Our ongoing efforts to make sure that we get out and about and really experience the beautiful Cape in which we live led our little family to Groot Constantia, the oldest vineyard in South Africa, for an amazing day out that involved, amongst other things, some wine tasting, a picnic, scones to die for and loads of fun for the kids.

We hopped onto the red City Sightseeing bus at the V&A Waterfront , which leaves from outside the Aquarium, and as part of this great hop-on, hop-off tour of the peninsula, took advantage of the newly launched wine tour which is included in the ticket price on the Blue (Mini Peninsula) Tour.

The bus dropped us off at Constantia Nek, from where the double-decker open Wine Tour bus took us to Groot Constantia. Here we spent the day exploring the beautiful old manor house and its surroundings – the kids loved the dungeon and the ducks in the ponds – and we also enjoyed a cellar tour and some wine tasting before relaxing under the old oak trees for a picnic on the grass.

While our daughters ran amok and played themselves silly, my hubby and I tucked into our pre-ordered picnic basket packed full of delicious goodies (For the girls there was a special children’s lunch in a reusable box that was an absolute hit!).

After lunch we did the vineyard walk which is the only one of its kind in SA where you can actually walk amongst the vines of a working wine farm. This unique ‘Talk & Walk’ tour is exclusively available from City Sightseeing! Once again, the kids loved it and spent ages taking turns to run away and hide from each other! We loved the view – down the valley towards False Bay – magic!

Making our way back we plonked ourselves down at a Jonkershuis table in the shade for afternoon tea and scones – and what scones!! Seriously fresh and loaded with jam and cream…mmm…

The day was a resounding success and feeling happy, tired, sun kissed – but certainly not hungry – we hopped back on board the City Sightseeing bus which returned us to our car at the V&A Waterfront.

This is really a great day out for the whole family and because the City Sightseeing bus is hop on, hop off, you can spend as much or as little time at Groot Constantia as you want, with buses arriving and departing every 35 minutes throughout the day. Get the timetable here on www.citysightseeing.co.za.

Some handy TIPS and information:
The Wine Tour includes a stop at Groot Constantia Wine Estate and Eagles’ Nest

The Wine Bus will take you from Constantia Nek – starting 10 am, and every 35 minutes. Be sure to hang onto your Blue Mini Peninsula Tour ticket to qualify for the wine tour!

Remember to super-charge your camera – this is a fantastic way to bring your family album up to date!

Sunscreen is a must and comfy shoes!

You can get an audio Great Guide device that tells you about all the interesting facts at Groot Constantia. We paid a R100 deposit fee, plugged in and walked through the Manor house. It was a great ‘Talk & Walk’ experience!

Cellar Tour & Tasting R35 Adult
Every hour on the hour from 10h00 – 16h00

Manor House (Iziko manages this!)
R15 Adult / R5 Pensioner / Free Student up to 16yrs

Entrance Fees & Tastings at both Groot Constantia and Eagles’ Nest
Wine Tasting at Cellar R30 Adult

Book your picnic basket up-front at Simon’s Restaurant on Groot Constantia:
021 794 1143

Good to look at the Groot Constantia and Eagles’ Nest websites!