Steenberg: 8 Reasons to Escape to this Iconic Destination

Steenberg has come a long way since the pioneering days of its feisty founder Catharina Ras, who farmed here in the early days of the Cape settlement from 1682. Leopards and lions may have prowled the mountains of the Constantia Valley back then, but now lush vineyards, beautiful gardens dotted with intriguing sculptures, and a manicured championship golf course have tamed that wilderness.

The original Cape Dutch farm buildings, lavishly restored, house a 24-room boutique hotel, restaurant and spa, with spectacular mountain views, clear skies and a tranquil atmosphere making it an ideal country escape, no matter what time of year you visit.

A member of IGLTA, the international association of tourism businesses that welcome the LGBTQ+ community, Steenberg’s reputation for personalised hospitality is second to none.

Whether you’re after a lazy lunch or a sumptuous stay, here are eight reasons to visit this world-class destination.

Sophisticated dining at Tryn

At Tryn (the nickname of founder Catharina Ras), Chef Kerry Kilpin has conceived a menu rich in local and exotic flavours that channels the pioneer’s fiercely independent spirit. Sophisticated but relaxed, Steenberg’s signature restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with thoughtful children’s menus. Decorated in shades of butternut, saffron and forest green, Tryn was recently revamped by Bone Interior Studio, and is hung with artworks from the Beck family collection. The restaurant opens onto the lawns of the central werf courtyard, so kids can explore and play lawn games, while adults relax on one of the shaded terraces.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Tuesday – Sunday, 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 713 2211, info@tryn.co.za
Book Through DinePlan

Elegant tapas and bistro lunches at Bistro Sixteen82

A long-time Cape Town favourite for small plates with Steenberg’s classic MCC or cocktails, Bistro Sixteen82 is a stylish contemporary space adjoining the wine cellars, with serene views of cooling water features, sculptures and indigenous garden. Here, chef Kerry’s classical French training is overlaid with her love of Asian flavours, in lavish bistro lunches and elegant evening tapas. Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available. Kerry pioneered the Abalobi sustainable fishing app, and that ethos of celebrating the freshest seasonal and sustainable ingredients is evident throughout her creative and flavourful menus.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm
Contact 021 205 3866, reservations@bistro1682.co.za
Book Through DinePlan

Steenberg’s award-winning bubbly and flagship wines

Whether you nab a seat in the contemporary wine-tasting with its sculptural chandelier, in a comfortable private wine lounge, or on the open-air terrace with views over water features and an indigenous sculpture garden, you’re sure to find a wine-tasting with your name on it. A sister winery to Graham Beck, Steenberg is known for its sauvignon blanc and range of Cap Classique, but if reds are more your thing, you should try the merlot, nebbiolo and Catharina red blend.
Cost R80 (Express tasting: 3 wines)
R110 (Classic tasting: 5 wines)
R150 (Bubbly tasting: 4 variations)
R200 (Flagship tasting: 6 wines)
R250 (Cheese-and-wine pairing: 4 wines + 4 cheeses)
R250 (1 cap classique + 6 wines)
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (last tasting is at 4.30pm)
Contact 021 713 2211, winetasting@steenbergfarm.com
Book Through DinePlan

Indulgent treatments at the spa

Set in its own garden next to the saltwater swimming pool, the spa has four treatment rooms and an outdoor treatment area tucked away in the scented garden under a majestic oak tree. Africology and Elemis are among the quality products used, and the extensive spa menu ranges from short therapies and treatments, to couples’ massages and all-day packages. Hotel guests can make after-hours bookings by prior arrangement.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm
Contact 021 712 7481, spa@steenberghotel.com
ENQUIRE NOW

Golf for all seasons

Golf enthusiasts say they can play daily on Steenberg Golf Club’s Peter Matkovich-designed 18-hole championship golf course and keep finding new challenges and experiences. The mountain backdrop, surrounding vineyards, indigenous plantings and environmental diversity give the course a character and appeal that changes through the seasons. Steenberg Hotel guests and members get special green rates, and priority booking wherever possible.
Opening times 6.36am – 5pm (October –April)
8am – 5pm (May – September)
Contact 021 713 2233, bookings@steenberggolfclub.co.za

Hotel accommodation

Converted from the historic Cape Dutch manor house and farm buildings around the traditional werf, Steenberg’s 24 hotel rooms convey a sense of history, reimagined with contemporary luxury. The spacious premier rooms have their own private terrace gardens with sun loungers and a dining table, so you can enjoy private dinners or sundowners with views over vineyards and mountains. And families can book interconnected rooms that also have private patios. With the estate’s restaurants, spa, swimming pool, golf, wine tasting and hiking trails right on your doorstep, you don’t have to go far for your next adventure.
Cost From R8 500 per room
MAKE A RESERVATION

An unforgettable stay in a private villa

If you’re looking for a luxurious home-from-home escape with oodles of space and privacy, Steenberg’s two- and three-bedroom villas can’t be equalled. Upstairs bedrooms with sloping ceilings recall the heritage of the original farm buildings, while underfloor heating, contemporary decor and impeccable bathrooms bring you right into the modern age. Relax beside your private pool and soak up views over the vineyards and mountains. The villas are ideal for families and friends holidaying together, or honeymooners looking for a tranquil wine farm retreat.
Cost 2-bedroom villa from R25 000 (sleeps 4 + cot and child’s bed can be added)
3-bedroom villa from R26 300 per night (sleeps 6 + cot and child’s bed can be added)
MAKE A RESERVATION

Open-air weddings

A glorious outdoor wedding on the lawns of a historic Constantia wine farm is what memories are made of. Steenberg offers two exclusive-use garden venues that come with no additional venue hire when you book the related accommodation for your first night of married life. The Manor Lawn and gardens in front of the Manor House accommodate up to 100 guests. The Villa Lawn adjacent to the villa heritage buildings seats up to 40 guests. For intimate receptions choose one of the private dining rooms at Tryn, or for more guests book out the whole restaurant.
Contact 021 713 2222, reservations@steenberghotel.com

Where to find it Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Constantia, Cape Town

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.