Luxury hotel and vineyard, Steenberg, in South Africa’s Constantia region, has completed the final stage of a full-scale renovation and is ready to welcome UK holidaymakers in search of some winter sun.The renovation, which has taken place in stages over the past three years, includes the addition of a chic, modern, daytime restaurant, “Bistro Sixteen82”, and a hip new bar, “Gorgeous”.
Steenberg holds the distinction of being the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia valley, with a history dating back to the first wine production in 1695. Steenberg’s winery has developed a worldwide reputation for producing excellent Cape wines. Wines were first produced on the farm in 1695 – which was then named Swaaneweide (the feeding place of swans). It was later renamed Steenberg in honour of the imposing mountain which towers over it. The cultivars on the farm at the moment are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
In November 2009, Steenberg unveiled a stylish, new, daytime restaurant on its winery called Bistro Sixteen82, after the year in which Steenberg was first established. With its striking, modern design, glorious vineyard setting, charming reflection pools and sensory gardens, Bistro Sixteen82 has become a favourite daytime eatery for guests and locals alike. The bistro-style cellar door restaurant and wine tasting venue has a warm and inviting ambience that embodies opulent chic. With menus featuring tapas, bistro-style cuisine and sumptuous breakfasts, BistroSixteen82 is an ideal venue for lunch or a long, lazy brunch and it seamlessly complements Steenberg’s popular fine dining restaurant, Catharina’s.
In August 2011, Steenberg completed the refurbishment of its five Premier Rooms. The refined Premier Rooms are vibrant, open-plan spaces, incorporating the latest neutral décor trends and featuring the latest mod-cons, such as iPod docking stations, and PC data and power outlets. Soft furnishing modifications have been made and contemporary touches added to enhance the uncluttered, spacious atmosphere with clean lines and unfussy fabrics. Sofas have been recovered in rich fabrics reflecting tones of grey and soft blues. New carpeting and curtains have been introduced in neutral oatmeal and shades of white perfectly complementing the trendy new lighting fixtures, culminating in a well balanced, serene space that makes optimum use of the natural environment, with French doors that open up onto a private terrace.
The new look Premier Rooms, beautifully complement the other accommodation styles on offer at Steenberg, which range from the cutting edge interior design of its three Heritage Suites (KhoiKhoi, Cape Colonial and Dutch East India suites), to the historical Manor House wing that offers a traditional, yet elegant choice as the only hotel in the country to offer guests accommodation in a National Monument.
Finally, 2012 has seen the completion of the multi-phase renovation with the opening of “Gorgeous by Graham Beck” the first brand-exclusive bubbly bar in South Africa. The bar derived its name from the favoured term of endearment of the late Mr Graham Beck. A full selection of Graham Beck Wines’ award winning Méthode Cap Classique can be enjoyed with sumptuous canapés. Guests may also opt to try a specific range; the three-wine non-vintage Graham Beck sparkling wines, the three vintage cuvées, or the iconic Cap Classique flagship, Cuvée Clive.
The 24-room, boutique hotel, which is just twenty minutes from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and the city centre, also boasts a contemporary, fine dining restaurant, “Catharina’s” which offers spectacular views of False Bay & the Steenberg Mountains; a Ginkgo Spa; an 18-hole Championship golf course and, of course, the working winery.
