Words: Gentleman's Journal
A visionary in wine, design, hospitality – and diamonds
Laurence Graff, the world-famous diamantaire, had a dream which he has now realised by turning a winery on the edge of Stellenbosch into one of South Africa’s leading wine and holiday destinations. In a very short space of time this all-suite hotel and spa has received numerous accolades – for design, for horticulture, for food and, of course, for wine.
The estate sits on the crest of a mountain pass between the country’s two main wine-growing areas – Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Here Graff has assembled a superlative team of wine growers and makers, designers, landscape gardens and chefs. The result – an elegant estate of 10 large and private lodges, each in its own space and for extra privacy hedged with the dense foliage of camellia and coffee jasmine. The main building houses a wine lounge and a glorious dining room designed by award-winning London designer David Collins.
The nearby spa offers a host of holistic therapies alongside a gym, swimming pool, Pilates studio and hair salon plus Indochine, a restaurant specialising in lighter, healthier cuisine. Throughout the lodges and spa is an awesome collection of contemporary art, chosen by Laurence Graff himself, while outside in the vast grounds, Landscaped and designed by leading South African horticulturalist Keith Kirsten, are more than 300 indigenous plants.
And then there is the vineyard and its winery, already winning accolades and in pursuit of world-class excellence.
The Delaire Graff Estate manages to achieve the best of wine, cuisine, luxury accommodation, and cutting-edge design with a quiet elegance. You are a personal guest in the home of friends of the most discerning and exquisite taste. delaire.co.za
To book, contact the bespoke travel service Mason Rose Private who will ensure your every need is taken care of. Telephone on 020 7201 8071 or e-mail enquires@masonroseprivate.com.
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