As one of the best hotels in Stellenbosch, this award-winning wine estate is a dazzling triumph of superb culinary food and supremely elegant vintages, all backdropped by a phenomenal art collection and the magnificent natural splendour of the Cape Winelands.
For sybarites searching for the world’s best restaurants, wineries and boutique hotels, the historic Cape Winelands town of Stellenbosch wine region, close to South Africa’s capital, Cape Town, should be on their radar. Boasting iconic natural landscapes, sweeping views, indescribable art, impeccable wine and exquisite cuisine, Delaire Graff Estate is the real crown jewel of the hotels and restaurants in Stellenbosch.
Laurence Graff, the world-famous diamantaire, bought the Stellenbosch wine estate in 2003 and has transformed its extraordinary natural setting into a world-class destination for wine, cuisine, art, and, ultimately, a luxurious, blissful escape from the everyday world.
Gloriously nestled in one of South Africa’s most extraordinary natural settings, overlooking majestic mountain peaks and the lush rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch, this exclusive vineyard in Stellenbosch offers unrivalled views, providing a perfect backdrop to its spectacular art collection, an award-winning winery, two outstanding restaurants, its luxurious spa and 16 exclusive Lodges and a show-stopping Owner’s Villa. The Estate has been named one of the Top 50 wineries by the World’s Best Vineyards — placing first within the African continent.
Representing the perfect synergy of aesthetic brilliance, indulgent relaxation and scenic extravaganza in one irreplaceable location, Delaire Graff Estate is one of the best vineyard hotels in Stellenbosch and in South Africa.
Guaranteed to thrill food lovers and oenophiles alike, here, the good life is elevated to perfection.
For wine lovers – Award-winning world-class wine estate in Stellenbosch South Africa
Winemakers have a word for it: terroir. It is the sum of all the elements — climate, soils, farming and much more — that transform wine into a unique expression of time and place. Few places combine so many magical components as South Africa’s Cape Winelands.
With a dazzling merger of luxurious excellence and an inexhaustible strive for perfection, Delaire Graff Estate has ranked the best winery in Africa and 14th in the world — the World’s Best Vineyards 2020.
Situated in Stellenbosch in the heart of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region, the wines are the result of the perfect interplay between the unique terroir of the Estate — a combination of maritime and mountain — and the mastery of the talented, visionary winemaker, Morné Vrey, who is responsible for the Estate’s finest appellations. The wine estate in Stellenbosch produces finely crafted and supremely elegant clarets — from the likes of Cabernet Franc Rose’ to a classic maritime Sauvignon Blanc, Coastal Cuvée, Shiraz, and so much more.
With a splendorous setting, the breathtaking winery is framed by the mighty Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein Mountains. Known for its high-altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes, the Estate can count on long, slow ripening seasons and exquisite grapes that carry the rich intensity in the fruit that is the signature of Delaire Graff wines. The 20-hectare vineyard is planted predominantly with Bordeaux reds and Chardonnay grapes.
Under the aegis of highly accomplished winemaker Morné Vrey, the state-of-the-art winery is driven by an unwavering pursuit of quality, commitment to the environment and equal respect for tradition and innovation in everything it does.
Morné Very’s objective is to create wines of exceptional quality — natural and authentic, refined and complex. His artfully restrained approach to winemaking is based on minimal intervention to allow the integrity of the grapes to tell their own story. Following the rhythms of nature and the seasons, the harvest is done by hand once the grapes have reached the optimum level of ripeness and bursting with flavour.
As one of South Africa’s top wine producers, Delaire Graff Estate produces outstandingly complex, multi-layered wines showing finesse and elegance — big, soft clarets; crisp, fresh whites; smooth, elegant rosés; and a sublime sparkling brut.
For wine lovers seeking fine wine in South Africa, Delaire Graff Estate is a must. From its award-winning vintages to the magical beauty of the vineyard, the Stellenbosch wine estate is the perfect place to enjoy the fine art of winemaking and wine tasting.
Explore scenic vineyards and wine estates on estate walks, glimpsing Bordeaux reds and Chardonnay grapes that are tended by hand. Go on wine tastings and wine tours and delight in a glass of wine from some of South Africa’s finest vintages in the elegant, art-filled Wine Lounge — on the spacious outdoor terrace in the summer, surrounded by magnificent mountain views, or inside accompanied by a crackling log fire come winter.
