Steenberg Wine Farm: A Luxurious Destination in the Constantia Valley
An iconic wine farm layered with history.
By Kit Heathcock • 17 December 2025
Established in 1682 by feisty founder Catharina Ras during the early days of the Cape settlement, Steenberg Farm has come a long way since those pioneering days. Leopards and lions may have prowled the mountains of the Constantia Valley back then, but today although it still feels miles from the world, it’s a serene refuge only a short drive from the Cape Town bustle, its wilderness tamed to lush vineyards, beautiful gardens dotted with intriguing sculptures, and spectacular mountain views from the historic manor house and werf.
The sense of history is alive in the original Cape Dutch farm buildings, now a 24-room boutique hotel which recently received one of South Africa’s inaugural Michelin Key awards. It’s an idyllic place from which to explore Cape Town and surrounds, and a serene escape with a wealth of adventure without even leaving the farm…
Boutique hotel luxury
The original Cape Dutch manor house and farm buildings that make up Steenberg’s boutique hotel are arranged around a grassy central werf shaded by mature oak trees. Fresh from a forward-thinking restoration and renovation, the Manor House is an inviting sanctuary of thoughtful luxury, retaining the original details of sash windows, timber beams, wide-plank wooden floors and thick walls. Here and in the surrounding equally atmospheric buildings, there is a wide choice of rooms: spacious premier rooms with private terrace gardens; cosy classic rooms tucked under the eaves or in the barn and filled with light and luxury; high-ceilinged superior rooms; and spacious family rooms. 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.
Glorious family space at private villas
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. There’s even a private pool at each villa, where you can soak up views over the vineyards and mountains.
Indulgent treatments at the spa
A tranquil garden sanctuary, the intimate spa has five serene treatment rooms and two dreamy outdoor treatment areas tucked in secluded corners of the gardens that harness the healing energy of the natural world. There’s an outdoor thermal suite too (with a sauna, Nordic ice-bucket shower, ice bath and heated vitality pool). ilā organic wellness products exclusively available at Steenberg Spa provide a grounded luxury rooted in nature, and the extensive spa menu ranges from short therapies and treatments, to couples’ massages and all-day packages. And after your treatments linger at the Pool House sipping bespoke cocktails and dipping into the heated swimming pool.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Contact 021 712 7481, [email protected]
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Sophisticated dining at Tryn
Set on one side of the historic werf is Steenberg’s signature restaurant, Tryn (the nickname of founder Catharina Ras). Sophisticated but relaxed, the restaurant is decorated in shades of butternut, saffron and forest green and hung with artworks from the Beck family collection, opening onto a terrace overlooking the vines on one side and a second terrace under the oaks on the werf. Chef Kerry Kilpin conceives vibrant seasonal menus rich in local and exotic flavours that channel the pioneer’s fiercely independent spirit. Cooler season highlights include a savoury cheesecake starter paired with basil and tomato macarons, and mains of pork belly served with earthy celeriac barley, or herb and Dijon mustard crusted lamb cutlets accompanied by buttered mash potato.
Ideal for alfresco dining and family occasions, there’s a welcoming ease so that kids can explore and play lawn games, while adults unwind at their table.
Good to know Tryn is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with thoughtful children’s menus.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 713 7178, [email protected]
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Vibrant tapas and bistro flavours at Bistro Sixteen82
A stone’s throw across the vineyards from the main werf, the stylish contemporary wine cellar is also home to long-time Cape Town favourite for small plates and relaxed bistro lunches, Bistro Sixteen82. Next to the tasting room, it enjoys serene views of cooling water features, sculptures and indigenous garden. Executive chef Kerry Kilpin and head chef Penny Garrod have re-imagined the evening tapas menu, adding a section of light bites (for pre-dinner snacks with a glass of wine), and featuring South Africa-inspired dishes such as lamb vetkoek, slow-cooked venison and braai-rubbed corn ribs. The focus remains on celebrating the freshest seasonal and sustainable ingredients. “It’s about balancing new flavours with the old favourites, such as our beef tataki and prawn gambas, which diners keep coming back for,” says chef Kerry.
Good to know Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 9am – 11am; 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm
Contact 021 205 3866, [email protected]
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Steenberg’s award-winning bubbly and flagship wines
Whether you nab a seat in the contemporary wine-tasting room with its sculptural chandelier, in the comfortable wine lounge, or on the open-air terrace with views over water features and an indigenous sculpture garden, you’re sure to find a guided wine-tasting experience with your name on it. A sister winery to Graham Beck, Steenberg is known for its sauvignon blanc and range of cap classique, which each have a 60-minute dedicated tasting. If reds are more your thing, go for the cool climate selection, which includes the merlot and Catharina red blend. Or try three characterful wines in the Canvas collection, along with beautifully presented flavour pairings.
Cost Sense of Sauvignon: R210
Bubbly Glass Exploration: R230
Canvas Collection: R250
Cool Climate Excellence: R250
Curate Your Own: R250
Good to know You can also book ahead for an exclusive cellar experience (R505); a vineyard experience (R495); or a private storytelling tasting of the estate’s icons (R1 075); each experience lasts 90 minutes and is by appointment only, with limited availability.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (last tasting is at 4.30pm)
Contact 021 713 2211, [email protected]
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Where to find it Steenberg Estate, Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
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