Delaire Graff Lodges And Spa

A century-old vineyard at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain produces estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Pinotage from granite and decomposed shale soils, cooled by Atlantic breezes that sweep across the Stellenbosch appellation. Laurence Graff transformed the 100-hectare property in 2003, layering sustainable viticulture and handcrafted winemaking onto slopes where organic farming shapes each vintage. The 2022 Gold Medal Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Best in Class Chenin Blanc illustrate a house style built on vibrant acidity, bold complexity, and aging potential—wines that reflect the Mediterranean climate and the meticulous attention given to every fermentation. Guests taste in the Wine Lounge, a gallery-like space where flights of award-winning South African wines unfold alongside views of the vineyards. Private vineyard tours trace the estate from vine to bottle, while gourmet food and wine pairing experiences match each vintage with Cape Malay spices, Karoo lamb, and artisanal cheeses. The tasting program emphasizes terroir education, walking visitors through the interplay of altitude, soil, and Atlantic influence that defines Stellenbosch reds and whites. David Collins Studio designed the lodges as standalone pavilions, each with a private garden and heated pool. Rooms open onto vineyard panoramas and the jagged profile of Simonsberg, with interiors that echo the estate's art-gallery aesthetic—Laurence Graff's personal collection lines corridors and public spaces, turning the property into a curated exhibition. The two MICHELIN Keys awarded in recognition of excellence confirm the integration of design, service, and wine culture. Exclusive boutiques on-site feature Graff jewelry and 100% Capri clothing, adding a retail dimension uncommon among Cape Winelands luxury lodges. The restaurant interprets regional ingredients through a lens of modern technique, pairing estate vintages with line-caught seafood, indigenous vegetables, and slow-cooked game. Fragrant gardens bloom year-round, supplying herbs and edible flowers to the kitchen. Beyond the estate, the Stellenbosch wine route offers cellar-door visits to neighboring producers, while Franschhoek's mountain passes and the beaches of False Bay lie within an hour's drive. Harvest season from February to April brings the chance to observe picking and crush, when the estate's sustainable and organic practices are most visible in the vineyards and cellar.