Hard to leave

In the shadow of Table Mountain, there is a working wine farm, no more than twenty minutes from the centre of Cape Town and the Waterfront and it is here that you will find a most charming place, Constantia Uitsig (uitsig meaning "view") a private wine estate set amongst vineyards with sweeping views of the valley. <p>

The location, to say the least, is quite special. Bounded on two sides by Table Mountain National Park, Constantia Uitsig is one of five farms, the others being Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards and Buiterverwagting which form part of the original farm of Constantia, granted in 1685 to Simon van der Stel when he was Dutch Governor to the Cape. The wine farming industry in South Africa originated here, in this verdant valley, due to the combination of the favourable cool maritime climate and the excellent soil ensuring the production of top quality wines including, today some of South Africa's finest Sauvignon Blancs. Back in the 1700 and 1880’s it was the dessert wine from Constantia that became the toast of European nobility, at such Royal courts as those of England, France and Prussia putting wines from Constantia as the default wine to serve to guests.<p>

Within the grounds of this estate lies a sixteen room elegantly furnished hotel and three restauarants. La Colombe is top-class, specialising in southern French cuisine and has been voted the best in South Africa for two consecutive years, Constania Uitsig, where the menu “focuses on robust flavours of Italy with forays into exotic Asia” and The River Café, situated in an old school house at the entance to the farm, which has a fresh, contemporary menu of equal renown. We were headed for Constania Uitsig, the award-winning restaurant situated in the original 17th-century Manor House of the estate. Close by, across the beautiful manicured lawns lies a surprise, a cricket pitch complete with Victorian pavilion and views of the mountains and distant sea. I had booked lunch on the last day of our honeymoon as a special treat for my wife. Frank was sat at the small bar when we arrived, drinking a glass of the vineyards own Sauvignon Blanc, immersed in conversation with a couple who were just about to leave.<p>

Frank Swainston, born in England, moved here some twenty years ago to become one of the first of a new breed of chef interested in the best of their own countries produce. This country has a preponderance of marvellous ingredients that are now available on a regular basis due to the countries improved transport infrastructure. Although Frank describes himself as “an amateur chef in essence” his “Mediterranean/Provencal - style” cooking was an immediate success and now some twelve years later the restaurant consistently maintains its “top ten” position in the Cape.<p>

On being shown to our table we selected the Pesce in Cartoccio - Filleted line fish baked in foil with mushrooms, spring onions, ginger, garlic, soy, white wine and fish sauce – and the Carrë d’-Agneau Rôti à la Provençale - Rack of karoo lamb roasted with provencale herbs – followed by the indulgent Marquise au Chocolat - A rich chocolate dessert on an orange flavoured crème anglaise. The result, quite simply delicious and one of the best meals we have experienced anywhere. It was therefore with great reluctance that we left our table and walked down the steps on to the lush lawn for a last stroll around the gardens, the long lingering lunch had been the perfect end to a wonderful trip. I do wish we had found this place earlier, the location, the peace, the charm, the hospitality.....truly a place that is very hard to leave.<p>