For food lovers – Top restaurants in Stellenbosch at Delaire Graff Estate
Dining at Delaire Graff is a unique gastronomic experience that pairs innovative cuisine with award-winning wines. The retreat’s two signature restaurants provide the perfect place for guests to enjoy the talents of some of South Africa’s most exciting chefs, matched with incredible wines in their unsurpassed setting.
The chefs’ focus and philosophy are to create exquisitely crafted dishes that showcase the finest local, seasonal ingredients that are sustainably grown and ethically sourced.
Fresh produce is picked daily from the Estate’s biodynamic greenhouse and vegetable gardens, including fruits, vegetables, herbs and micro-greens. What Delaire Graf Estate is unable to grow, it sources from local suppliers committed to sustainable farming practices. Delaire Graff is committed to sustainable farming, supporting free-range, pasture-reared livestock and farmers in Africa. The Estate adheres strictly to NGO guidelines on the protection of endangered species. For instance, the chefs will only accept fish that is of adult size and not endangered.
The chefs transform the freshest seasonal ingredients into accomplished, artful dishes, which captivate with their elegant presentation and intensity of flavour. The irresistible food and the iconic Cape Winelands views make dining here a must. The two stunning fine dining restaurants include:
INDOCHINE: At Indochine, discover and savour mouth-watering Asian-inspired gastronomy with an exceptional South African twist. The ingredients are exemplary, the cooking is elevated to an art form, and the dishes are memorable. The result is an authentic, exciting menu that defies categorisation.
Headed by Head Chef Virgil Kahn, the ambitious, creative cuisine is cooked with flair and imagination and presented with finesse. The Chef’s knowledge of flavour combinations shows in the perfect balance of aromas, acidity and flavours that elevate Indochine’s creations. Virgil Kahn came to Delaire Graff Estate from an esteemed background, having cooked at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze, Nobu at The One and Only and The Westin Cape Town.
Guests can choose to dine on the terrace and enjoy panoramic views or sit beneath the eye-catching Swallows in Flight art installation by Lionel Smit and André Stead.
DELAIRE GRAFF RESTAURANT: For a glorious dining experience, Delaire Graff Restaurant serves seasonal, bistro-chic dishes infused with South African references and a contemporary flair. Fresh, seasonal produce is the essence of the restaurant’s cuisine, allowing the ingredients’ natural flavours to express themselves with force and subtlety.
Shaded by a canopy of pin oaks, sit outside in summer on the extensive terrace and soak up the breathtaking views. Overlooking the immense sea of vineyards and olive groves on the Simonsberg Mountain, the spellbinding views stretch all the way to the Banhoek Valley. Inside, the art-filled interiors and luxurious styling accentuate the elegant aesthetics.
Elegant accommodation at the best hotel in Stellenbosch
Designed to create the ultimate sense of luxury and privacy, there are 16 exquisitely appointed, glass-fronted private hotel lodges with commandingly heavenly vistas. Each of the lodges is completely private, with curved hedges of camellia and coffee jasmine providing natural seclusion. The stunning Delaire Graff lodges are all ideally situated to take maximum advantage of the magnificent views over the local hills and vineyards, and some extend all the way to Cape Point and Table Mountain.
Beautifully decorated by the celebrated David Collins Studio, all lodges feature double-volume ceilings with exposed timber trusses and custom-designed furniture created exclusively for Delaire Graff Estate. From the soothing colour palette and interiors interspersed with beautiful South African accents to the owner’s private art collection, the ambience of each lodge is luxurious, elegant and calm. Impressive floor-to-ceiling windows gloriously accentuate the expansive views of the panoramic landscape.
The elegant accommodation offers generously sized living spaces and light-filled interiors flow seamlessly outdoors, where you can choose to dip into your private, heated plunge pool or relax on your private terrace within the natural surroundings. Effortlessly stylish and beautifully luxurious, each lodge boasts a separate seating area and a wet bar area, providing you with all the space you need to relax fully. Get a peaceful night’s sleep in the lodges’ oversized beds dressed with the finest linens; relax in en-suite marble bathrooms furnished with an indulgent array of beauty products, and enjoy spacious dressing areas.
