Spectacular views, sublime art, sumptuous food and soul-restoring stays.
Gliding up the tree-lined drive to Delaire Graff feels like you’re on top of the world. Perched high above the Helshoogte Pass in the Stellenbosch Winelands, the views are genuinely breathtaking. Stunning sculptures emerge from meticulous indigenous gardens, a bronze Dylan Lewis cheetah gazes proudly out over the dramatic landscape of mountains and vine-clad slopes. Then a wide path, edged by rushing water features leads to vast studded wooden doors that swing open silently, welcoming you into a treasure trove of the finer things in life.
Recently named Best Wine Stay in South Africa at the Best of Wine Tourism Global Awards 2025, the reasons are immediately apparent. Flawless hospitality and polished service, serene contemporary interiors that epitomise quiet luxury, and a dazzling collection of art from owner Laurence Graff’s personal collection. So whether you’re visiting one of the three superb restaurants, the wine lounge or spa, you’re immersed in an atmosphere of refined and splendid opulence.
Here are eight reasons to visit this illustrious estate.
Delaire Graff Restaurant
In summer, dappled shade from the ancient oak trees on the terrace breezes over an alfresco lunch with long views over the Banghoek Valley. On cooler nights dinner is warmed by crackling fires in the art-lined interior. Chef Clinton Jacob’s creative bistro menu puts a sumptuous spin on classics such as the Caprese salad, Karoo lamb with heirloom beans or wood-fired beef with wild mushrooms, so that you can relax over a light lunch or feast on a seven-course tasting menu paired with estate wines.
Good to know All three restaurants harvest the freshest of produce from the estate’s own vegetable garden, in addition to sourcing from local suppliers.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 2.15pm, 6.30pm – 8pm (last seating)
Sunday, 12pm – 2.15pm
Book through DinePlan
Hōseki
Chef Virgil Kahn draws on his work experience in the East (including Michelin-starred Saint Pierre in Singapore, and Nobu) as inspiration for this elegant Japanese dining experience. Expertise, creativity and finesse combine with subtle aromatics and a symphony of fresh contemporary flavours in creatively re-imagined modern-Japanese small-plate four- or eight-course omakase menus (with optional wine-pairings from sommelier Duane Jansen). Hōseki’s à la carte options range from prime wagyu steaks to far-from-ordinary tempura, ramen, tacos and robata grills – and a bento box selection.
Opening times Daily, 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8pm (last seating)
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Lorenzo’s
A brand-new Italian restaurant has joined the estate’s foodscape. Adjoining Delaire Graff Restaurant, Lorenzo’s is an intimate 40-seater that spills outdoors under a dramatic Iroko pergola framing the alfresco space. Chef Clinton Jacobs and team have worked with talented Italian consultant chef Alfonso Russo on a menu of authentic and classic Italian dishes, using whatever is in season from the estate garden.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm or 2pm (2 seatings)
Contact 021 885 8160, reservations@delaire.co.za
Where to find it Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch
Book through DinePlan
The Wine Lounge
The chic art-filled wine lounge is a welcoming space for a dedicated tasting of the elegant high-altitude wines from the estate’s 17 hectares of vineyards. Or sit out on the terrace and enjoy the Simonsberg mountain views. Choose between three wine ranges (Premium, Luxury and Icon) and five tutored tasting options to explore winemaker Morné Vrey’s cellar. Or just relax over a glass of wine – try the Botmaskop red blend, a tribute to the peak that stands sentry over the estate.
Good to know No advance bookings. First come first served, but there is a waiting list so you can explore the gardens until a table becomes available.
Cost R120 (3 wines), R160 (4 wines)
R300 (4 red wines)
R325 (3 Icon wines), R390 (4 Icon wines), R440 (5 Icon wines)
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8pm (last tasting at 5pm)
Sunday, 10am – 5pm (last tasting at 4.30pm)
The accommodation
For a luxurious Winelands stay, Delaire Graff is officially the best in South Africa, as the recent accolade attests. There are five accommodation options, each varying in size and splendour: Garden Lodges, Luxury Lodges, Superior Lodges, Presidential Lodges (sleeping four) and the Owner’s Villa (which sleeps eight and is perfect for families with its 14m infinity pool). Each boasts panoramic vineyard and mountain views, leading onto its own private terrace with a heated pool. Inside is a fully stocked bar fridge, an LED TV, Bose music station, fireplace, luxury bathroom products, fine-cotton linen and a pillow menu.
Cost From R27 500 per night for two people (includes breakfast)
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The spa
Tree-wrapped serenity is the pervading ambience surrounding the wellness sanctuary and spa, with tranquil canals, koi ponds, wooden walkways and spaces adorned with works by leading SA artists. Numbers are limited to six day guests for a half- or full-day journey. Treatment suites open onto leafy courtyards and there is a view-drenched infinity pool and jacuzzi. Using world-class products, the experienced therapists offer immersive spa rituals delivered with thoughtfulness and attentive care to ensure complete physical and emotional wellness.
Good to know You can also include an informal Japanese dining experience from Hōseki, served bento box-style and accompanied by a bottle of Delaire Graff wine.
Opening times Daily, 9am – 6pm
Contact 021 885 8160, info.spa@delaire.co.za
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The boutique shopping
For high-end retail therapy (or just bucket-list window shopping), browse the two exclusive boutiques, each a temple to sensory sophistication: the sparkling signature Graff diamond collections in the rosewood-and-marble salon-style jewellery store; the crisply seductive folds of linen clothing in 100% Capri (the only outlet of this Italian lifestyle brand on the continent).
Giving back
It’s always good to know that your visit is supporting the local community. At Delaire Graff, Laurence Graff has established the FACET Foundation (For Africa’s Children Every Time), a charity that works with local partners to improve the lives of children and young adults in southern Africa. One of the programmes supported is the Pebbles Project, which gives children of the Winelands farming communities access to quality education.
In between all these spoils, take time just to wander the paths through the indigenous gardens soaking up the magnificent views and enjoying the sculptures, rippling water features and reflective pools that are all part of the almost overwhelmingly beautiful Delaire Graff experience.
Contact 021 885 8160, reservations@delaire.co.za
Where to find it Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch
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