Delaire Graff Estate’s Renaissance

Michael Deg‛s Culinary Artistry

Lionel Smit‛s Morphous

ESTATE

DINING

ART

W I N E / C U I S I N E / S P A / A R T / B O U T I Q U E / A C C O M M O D A T I O N

THE JOURNAL OF DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE www.dela i re.co.za

Launch Issue01

VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 03

04...... Delaire Life A Winelands’ renaissance Delaire Graff Estate has undergone a renaissance in its fi rst six years, with new innovations in every aspect of luxury.

05...... Graff Diamonds Beyond compareThe fabled history of the most fabulous jewels in the world and their journey to the Delaire Graff Estate boutique.

07...... Art Monumental artistry Lionel Smit’s immense artworks are an

integral part of the Estate, and his latest work, Morphous, is a magnifi cent centrepiece to the Estate’s gardens.

08...... Feature Natural taste Delaire Graff Restaurant embraces the

seasons by making use of the culinary bounty of the Cape Winelands under the watchful eye of head chef Michael Deg.

10...... Food & Wine A new dawn The Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut makes

a groundbreaking contribution to South Africa‛s Méthode Cap Classiques.

12...... Showcase An estate of mind A glimpse at the picturesque Delaire

Graff Lodge & Spa, a serene sanctuary at home in the natural beauty of the Delaire Graff Estate.

14...... Giving Back Foundations for the future Graff s̓ charity foundation, FACET, is set

to benefi t children across the Western Cape with their latest initiative, the Graff Mobile Learning Centres.

In 2003, Laurence Graff had a vision to create an extraordinary wine and hospitality estate on the slopes of the picturesque Botmaskop Mountain. Today, Delaire Graff Estate is just that, off ering

an unparalleled Cape Winelands‛ experience.

At Delaire Graff Estate, we take great pride in excelling; at being the absolute best at what we do, whether it’s an overall experience for our esteemed guests, or attending to the smallest detail. With this in mind, we are delighted to introduce the latest addition to our blossoming portfolio of elegant off erings at Delaire Graff Estate: Views, the offi cial journal for the Estate.

We are looking forward to building upon our achievements in 2015. We’ve come a long way since our 2009 inauguration, a triumph we celebrate in this issue’s opening article. There have been a number of new developments that will defi ne the coming year: the appointment of Michael Deg, head chef for Delaire Graff Restaurant, and the addition of Lionel Smit’s latest sculpture, Morphous, to our private art collection. We also pay tribute to the innovative work of the FACET Foundation. We continue to release new vintages and expand our portfolio of award-winning wines having recently launched our fi rst Méthode Cap Classique – the Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut.

We look forward to welcoming you to Delaire Graff Estate and hope you enjoy our fi rst issue of Views.

Welcome to the launch issue

CONTENTSIssue one, 2015

W E LCO M E CO N T E N TS

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE TEAM

ESTATE GENERAL MANAGERJOHANN LAUBSER info@delaire.co.za

MARKETING & PR MANAGERTANJA MACKAY-DAVIDSONmarketing@delaire.co.za

LODGES AND SPA GMJONATHAN LITHGOWhotel.gm@delaire.co.za

MARKETING EXECUTIVEKERRY SEARLEmarketing.executive@delaire.co.za

www.100capri.com

Capri • St. Barth • Bal Harbour • Roma • Sicily • Delaire Graff Estate • Beverly Hills • Firenze • Ibiza

PUBLISHING TEAM PUBLISHER ANDCREATIVE DIRECTORANDREW BURKE andrew@purepublishing.co.za

MANAGING EDITORJESSICA GLIDDON jess@purepublishing.co.za

SENIOR DESIGNERTESS GREEN tess@purepublishing.co.za

CONTRIBUTORJANE BROUGHTON

Distribution: VIEWS is distributed bi-annually by Delaire Graff Estate, available in print at the Estate or online at www.delaire.co.za, otherwise on request by emailing info@delaire.co.za.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

JOHANN LAUBSER, GM

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE

SOCIAL MEDIA

@delairegraff #delairegraff

VIEWS is designed and published by www.purepublishing.co.za For business enquiries, call Andrew on +27 (0)21 424 6918 or email hello@purepublishing.co.za

04 | VIEWS, ISSUE 1 VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 05

This page, clockwise from top: The interior of the

Delaire Graff Restaurant;

the sommelier in Delaire

Graff Restaurant; the

interior of the Owner’s

Lodge; a piece by

Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi.