The Stellenbosch hotel offers an exclusive choice of five different Lodge categories:
PRESIDENTIAL LODGE 1 – 240m2 (constructed space): The wonderfully expansive Presidential Lodge 1 is sublime luxury and pure bliss on every level, with refined interiors and exceptional views.
Balancing high style and indulgence, guests will enjoy 130m2 of indoor space, including two ensuite bedrooms and a living room complete with a fireplace, a dining area and a wet bar area.
The outdoor area of 110m2 offers a private terrace, alfresco dining area and a sparkling 12-metre heated pool overlooking manicured gardens, the Stellenbosch Valley and Table Mountain. For those who prefer pure exquisiteness blended with refined exclusivity, the Presidential Lodges at Delaire Graff hotel in Stellenbosch deliver extraordinary holiday experiences in South Africa.
PRESIDENTIAL LODGE 2 – 247m2 (constructed space): The generously scaled Presidential Lodge 2 is synonymous with escapism, exclusivity, privacy and pampering by seamlessly blending panoramic vistas, refined elegance and absolute bliss. Framed by lush gardens and rolling vineyards, it is perfectly positioned for complete tranquillity and seclusion.
Boasting 137m2 of indoor space distinguished by rare sophistication and beauty, there are dedicated zones of rest, play, relaxation and rejuvenation. The interior impresses with two oversized ensuite bedrooms and a living room complete with a dining area and a wet bar area.
The spacious interiors lead out to the outdoor area of 110m2 that features a private terrace, alfresco dining area and a full-size heated pool. It overlooks the scenic natural splendour of the magical surrounding landscape with phenomenal panoramic and far-reaching views. Simonsberg Peak and its vast swathes of vineyards across the valley frame a spectacular vista, ensuring captivating views from dawn to dusk.
SUPERIOR LODGES – 126m2 (constructed space): The Superior Lodges’ spectacular setting, stunning decor and elegant comfort create the perfect ambience for a luxurious Winelands escape. You will marvel at the iconic Cape Winelands views in sublime surroundings amongst indigenous gardens and vineyards.
Offering 76m2 of interior luxuriousness, each lodge has a living area and one bedroom opening out to the gorgeous alfresco area. Superior Lodges can be connected, making them the perfect choice for families or groups of friends.
The private, tranquil outdoor space of 50m2 is further enhanced by a heated plunge pool. This is the perfect space to relax whilst enjoying the panoramic views of the rolling vineyards towards False Bay. After the sun sets behind Table Mountain, soak up the spectacle of the fairytale lights of the Stellenbosch Valley flickering on.
LUXURY LODGES – 120m2 (constructed space): Luxurious, stylish and spacious, the Luxury Lodges offer comfort and privacy while its private terraces and gardens, directly overlooking the scenic landscape, provide ample space to relax alfresco. This is an irresistible invitation to relax, enjoy and feel part of an extraordinary Winelands experience from the moment you step inside.
The interior spanning 70m2 – complete with a bedroom and a living room – opens to reveal expansive vineyard and mountain views.
Boasting 50m2 of exterior space, this is an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors, the sun and the impressive views across the Stellenbosch Valley towards Table Mountain. The private terrace, the heated plunge pool and the natural splendour provide a relaxed lifestyle of escapism and seclusion.
DELUXE LODGES – 120m2 (constructed space): Each Deluxe Lodge is a tranquil retreat enjoying seamless transitions from the interior to the exterior. Overlooking a garden lined with ancient oak trees, the en-suite bedroom and living room both open out onto a terrace with a heated plunge pool.
The Delaire Graff lodges promise relaxed living and luxury with 70m2 of wonderfully comfortable indoor space, accented by the finest fixtures and fittings.
The 50m2 alfresco space is a glorious outdoor sanctuary of blissful harmony. Take a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool or relax on the terrace, enjoying the quiet serenity as the dappled light filters through the majestic oak trees.
In addition to the 16 luxury Delaire Graff lodges, there is the show-stoppingly extravagant Owner’s Villa. This two-level, 4-bedroom, 660m2 architectural masterpiece offers a 14 m heated infinity pool, expansive outdoor living and dining areas, and views over Stellenbosch Valley towards Table Mountain.
