History

Delaire Graff Estate, noted for its high altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes, is situated on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass...

Delaire Graff Estate has achieved what owner and globally renowned visionary Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International, had in mind when he acquired this magnificent Cape Winelands property in 2003 and vowed to transform it into South Africa's most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination. Today, with two outstanding restaurants, a state-of-the-art winery, exclusive Lodges, a destination Spa and two luxury boutiques, the transformation of this piece of paradise, nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch, one of the world's leading wine destinations, is now complete. Striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and styling, with original artworks from Laurence Graff's personal collection on display throughout, representing some of South Africa's finest contemporary artists.

Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa

Perched on the slopes of the magnificent Helshoogte mountain pass and surrounded by sweeping views across stunning vineyards and mountains towards Stellenbosch, the Lodge and Spa is accessible yet secluded. A prime location provides a sense of escape and privacy for the guests, while ten sumptuously decorated lodges, each with their own private plunge pool, invite complete relaxation in an idyllic setting. Here, guests can enjoy art and design, gourmet food, award-winning wines and a world-class Spa featuring a range of products and exclusive treatments. For a more active experience, excursions include vineyard walks, wine tasting and visits to the historic towns of nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Luxury Lodges

Designed with the discerning traveler in mind, each of the generously proportioned lodges are thoughtfully conceived with careful attention to detail and luxury. Spacious living areas and light-filled interiors flow seamlessly together, with bespoke furniture by master craftsmen and the finest Coleman Prowse Egyptian cotton bed linens; touches of indigenous Cape Dutch style blend beautifully with native African designs. Guests can choose to dip into their private plunge pool, or relax while the lodge butler serves a chilled glass of Delaire wine. Each private kitchen is stocked with everything from organic coffee and specialist teas to the finest handmade chocolates. Time spent here is all about relaxing and indulging.

Sensual Spa

An integral part of the Estate, offering guests an enriching and holistic approach to wellness and beauty in an awe-inspiring setting, the Spa invites guests to rejuvenate and replenish. The focus here is on physical and spiritual well being, providing inspiration for lifestyle changes that nourish and revitalise the senses. Expert therapists provide personalised treatments in elegant suites using the renowned Swiss Perfection range - with Delaire being the only spa in Africa to carry this line - and the award-winning Aromatherapy Associates and Mama Mio ranges. For a more energising experience, the Spa offers a fully equipped Techno gym and Pilates studio. In addition, a 22-metre heated infinity pool and Jacuzzi drenched in magnificent sunshine for most of the year, offers expansive views for guests to soak up the sun from loungers in between therapeutic treatments.

Contemporary Indochine Restaurant

Indochine serves Asian-inspired cuisine presented with a contemporary yet delicate twist. Only the finest ingredients are used, with menus featuring fresh organic produce grown in the greenhouse on the Estate. Flavours are lively, aromatic and robust while maintaining a style of cuisine that's synonymous with vitality, wellness and healthy living. Diners have the choice of enjoying the contemporary interior or an alfresco experience, with wraparound views stretching over the valley below towards the majestic Table Mountain. Breakfasts may be enjoyed in the privacy of a Lodge or at the restaurant, where an indulgent array of dishes await, with gourmet ingredients handpicked from the area - berries from a nearby farm, the region's best charcuterie, organic dairy and decadent pastries - in addition to beautifully presented hot dishes.

Elegant Delaire Graff Restaurant

Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell offers his signature style 'bistro-chic' cuisine at the Delaire Graff Restaurant. Known for his creative pairings with dishes that are infused with vibrant flavours, Campbell has elevated dining at Delaire to an art form. Beautifully presented dishes use the highest quality seasonal ingredients from ethical farmers and organic suppliers, while desserts are a triumph of indulgence and originality. Guests are able to relax on the terrace under a dappled canopy of pin-oak trees while enjoying breathtaking views or within the spectacular restaurant interior, decorated with a diverse collection of South African art. Delaire's experienced sommeliers guide diners through the excellent wine list to ensure every dish has the perfect wine pairing. Delaire Graff Restaurant has become a gourmet destination since its opening in 2009.

