Constantia Ward is South Africa's oldest wine-producing area — the cradle of Cape winemaking, established by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1685 on the south-facing slopes of the Constantiaberg above Cape Town. The ward's distinctive terroir of decomposed Capeite granite and weathered sandstone at 50-300m altitude, cooled by Atlantic Ocean breezes from both False Bay and the open Atlantic, creates conditions ideal for Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and the legendary sweet Muscat wines that made Constantia world-famous in the 18th century. The Vin de Constance (Klein Constantia) is historically one of the world's most celebrated dessert wines — mentioned by Napoleon, Jane Austen, and Baudelaire.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93 | Outstanding vintage — perfect botrytis conditions for Vin de Constance. Exceptional natural acidity alongside concentrated Muscat sweetness. Benchmark year. |
| 2020 | 87 | Challenging harvest conditions with variable weather. Good wines from careful selection; Sauvignon Blanc particularly successful with fresh herbal character. |
| 2019 | 90 | Classic Constantia season — cool nights and good Atlantic influence. Excellent Muscat botrytis development for Vin de Constance; fine natural acidity. |
| 2017 | 88 | Slightly warmer vintage. Good Sauvignon Blanc with tropical notes; Vin de Constance production slightly reduced due to selective harvest requirements. |
| 2016 | 92 | Long, cool growing season with Atlantic breeze influence. Exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat concentration for Vin de Constance. Very good balance of sugar and acidity. |