Steenberg – Boundless Courage for New Beginnings
Steenberg is one of the oldest farms at the Cape and as such can look back on a long and moving history with many tragic moments but also inspiring new beginnings. Simon van der Stel gifted the farm to the determined Catharina Ustings Ras in 1682 and therefore made her the first female landowner in South Africa. Being widowed as a young woman already, Catharina came to South Africa in 1662 and married her new husband Hans Ras. After several years, he was killed in a lion attack. Afterwards, Catharina married another two times, but the second husband was stabbed by a local tribesman and the third was trampled to death by an elephant. Despite all this sorrow, Catharina married a fifth time, the German Matthys Michelse. This boundless courage and the ability to start anew every time inspire many visitors of Steenberg today. As a special homage, the winemakers have named a grand red wine, ‘Catharina’, after her.
Steenberg means delight for all Senses
The estate is located in the natural Constantia Mountain amphitheatre of the Table Mountain Range and offers its visitors a luxury hotel with an exquisite hospitality, a world-class kitchen, a highly awarded wine cellar, a neat golf course and a sophisticated spa.
The restaurant Tryn reminds of the charismatic founder Catharina Ras, also called Tryn by her nearest and dearest. Chef Kerry Kilpin pampers the palate of every gourmet with fresh ingredients and exciting flavour combinations which are influenced a little by the Asian cuisine. If you prefer tapas and bistro-style dishes, you will love the Bistro Sixteen82. Sitting on the terrace, you have an unforgettable view of the native gardens.
Ecologic Cultivation at Steenberg
Due to an ecological process, Steenberg creates an array of well-loved wines. The winery only utilizes biological pest control and natural predators of the vermin in order to influence the vines as little as possible. From the grape up to the bottle, the wines are geared to create an unforgettable experience which mirrors the terroir. The soils include granite and significantly contribute to the characteristic minerality of the wines. Steenberg cultivates grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz and Nebbiolo.