Delaire Graff Spa – a holistic sanctuary of beauty, rejuvenation and wellness
For the ultimate indulgence, discover a blissful world of deluxe pampering at Delaire Graff Spa, which is surrounded by incomparable pastoral beauty. From signature skincare treatments and relaxing body therapies to traditional rituals inspired by the five elements, this is a sanctuary of relaxation for an exclusive experience of health, beauty and wellness.
All five treatment rooms enjoy a view of Delaire Graff’s beautiful gardens, and four boast private terraces. The elegant spa suites are decorated in soothing tones with delicate African details.
The enticing Afro-Asian-inspired spa menu – which can be tailored to your individual needs – is full of luxurious treatments for your mind, body, and soul. Expert spa specialists pamper you with the finest products from Augustinus Bader, Dr. Babara Strum, Margaret Dabbs and Black Pearl, helping you achieve skin perfection and complete wellness.
Guests in residence and Spa Journey guests enjoy exclusive use of the Estate Spa’s sunny terrace. The dazzling 22-metre infinity swimming pool with crystal-blue waters and the inviting Jacuzzi are backdropped by the lush greenery and Table Mountain beyond. There is also a relaxation lounge, a sauna and a steam room.
Get an adrenaline boost and head to the Estate’s state-of-the-art Techno Gym as you work out to the motivating backdrop of the artful surroundings.
The extraordinary art collection at Delaire Graff wine estate and hotel in Stellenbosch
Delaire Graff Estate is a world-class art destination in the Stellenbosch Valley. Inside and out, it acts as an incredible backdrop for art and sculpture. With more than 350 works from owner Laurence Graff’s much-treasured, private collection on display, the Estate serves as a gallery for an extraordinary art collection of vibrant paintings and dramatic sculptures.
With a great passion for African art, Laurence Graff is frequently named one of the world’s top art collectors. Hand-picked and carefully curated, Delaire Estate is an impressive showcase of Africa’s finest artists. The eclectic collection embraces the ancestral heritage of Africa and promotes a new generation of up-and-coming artists. Guests will be able to admire works by artists such as Anton Smit, Deborah Bell, Dylan Lewis, Lionel Smit, Cecil Skotnes, Kendell Geers, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi and William Kentridge, amongst many others.
Between the vineyards, the Estate’s gardens conceptualised by landscape artist Keith Kirsten rise from a flower-filled amphitheatre to manicured lawns. With over 350 indigenous plants and trees, they are in bloom every day of the year, providing a constantly evolving seasonal backdrop for the Estate’s outdoor sculptures. Whether gracing the walls, ceilings or gardens, these pieces will immerse guests in a visual extravaganza of art and natural beauty.
Location & Access
Anchored on the vineyard-clad slopes of Botmanskop, Delaire Graff Estate is situated just outside Stellenbosch on the Wineland’s scenic Helshoogte Pass, nestled between majestic mountains and surrounded by lush vineyards. As one of the best wine hotels in South Africa, the Stellenbosch wine estate boasts breathtakingly beautiful views of the Cape wine estates with the distant outline of Table Mountain on the horizon. Delaire Graff is just 10 minutes from Stellenbosch and 20 minutes from Franschhoek, whilst Cape Town can be reached within 45 minutes.
There are multiple daily flights from Johannesburg and internationally to Cape Town International Airport, which is 40 minutes from the Estate. Delaire Graff has its on-site helipad that offers the ultimate accessibility.
A heaven for food lovers, wine connoisseurs and art enthusiasts, in a scenically breathtaking location
Known as the Jewel of the Winelands, Delaire Graff hotel in Stellenbosch has long been known as the pinnacle of luxury, beauty and elegance among the top winery hotels in South Africa. The exclusive retreat on the Stellenbosch wine route is the maximum expression of singularity and luxury, perfectly combining sublime escapism and serene inspiration.
As one of the best hotels in Stellenbosch, guests can enjoy art and design, gourmet foods, wine tastings of award-winning wines and a world-class spa. Surrounded by sweeping views across the stunning vineyards and mountains and over the Stellenbosch wine route towards Table Mountain in the distance, Delaire Graff Estate sets the benchmark of excellence among the best vineyard hotels in Stellenbosch and South Africa.
