A Royal Birthday in Constantia Valley

On May 21, 2025, we had the joy of celebrating Wayne’s birthday in South Africa’s stunning Constantia Valley. From the moment the day began, he was treated like royalty. Breakfast came with birthday blessings and surprises, more treats awaited us in our room later, and by dinner, the staff had turned the entire celebration into something truly unforgettable. It felt as though every manager and staff member knew this was Wayne’s special day—and they made sure he felt it.

The gifts and gestures kept coming, right up to a private driver who whisked us away to explore some of the valley’s celebrated wineries. While we don’t drink often, wine is our preference, and we usually share a tasting. Constantia Valley, after all, is known as one of the premier wine regions in South Africa, and we were eager to discover it for ourselves.

Wine Adventures Begin

First Stop: Anura Winery
Anura welcomed us with its warm, natural wood interiors, spacious tasting room, crackling fireplace, and cozy chairs. We sampled both whites and reds, and while the Sauvignon Blanc and Signature Merlot (2022 Reserve) stood out, the real stars of the day were the Malbec (2022 Reserve) and a playful pup named Diesel. (More on Diesel later!)

Lunch at Mont Rochelle
Our midday stop was at the highly rated Mont Rochelle Hotel. To our delight, we had the restaurant all to ourselves—one of the perks of visiting during the low season. The intimate setting made the experience even more special. Wayne enjoyed a tender ostrich dish, while I had salmon, alongside broccoli, hot soup, fresh bread, and what looked like round potato cakes. With a fire burning beside us and sweeping views outside, it was a meal to remember.

Next: Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Driving into this estate felt like entering a painting, complete with striking statues and lush vineyards—even with a touch of rain. Tastings were offered in a smaller, cozy space overlooking wine barrels, warmed by a modest fireplace. Here, the highlights were without a doubt the Syrahs—particularly the GRANITE Syrah 2023 and the Swartland Syrah.

Wine Tasting Costs in Constantia Valley

Here’s a quick look at average tasting fees in the region by experience type, cost in ZAR, and approximate Cost in USD*

• Basic tasting (Buitenverwachting) R100 ~$5–6

• Standard tasting (Groot Constantia) R120–R220 ~$6–12

• Budget tasting (Beau Constantia) R45 ~$2–3

• Full-day guided tour package R1,820 ~$95–100

• *Exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ 19 ZAR.

The wines themselves vary in cost, but every sip was worth it.

A Perfect Ending

The milestone day concluded with a private, candlelit dinner at the hotel restaurant. Our table was tucked away in a romantic corner, with the mountains of the Constantia Valley standing guard in the distance. It was a blessed close to a day that Wayne will always remember—one where he truly felt celebrated. As we are reminded, "Every good and perfect gift is from above,’ and this day felt like exactly that—a perfect gift.”

💬 Have you visited any of these wineries?
Which wines stood out to you? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

✨ Don’t miss what’s next—we can’t wait to introduce you to Diesel, who stole our hearts.