Delaire Graff Estate is situated in the heart of Stellenbosch, South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine region. The estate was founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, whose sound knowledge of viticulture and the art of winemaking fostered traditions that have grown through the centuries. In 1982, John Platter, the well-known wine writer, bought the estate, then known as Avontuur. Looking at the magnificent view, he decided to rename the farm Delaire Estate, meaning “From the Sky.” Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International, acquired the estate in 2003 and vowed to transform it into South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination.Delaire Graff Estate creates red wines that are big in structure, with soft tannins and elegance, and white wines that capture the freshness of the harvest. With one of the most advanced cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, Delaire Graff is now comfortably rated as one of the top ten wine producers in South Africa.
Year Founded: Purchased by Lawrence Graff in 2003
Proprietors: Lawrence Graff
Winemaker: Morné Vrey
Size of property: 60 ha (148.5 acres) total, 25 ha (62 acres) planted
Terroir: Delaire Graff Estate’s unique terroir on the crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass is noted for its high-altitude vineyards, excellent soils and cooling sea breezes
Varieties Cultivated: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Semillion