By Leander Lubbe
The Cape Floral Kingdom and its famous fynbos are unique to the Western Cape and are incredibly diverse. The Table Mountain Range alone supports over 2,200 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom. This incredible biodiversity is due to the diverse geology and mountainous terrain of the region, creating a varied and wide range of microclimates and soil types, which in turn leads to plant species that are specialised for their specific environment and occur nowhere else. This wonderfully diverse and fragile ecosystem, set in the picturesque and rugged mountains of the Cape Peninsula, is what makes Cape Town and its surrounding areas a uniquely alluring hub of eco-tourism for nature lovers from across the world.
A short 20-minute drive from Cape Town and on the other side of Table Mountain, Constantia Nek is home to the endangered Peninsula Granite Fynbos as well as Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos on the higher reaches of the surrounding mountains. In the ravines and gorges of the area, you will find lush Afromontane forests that create the perfect environment for birdwatching in Constantia. The rich biodiversity of Constantia Nek makes it the perfect destination to experience nature in Cape Town wine country.
Constantia Glen is nestled between these diverse and endemic ecosystems. The same unique soil and climate conditions that allow this incredible biodiversity to thrive allow us to create world-class wines that reflect the breathtaking environment the vines are grown. It is a must-visit destination for nature and wine-lovers and is one of the best places to experience the unique combination of vineyard and fynbos landscapes near Cape Town.
Constantia wine farms and biodiversity go hand in hand. Farming in and around such a fragile and uniquely site-specific ecosystem must be done with the utmost care and respect, to prevent damaging the natural environment of the region. Wine farms in the area have a responsibility to preserve the endangered plants in Constantia to ensure future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty we are so proud of today.
Constantia Glen preserves the natural biodiversity of the area by regularly clearing alien vegetation on the property. This protects the surrounding fynbos by reducing the pressure from alien vegetation that can colonise and outcompete the indigenous plants. Removing alien vegetation also conserves water in the area, as these plants use much more water than indigenous flora.
The biological pest control methods that Constantia Glen uses reduce the reliance on harmful insecticides, which can otherwise harm indigenous insects vital to the ecosystem. This is done by releasing predator insects native to the area that then prey on the pests that you would traditionally spray insecticides to control. This helps maintain the fine natural balance of indigenous flora and fauna in the surrounding areas.
At Constantia Glen, we are determined to be gentle to our surroundings and ensure we tread as lightly as possible. Experience the beautiful tasting room at Constantia Glen with breathtaking views overlooking Constantia Nek and the Constantia Valley. Surrounded by fynbos and the rugged peaks of the Table Mountain Range looming above, it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience to taste premium wines in the unique environment in which they were crafted.
