Eagles' Nest Wines

Eagles' Nest occupies one of the most dramatic vineyard sites in the Cape -- steep, south-facing slopes rising from 100 to 400 metres above sea level on the upper reaches of the Constantia Valley, directly beneath the cliffs of Table Mountain National Park. The name comes from a survey beacon on those cliffs, labelled Eagles' Nest, believed to have once housed a breeding pair of Verreaux's eagles. Today a pair of these magnificent birds still nests on Table Mountain, and the estate's flagship Bordeaux-style blend carries their name.

The land was originally part of Groot Constantia, the historic estate established by Simon van der Stel in the late 1600s that supplied wine to European nobility. For much of the twentieth century the property operated as a commercial farm producing fruit and vegetables for the export and local markets. In 1984 the Mylrea family took control, and after a devastating mountain fire in 2000 destroyed the natural vegetation on the upper slopes, they made the pivotal decision to shift the farm's focus to wine. Vineyards were planted on the steep, fire-cleared terrain, and a cellar was built in time for the 2008 harvest, with Stuart Botha overseeing the inaugural vintages.

In 2022, the German family-owned Elleke Group, via their South African company Elleke Harvest and Hospitality, acquired Eagles' Nest. Under this new stewardship the estate has continued to flourish as a boutique winery. Craig Barnard joined as cellarmaster in January 2022, bringing experience from seven years at Cavalli in Stellenbosch, a degree in Cellar Technology from Elsenburg Agricultural College, and international harvest experience at Chateau Angelus in Bordeaux and Williams Selyem in Sonoma.

The terroir at Eagles' Nest is defined by its altitude, aspect, and proximity to the ocean. Cool sea breezes from False Bay moderate temperatures on the south-facing slopes, while the decomposed granite and sandstone soils provide excellent drainage on the steep gradients. The conditions are particularly well suited to red wine production. Shiraz is the flagship red variety, with Merlot, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc completing the range. The Little Eagle is the estate's approachable red blend of Merlot, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc. The Verreaux is the top-tier Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, named for the eagles that give the estate its identity.

The tasting room overlooks the vineyards and the Constantia Valley below, with platters of cheese and charcuterie available alongside the wines. Eagles' Nest is a stop on the City Sightseeing Cape Town route, making it accessible to visitors exploring the southern suburbs and Constantia wine route.