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Klein Constantia

About

Klein Constantia

Described as one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, Klein Constantia is set amidst ancient trees and lush greenery on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg, with superb views across the Constantia Valley and False Bay. Its history dates back to 1685, when an enormous tract of land was granted to the Dutch East India Company’s tenth commander at the Cape, Simon van der Stel. He had specifically requested this property on the undulating foothills of Table Mountain’s backbone not only for its beauty, but also for its decomposed granite soils on slopes gently cooled by ocean breezes – the perfect conditions for quality winegrowing. It was about 15 times the size of a normal land grant and he named it Constantia, perhaps signifying his intention to make the Cape his constant or permanent home. By the time of his promotion as governor in 1691, Van der Stel had 10,000 vines planted at Constantia, and when the first small cask of his wine was shipped to Dutch East India Company headquarters in Batavia in 1692, the feedback was good: “The wine from Constantia is of a much higher quality than any sent out so far, but obviously only obtainable in small quantities.”

Farming Practices

Agriculture

We use certain practices in order to aid us in forming a more sustainable approach when it comes to farming and winemaking. We are active members of the Biodynamic association of South Africa and we farm a percentage of the vineyards in a biodynamic approach as well as an Organic approach. This is a practice to ensure that we farm for the future and for healthier vines with more personality that allows us to make authentic wines to our terroir.

Sustainability and Farming Commitments

  • Biodynamic Practices
  • Organic Practices

Vice Chairman & Shareholder

Hans Astrom

Swedish-born Hans Astrom joined the Klein Constantia family in January 2012 as Managing Director. Having studied economics and been voted Sweden’s best sommelier in 1986, Hans went on to work in the hospitality industry. During this period he established the Swedish Sommelier Association and helped create “Grythytteakademin”, the first academically based wine and food education programme in Sweden, and where today one can graduate with a doctorate.

Hans continued to gain invaluable experience in the international wine world, working as Director and Vice President of Sales for Peter Lehmann Wines, and thereafter assuming the role of General Manager for Hess Family Estates, spanning four continents and seven wineries.

In recent years, Hans has become a member of the acclaimed Académie du Vin (AIV).

The Winemaker

Matthew Day

Matthew grew up in Johannesburg, but a keen interest in winemaking saw him relocate to the Cape to pursue an education in this field. After graduating from Stellenbosch University with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) Degree in Viticulture and Oenology, Matthew gained vital experience by working at various local and international estates, from Meerlust Estate in Stellenbosch to Chateau Belefont-Belcier in St Emilion, Elderton Estate in the Barossa Valley and Dancing Hares Estate in the Napa Valley.

Upon returning to South Africa in 2008, he took on the role of assistant winemaker at Klein Constantia under the guidance of Adam Mason. In 2012 he stepped up and took the reins as winemaker – becoming only the third winemaker since the farm was revived in the 1980s. Already voted as one of The Drinks Business’s Top 30 winemakers under 40 to watch, Matthew has also been named Tim Atkin’s Young winemaker of the year for 2016.

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A Journey from Vintage to Bottle

News

World’s Best Vineyards 2024 Top 50: Klein Constantia #41
World’s Best Vineyards
World’s Best Vineyards 2024 Top 50: Klein Constantia #41

Welcome to Frederick Wildman. Importers and wine merchants since 1934.

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