With harvest complete and the vineyards settling into their autumn rhythm, the Constantia Valley enters one of its most rewarding seasons.
Image: Supplied
Days remain warm, evening grow gently cooler, and the pace begins to slow. It’s a time when outdoor dining is still firmly on the agenda, but with a softer edge, ideal for unhurried lunches, weekend getaways and restorative stays.
Just 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, Steenberg Hotel & Spa offers a complete destination experience in one historic estate setting. Dining, wine tasting, five-star accommodation and wellness all come together on the Cape’s oldest registered farm, making it an easy choice for both day visitors and travellers looking to extend their stay.
A 17th century estate with modern appeal
Established in 1682 by the pioneering Catharina Ras, Steenberg holds the distinction of being the Cape’s first registered farm. Her resilience and independence remain central to the farm’s identity, now expressed through contemporary hospitality layered onto centuries-old foundations.
Today, Steenberg balances heritage architecture with a refined design, offering a Constantia experience that feels authentic yet elevated.
Two restaurants, two experiences
At Tryn restaurant, Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin leads a contemporary kitchen centred on seasonality and flavour clarity. The restaurant’s interiors open onto manicured gardens and vineyard views, with terrace seating that makes the most of Constantia’s lingering late-summer warmth.
Tryn is particularly well suited to milestone celebrations, business lunches or relaxed weekend dinners. As autumn approaches, the menu begins incorporating more textured, comforting elements while maintaining freshness and balance, thoughtfully complemented with Steenberg’s award-winning wines.
For a more relaxed dining style, Bistro Sixteen82 offers daytime dining and evening tapas in a vibrant yet refined setting. The terrace overlooks landscaped gardens and tranquil water features, creating an inviting backdrop for long lunches and casual gatherings.
In the evenings, the menu transitions to tapas-style plates designed for sharing – ideal for groups of friends, family celebrations or informal business meet-ups. Bistro Sixteen82 delivers an atmosphere that is social without being rushed, polished without being formal.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Wine tasting after harvest
With harvest complete, the vineyards enter a quieter phase, making it an ideal time to visit the Steenberg Tasting Room adjacent to Bistro Sixteen82. Guests can explore the farm’s cool-climate wines at a more relaxed pace, gaining insight into the craftmanship behind each bottle.
Steenberg’s Sauvignon Blanc remains a flagship varietal, known for its crisp minerality and balance, while Méthode Cap Classique continues to be a celebratory favourite; perfectly suited to late-summer gatherings and early autumn occasions.
Image: Supplied
Stay on the estate
For visitors wanting to extend their time at Steenberg, the five-star hotel, one of 2025’s recipients of a Michelin Key in the ‘very special stays’ category, provides a tranquil overnight option. Rooms are individually designed and positioned within the estate grounds, allowing guests to experience both privacy and proximity to the restaurants and spa.
A highlight is the recently refurbished Manor House, a provincial monument reflecting Cape Dutch heritage while incorporating contemporary finishes. It offers a seamless blend of history and modern comfort.
Image: Supplied
A seasonal reset at Steenberg Spa
As the season transitions, the Steenberg Spa offers treatments focused on restoration and recalibration. After months of summer activity, the quieter energy of early autumn makes this an ideal time to prioritise wellness.
Set within the heart of the hotel and tranquil gardens, the spa treatment rooms and outdoor thermal facilities provide a calm counterbalance to the busier months that have just passed.
Image: Supplied
One farm, multiple experiences
Steenberg’s strength lies in its cohesion. Guests can move from tasting room to terrace lunch, from spa to dinner, or from celebration to overnight stay, without leaving.
As the vineyards settle and the season turns, Steenberg remains one of the Cape’s most complete food, wine and lifestyle destinations; offering a refined Constantia escape just minutes from the city.
Image: Supplied
Plan your stay
- Tryn: +27 21 713 7178 | [email protected]
- Bistro Sixteen82: +27 21 205 3866 | [email protected]
- Steenberg Tasting Room: +27 21 713 2211 | [email protected]
- Steenberg Spa: +27 21 712 7481 | [email protected]
- Steenberg Hotel & Spa: +27 21 713 2222 | [email protected]
www.steenberghotel.com | Instagram: @steenbergfarm | Facebook: @steenbergfarm
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ:
4 inland valleys to visit in the Western Cape before summer ends
