Wine, Art and a Taste of Constantia
Constantia has always been associated with wine, history and beautiful surroundings, but the valley continues to offer new experiences for visitors and locals alike.
One of the more unusual events taking place this month is the Oakley House Wine, Art & Adventure Auction, being held at Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
The evening, themed “A Night in Bloom”, combines wine, food, art and an auction in support of the Oakley House Preparatory School hall renovation. Guests can expect a three-course meal, a welcome drink and the opportunity to bid on a selection of wines, artworks, luxury getaways and other experiences.
The event is being held at Jonkershuis Constantia, within the historic Groot Constantia estate. Tickets are currently advertised at R550 per person, with tables also available for groups.
Even for visitors who are not attending the auction, Groot Constantia is well worth exploring while staying in the area. The estate remains one of the defining landmarks of the Constantia Valley, combining Cape wine heritage with restaurants, tasting experiences and beautiful mountain scenery.
For lunch or dinner, Simon’s Restaurant is also located on the estate, while Jonkershuis provides another opportunity to enjoy food and wine in historic surroundings.
Constantia’s appeal is that these experiences are all part of a much larger picture. Within a relatively small area, visitors can move from vineyards and historic estates to restaurants, markets, gardens and cultural events, often without needing to venture into the busy centre of Cape Town.
For guests staying in Constantia, October is therefore an ideal month to slow down and experience the area itself. Rather than simply using Constantia as a base for visiting Cape Town, take some time to explore the valley, discover its wine estates and restaurants, and see what local events are taking place during your stay.
After all, one of the greatest attractions of Constantia is simply having the time to enjoy it.