An estate driven by excellence

A diamond in the crown of South Africa’s exclusive Western Cape, it’s little wonder that Rolls-Royce chose Delaire Graff Estate as the backdrop for the launch of the latest addition to its prestigious portfolio earlier this year. The new drophead is aptly named Dawn, for its launch surely signifies the birth of an icon.

Just as Rolls-Royce blends timeless elegance with 21stcentury sophistication, so too does Delaire Graff Estate. The estate is a dream realised for diamantaire Laurence Graff, who fell in love with the Cape Winelands orchard the moment he laid eyes on it in 2003 and vowed to turn it into one of South Africa’s most desirable destinations for hospitality, food, wine and fine art.

Nestled between dramatic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch, the setting is nothing short of majestic. Graff sought out topnotch craftsmen, designers and architects in his quest to create a setting fit for discerning travellers wanting to wine, dine and unwind in total luxury, and his efforts have certainly paid off. The estate, which opened in 2009, now comprises eight exclusive lodges, plus the two-bedroom Presidential Lodge and the Owner’s Lodge, award-winning restaurants and a destination spa, and is set in gardens that manage to be in bloom every day of the year thanks to the talents of celebrity horticulturalist Keith Kirsten.

To see more of this rarefied South African gem, scan the code or visit www.signatureluxurytravel.com.au/delaire-graff-estate

The finer things in life

The rolling hills are also home to a 450-tonne winery that produces some of the southern hemisphere’s most prestigious wines. Guided by winemaker Morné Vrey, the estate’s vines produce world-class clarets, award-winning big reds with soft tannins, and zesty whites.

Graff’s love of fine things – he launched Graff Diamonds in 1960 and has since become a world leader in the industry, as we share on page 140 – extends to fine art. A stunning