Eleanor welcomes the Graff family and their Jewel of the Cape Winelands

Feb 13, 2019 | Uncategorized

Stellenbosch is South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region and was originally founded by Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape, in 1679 who introduced the art of wine making. In 1982, John Platter bought a farm situated on the yoke between Botmaskop and the majestic massif of the Simonsberg and he renaming it as “Delaire Estate” meaning “from the sky” because of its magnificent views. The Estate is on the apex of Helshoogte Pass overlooking Banghoek and it is close to Stellenbosch, in the heart of one of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine appellations. Van der Stel made a huge contribution to the wine industry through his knowledge of viniculture and the art of wine making.

Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International, acquired the Delaire Graff Estate in 2003 and invested all his dedication and purpose to transforming it into South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination.

With one of the most advanced cellars, operational since the harvest of 2008, the Estate can be comfortably rated as one of the top ten wine producers in South Africa. From the outset wine quality has been superb and Delaire has achieved a stellar rise.

Did you know?…

-Laurence Graff, known as the “The King of Diamonds”, is also an art collector in contemporary and modern art. His personal collection of some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists’ works adorns the walls and sculptures can be seen in and around the Estate

-Delaire Estate is home of the most advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere

-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 received the significant John Platter Five-Star rating

-The Estate has achieved the First Growth status in South Africa – a reward for creating South Africa’s most desirable wines on first pressing

Eleanor Asks…

  • What is technology bringing to your business/work?  

As one of the most advanced cellars in South Africa, Delaire Graff has perfected the fine balance of creating a portfolio of wines which is enhanced by technological development while maintaining the hand-crafted philosophy of winemaking.  From a business perspective, as an international company linked to a global luxury brand, working on digital platforms is increasingly a focus as it allows us to modernize our approach to market penetration and grow the brand in an organic fashion.

  • Which is the local dining place you would personally suggest?  

Delaire Graff Restaurant or Indochine at Delaire Graff

  • Would you recommend our service to importers worldwide?  

Absolutely.  Eleanor offers a service which transcends traditional market boarders giving boutique wineries greater scope than ever before.