Luxury Africa Travel’s Blog

Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa in South Africa’s winelands region of Stellenbosch was the recent recipient of two prestigious international accolades.

One of a select few to be featured by Condé Nast Traveler (US) for their 2011 “Hot List”, Delaire was included amongst 124 of the world’s best new hotels spanning 43 countries and 6 continents. This year’s Hot Hotels share a common standard in their artful blend of high style, a strong sense of place and showcase the best new exclusive and exotic properties around the globe. Click here to read the online review.

Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa was also unveiled as one of the world’s best new Hotels by Travel + Leisure in their sixth annual “IT List” hotels around the globe to highlight what the magazine’s editors consider the world’s best new hotels. Delaire was one of only two hotels to be featured in South Africa. Click here for the online review.

Located on the highest crest along the magnificent Helshoogte Mountain Pass linking the Cape’s two leading wine districts, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa offers exceptional accommodation, views, art, architecture, interior design, food and wine in one of South Africa’s most extraordinary natural settings.
Says General Manager Jonathan Lithgow, “Having opened only a year ago we are delighted to have been acknowledged by such prestigious publications, especially in the US market. We are very fortunate to be situated in a piece of paradise that literally leaves our guests feeling like they were ‘floating in the sky’!”

The 2011 rates have been maintained from last year. Make the most of Delaire’s low season rates valid until 31 August 2011 as well as the 3 Night Offer in a Luxury Lodge including a 3 course Indochine dinner and bottle of Delaire wine; aromatherapy massage each; a hosted Delaire Wine Tasting and a half day Stellenbosch wine tour to 4 vineyards in the area.

For further information click here or contact vip@luxuryafricatravel.com.

Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International Ltd, re-opens Delaire Graff Estate in June 2009 after a complete rebuild. Delaire, one of South Africa’s finest vineyards in Stellenbosch was acquired by Graff in 2003 vowing to make it one of South Africa’s ultra premier wineries and prominent restaurant and hotel destination.

Delaire’s unique location on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes. The contemporary architecture has been designed to combine a 230 ton wine cellar, one of the most advanced in the Southern Hemisphere, ensuring that Delaire Wines continue to improve year on year. A unique restaurant, designed by David Collins of London, the world famous architect will combine indigenous African Architectural influences with some of the local Cape Dutch Style. Artworks represent some of SA’s finest contemporary artists and have been selected by Laurence Graff, a major collector of contemporary art.

The grounds have been designed and re-landscaped by Keith Kirsten of Keith Kirsten Horticulture, a multi gold medal finalist at Chelsea Flower Show. Native plants and trees have been used to ensure that, ecologically, the land surrounding the vineyards is spectacular and form a beautiful backdrop to the winery itself. Some of South Africa’s leading sculptors have been commissioned to create works for the exterior which will be a significant part of the Delaire experience.

Being in a Mediterranean climate, it is apt that authenticity and finesse, whilst yielding robust flavours from local produce, is combined to create a ‘Sunshine Cuisine’. General Manager, Johann Laubser, comments “our Executive Chef, Christiaan Campbell, will create exceptional cuisine with fresh, vibrant menus. The Delaire Graff Estate Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience.”

The lunch menu is light and vibrant in form with many of the dishes being baked or roasted in wood fired ovens. The evening menu shows great delicacy and elegance in its presentation and tastes without departing from signature bold flavours. Guests are able to dine on the terrace under a canopy of pin oak trees or within the spectacular interiors whilst enjoying the breathtaking views Delaire allows of the Stellenbosch valley and mountains.

The dishes on the menu will change regularly, using the best ingredients available on the day. The estate’s herb and vegetable gardens along with local fresh seafood suppliers, artisan cheeses, poultry and meat producers, will supply the kitchens. Delaire Wines, blended by Morne Vrey an energetic and motivated South African wine maker with extensive international and local wine making experience, perfectly match Christiaan Campbell’s “Sunshine Cuisine”. Delaire wines are available from the estate, are listed in several important wine manuals and distributed worldwide so can also be enjoyed at home.

See photos and learn more about Delaire Graff Estate in Stellebosch here.