Delaire Graff Estate

Delaire is a very special place for me. I grew up there from the age of eight to about 12. My sister, parents and I moved from Wimbledon, London, to the side of a mountain in Stellenbosch and nothing was ever the same again. Once you’ve let Africa capture your heart, the pull to return is like no other and I’ve been listening to that call for my whole life.

My father is British and my mother is from Cape Town and she was offered the position of Managing Director of the wine farm with the idea that we’d all pack our suitcases and live a very different life for a few years. My parents, with an appetite for adventure and in my mother’s case, a pull to return to her motherland, relocated us all to South Africa in 1997.

Fast forward to Christmas 2023, my husband and our two young children were on one of our regular trips to South Africa for a break and spent two indulgent and deeply relaxing nights at Delaire Graff Estate, as it’s now known. Needless to say, thanks to the patronage of Laurence Graff, the farm and its buildings are much changed from the modest farm it was in my childhood to something all-singing, all-dancing, deeply glamourous and very slick.

Owner, British diamond magnate Laurence Graff OBE has clearly also succumbed to the calls of Africa, enough to have bought and developed the 100-acre wine estate into a specular 5 star hotel with an abundant winery, two restaurants and a beautiful spa. The hotel’s interiors are expertly designed by the London firm David Collins Studio and real magic has been created at their expert hand, weaving in local makers, artisans and artists into the fabric of the spaces. The estate also houses some of Graff’s enviable art collection, including Vladimir Tretchicoff’s Chinese Girl which is quite a sight to behold in the foyer of the restaurant.

On arrival, driving up the agapanthus and towering oak tree lined driveway, the memories of running around the farm as a young girl with my sister came flooding back and the sight of the mountains across the valley, so grand and majestic, conjured up a deep fondness and nostalgia for those formative years.

I personally think, though I’m undoubtedly biased, that the view from Delaire is unbeatable across the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine region. As you climb up from the snaking Helshoogte pass below, you’re greeted by wraparound views in all directions of mountains, forests, vineyards, flora and fauna so rich it will take your breath away.

Our lodge was spacious and private, as I believe they all are. In a neutral colour palette with pops of colour coming from the striking artworks, its own swimming pool, roomy deck with killer views, large lounge, kitchenette and enormous primary suite with a very luxurious bathroom. Accommodating Charlie and I, our baby and toddler was a breeze as there is so much space, nothing is a squeeze; we were also especially grateful for the kitchenette to deal with baby bottles.

After our flight we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in private in our suite and devoured big bowls of seafood pasta and large glasses of Delaire’s crisp, award-winning Chardonnay, followed by a nap in the supremely comfortable, enormous bed.

The staff are attentive and friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We were travelling with our smiley four-month-old baby boy and he was happily diving into the arms of anyone who requested a cuddle. Many of the staff have worked there for years and years and their passion and affection for the farm was really touching. We went to the nearby, historic Boschendal estate for a picnic on the recommendation of the concierge which was a really fantastic and family friendly suggestion.

The hotel itself feels very exclusive and private. In such a romantic and chic hotel, one always worries that young children will disturb the honeymooners but there is so much space and the lodges are private and well equipped that those fears quickly abated. We enjoyed a truly delicious dinner at H?seki, their new restaurant. We had the tasting menu and gleefully made our way through some seven courses of world class Japanese delights with a twist. The small salon bar that sits beside H?seki is a masterclass in interiors with deep black, textured oak wall panelling, cosy banquettes and incredible art.

Sitting under the dappled light of the ancient oaks, sipping a glass of Morné Vrey’s Chardonnay, drinking in the views of mountain and sky, all in five-star comfort is what holiday dreams coming true look like to me. We’ll definitely be back.