Ultra modern Winery

Delaire Graff Estate's unique terroir on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high-altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes. Delaire aims for red wines that are big in structure with soft tannins and elegance, and white wines which capture the freshness of the harvest. Long, cool winters and a slow ripening season give winemaker Morné Vrey the opportunity to make world-class wines. The new winery became operational in time for the 2008 vintage, and from the outset wine quality has been superb and Delaire has achieved a stellar rise; in just three years the Estate can be comfortably rated as one of the top ten wine producers in South Africa. Highlights have included winning significant awards for two successive Sauvignon Blanc vintages: the Sauvignon Blanc Challenge and being rated Five-Stars in 2009, and the Coastal Cuvée winning the very prestigious Old Mutual Trophy for Best on Show in 2010. In addition, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (to be released in August 2011) received the significant John Platter Five-Star rating, one of the most  impressive awards a wine can ever win. The elegant wine lounge is the perfect place to pause and savour the wines while taking in the large collaborative work of Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge and Deborah Bell above the striking marble fireplace. The winery itself is an architectural celebration of old and new, with a gleaming copper roof and full-length glass walls contrasting with traditional dry-packed stone and oak-trussed ceilings.

The Contemporary Art Collection

The Estate is one of the most aesthetically interesting contemporary art destinations in the world. The personally curated collection has been a lifelong passion of Laurence Graff, who continues to discover promising South African artists. The interiors at the Estate have been designed around some of the pivotal works on display, such as the William Kentridge-inspired boldly curvaceous tangerine leather banquette. South Africa's diverse heritage is reflected in the art at the Estate: Lionel Smit's African Woman in the Tasting Lounge echoes the subtle palette of the natural hues used in the sophisticated setting, while signature Dylan Lewis cheetahs grace the Estate's landscape.Works by Deborah Bell, Sidney Kumalo, Fred Schimmel, Durant Sihlali and Cecil Skotnes adorn the walls, while guests at the Lodge will particularly enjoy Stephane Graff and the intensity of Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi's work.

Indigenous Gardens

The Estate gardens have been designed and masterfully landscaped by Keith Kirsten, celebrity horticulturalist and multi gold-medal finalist at the Chelsea Flower Show. Keith's expansive knowledge of African flora has enabled him to create an uncompromisingly spectacular display that blooms 365 days a year - a fitting backdrop to the Estate's art, architecture and ambience. Over 300 new and mainly indigenous plants, shrubs and trees have been planted, including milkwoods, yellowwoods and sneezewoods, while scented hedges of camellia and swathes of coffee jasmine provide privacy for the luxury lodges. Water features, Cape Dutch-inspired rills and reflective pools add a sense of peace and tranquility to the dramatic mountain setting and provide an opportunity to display specially commissioned sculptures.

The Graff Diamonds Salon

Delaire Graff Estate now houses the first Graff Diamonds salon in Africa, and since its opening in December 2010 it has showcased a range of jewellery, from classic diamond line bracelets and solitaire rings to whimsical yellow diamond butterfly earrings, each piece handmade in London by master craftsmen. A range of men's cufflinks in white or rose gold as well as an elegant selection of watches and accessories from the Graff Luxury Watch collection are also available. A lavish use of luxurious Emperor marble and Indian rosewood lends a sumptuous touch to this intimate salon.

100% Capri Boutique

100% Capri, the brainchild of Antonino Aiello, is a highly successful line of Italian linen that brings the Capri lifestyle to South Africa. Opened in December 2010 as the exclusive retailer of 100% Capri in Africa, the entire family can be outfitted in ecologically friendly and breathable linen designs, all of which draw inspiration from the colours, shapes and lifestyle of Capri.

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