Why is Klein Constantia Africa’s top vineyard? Here’s what the world just decided
South Africa’s historic Constantia estate has climbed 35 places to become the continent’s highest-ranked vineyard, whilst Minister John Steenhuisen celebrates the nation’s wine tourism boom worth R9.3 billion.
Klein Constantia has done something rather extraordinary. The 340-year-old estate I visited just weeks ago to taste a 39-year-old Sauvignon Blanc with winemaker Matthew Day has now been crowned Africa’s top vineyard and sixth best in the world.
The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025 list dropped this week, and Klein Constantia didn’t just secure a top-10 spot.
It also won the “Highest Climber” award after leaping 35 places from its 2024 position.
‘Thoroughly deserved’
As someone who has spent considerable time at this estate and completed my personal collection of their legendary Vin de Constance dessert wine, I can tell you this recognition is thoroughly deserved.
Winemaker Matthew Day attributes the estate’s success to terroir.
“We have found a special piece of paradise that is perfectly suited to make Sauvignon Blancs,” Day told me recently.
“The site, the location, the proximity to the ocean, the slope, the ancient soil create an environment that allows us to make wines that are authentic to our place and also have the ability to age.”
The estate’s Vin de Constance remains its signature wine, a recreation of the legendary dessert wine that captivated Napoleon in exile.
South Africa’s wine tourism boom
Klein Constantia wasn’t South Africa’s only success story on the list.
Creation Wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley ranked seventh globally, whilst four other estates made the extended top 100: Tokara Wine and Olive Estate (71st), Delaire Graff Estate (79th), La Motte Wine Estate (94th), and Hamilton Russell Vineyards (99th).
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen was quick to applaud the achievements, calling them “a resounding endorsement of our wine tourism’s consistent standards and innovation”.
“These wineries not only produce globally celebrated vintages but also contribute significantly to economic growth and rural development through wine tourism,” Steenhuisen said in a statement.
The numbers back up his enthusiasm.
In 2022, wine tourism contributed R9.3 billion (approximately £400 million) to South Africa’s GDP, supported over 11 000 farm gate jobs and created more than 40 000 employment opportunities.
Wine tourism now generates 17.3% of total turnover for grape-crushing cellars.
“We applaud the dedication of the teams at all six vineyards for elevating the South Africa brand to compete on the global stage,” Steenhuisen added.
“Their commitment to excellence not only produces world-renowned wines but also enhances our reputation as a premier destination for wine tourism.”
Local visitors accounted for 58% of all Cape Winelands room nights in 2024, demonstrating the strong domestic foundation supporting the sector’s growth.
Klein Constantia has been making those wines since 1685. The world has finally caught up.
Ahead of Château d’Yquem
As an investor in South African wine and someone who has spent years building relationships with these estates, this list holds particular significance.
Seeing Klein Constantia rank ahead of Château d’Yquem, the legendary Sauternes estate, represents a watershed moment for South African wine.
It validates what those of us who collect and invest in these wines have known for years: the Cape produces world-class wines that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest estates in Bordeaux and Burgundy.