa's most historic estates, Klein Constantia is famed for Vin de Constance, the revived sweet Muscat dessert wine once prized by European royalty.
About Klein
Klein Constantia sits on the slopes of Constantiaberg above False Bay, on land that formed part of the original Constantia farm established by Cape Governor Simon van der Stel in 1685. After the estate was divided in the early 19th century, Klein Constantia emerged as a separate property, and under the Cloete family its legendary sweet wine, Vin de Constance, became a coveted luxury at the courts of Europe and was famously referenced by Napoleon, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Following a long decline, the estate was revived in the 1980s and released its acclaimed first modern vintage in 1986. Since 2011 it has been owned by Zdeněk Bakala and Charles Harman. Vin de Constance, made from late-harvested Muscat de Frontignan grapes and bottled in its distinctive squat flask, remains the estate's crown jewel, alongside well-regarded Sauvignon Blanc.
Flagship wines
- Vin de Constance
- Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc
Editorial notes
Vin de Constance is a sweet, late-harvest Muscat dessert wine of great longevity; cellars for decades. Sold in 500ml flask bottles.