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Tina and Brett
On the surface, Delaire Graff Estates is a luxury hospitality destination that caters to uber-wealthy wine lovers who want to experience Michelin-level restaurants, stay in a five-star hotel, take in a world-class art collection, and, maybe while they’re at it, try some wine.
The history of the Delaire Graff Estate goes back to 1679 when it was created by Simon van der Stel. This Cape wine estate then changed hands again when wine writer John Platter and his wife Erica purchased the property in the 1980s. The Platters named their new estate ‘Delaire’, which is French for ‘from the sky’ as the property has eye-watering views of the lush Stellenbosch landscape.
Delaire Graff Estates is no ordinary wine estate. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a wine destination that comes close to offering what this incredible project offers its guests. Nestled atop the slopes of Botmaskop Mountain, this dynamic estate positions itself as a destination for art, hospitality, and wine.
Delaire Graff Estates is owned by British billionaire and jeweler Sir Lawrence Graff. His company, Graff Diamonds, was founded in 1960 and rose to fame following the design of an award-winning ribbon diamond bracelet that won the prestigious DeBeers Diamond Competition in 1966. This achievement led to Graff becoming a highly sought-after jeweler to wealthy buyers throughout the Middle East and Asia.
Lawrence Graff transforms Delaire Estate.
Graff spared no expense in modernizing his new investment and building an environment that would appeal to his existing list of high-end, luxury customers. After purchasing Delaire from the Platters in 2003, he spent six years meticulously developing the brand.
When he opened the doors to his new wine estate in 2009, the property had a five-star hotel that became part of the Relais and Chateaux network of hotels, two restaurants, an enviable art collection, shops (includes jewelry from the Graff collection that is exclusive to the property), and a spa.
When it comes to the winery’s footprint on the property, 62 of the Delaire’s 148 acres are planted to grapes. The plantings are dominated by French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and the ubiquitous Chenin Blanc, which is South Africa’s most planted grape. South Africa’s native grape, Pinotage, is also cultivated.
Winemaker Morné Vrey joined the Delaire Graff Estate in 2008. Prior to Lawrence Graff bringing Vrey on board, the winemaker gained experience across Europe at France’s Château Bellefont Belcier, Chateau Trianon, Chateau Angelus, and Château Le Carillon de L’Angelus, as well as Germany’s Staatsweingut Weinsberg.
Under the guidance of Morné, Delaire Graff Estates has achieved a first for South Africa and the African continent as a whole by being named a Top 50 wineries by the World’s Best Vineyards. Very has ushered in an era at the estate that has seen the brand gain recognition in their native South Africa, as well as beyond.
Stellenbosch is to South Africa what Napa Valley is to California wine. When it comes to the most popular styles of wine in Stellenbosch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux blends, and Chardonnay win the day. If you’re a fan of Pinotage, it’s worth mentioning that this South African grape originated in Stellenbosch when Pinot Noir was crossed with Cinsault in 1924.
This hilly region, which sits 25 miles east of Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest city, has a warm, dry climate with mild breezes coming from the south via False Bay.
South Africa
Stellenbosch
Chardonney
14
Morné Vrey
49–55°F / 9–12°C
Chardonnay
Not Necessary
Now to 2024
Delaire Graff
In the glass the 2019 Delaire Graff Chardonnay is a pale lemon-green. The nose exhibits a bouquet of lemon, sweet peach, and ripe lemon.
The palate hits in waves. The same peach and lemon elements lead, with contours of melon, and a noticeable minerality that creates balance among the juicier fruit notes. This South African Chardonnay from Delaire Graff was aged in 40% new French oak barrels for 10 months. This could lead some sippers to pick up whispers of vanilla.
Wine regions like South Africa’s Stellenbosch are on the rise. Most wine lovers know Stellenbosch for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but as the Delaire Graff Chardonnay demonstrates, those interested in exploring up-and-coming regions will want to consider the white wines from wineries like Lawrence Graff when making their cellar selections.