Opposite page clockwise from top: The Estate

reception corridor and

Graff Diamonds store;

100% Capri.

VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 05

The founding of Graff Diamonds in 1960 by

Laurence Graff marked the start of a journey

spanning over fi ve decades. From a humble entry

into the diamond world as an apprentice jeweller

in London, Graff built up a company that now

boasts over 50 stores around the world. An avid

collector of modern and contemporary art, a

world leader within the diamond industry and an

equally devoted philanthropist, Laurence Graff

has created a lasting legacy, so much so that he

received an OBE in 2013.

Laurence Graff began working in London’s

jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden, at the tender

age of 15, and was only 18 when he founded his

fi rst company. His unique eye for precious

stones complemented his entrepreneurial fl air,

as he quickly became well known for his

exquisite arrangements of diverse and precious

jewels, with diamonds remaining the signature

element of every piece.

Laurence Graff is said to have handled more

diamonds of notable rarity and beauty than

any other jeweller, and to this day continues to

inspire the world's most discerning clientèle with

both his international stores and Cape Winelands

estate. “I have always been fascinated by

D E L A I R E L I F E D E L A I R E L I F E

the Banhoek Valley of the surrounding vineyards, orchards and mountains. New head chef Michael Deg’s modern bistro-chic cuisine is inspired by seasonal produce procured daily from the Estate’s greenhouse, gardens and local farmers. Elegant lunchtime dishes, including seasonal salads and local seafood burst with fresh, vibrant fl avours. An evening at Delaire Graff Restaurant off ers a choice of an à la carte or tasting menu, paired with an extensive wine list. Dishes are expertly executed and beautifully plated in this chic setting.

A year following its opening in 2009, the Estate‛s already comprehensive luxury off erings were enhanced by the addition of 10 exquisitely appointed lodges, a spa and a second fl agship restaurant. Each lodge resembles a private villa, complete with a spacious living area, a marble bathroom stocked with Aromatherapy Associates‛products, a butler‛s kitchen, and a private heated infi nity pool. Two of these elegant suites are designed for four guests, featuring two bedrooms and larger living spaces.

The spa‛s four luxurious treatment suites are an integral part of the lodges, with each off ering a hydro-massage bath and private terrace. Aromatherapy Associates’ products, rich in pure essential oils, are used for indulgent nourishing skin therapies, while the active plant cells in the Swiss Perfection range accelerate cellular renewal in anti-ageing, hydrating facials. Innovations include diamond-tip micro-dermabrasion, which uses the polishing eff ect of diamonds to give skin a youthful radiance, and LED technology utilising coloured light energy to boost circulation and stimulate collagen and elastin production. The spa features an outdoor heated pool, sauna and steam room and discreet lounge, where lodge and day journey guests can relax with a pot of loose-leaf tea or a glass of freshly pressed juice.

Jewel blue leather chairs, beaten copper-topped tables, bamboo ceilings and handmade David Walters crockery set the scene for an original,

of renowned and emerging South African artists. Sculptures by Dylan Lewis, Deborah Bell and Anton Smit enhance the indigenous fl oral gardens designed by horticulturist Keith Kirsten, while paintings by William Kentridge, Sidney Kumalo, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi, Durant Sihlali and Kendell Geers adorn the interiors. Laurence Graff ‛s personally curated art collection has been a life-long passion. Many years ago, the sought-after original of Vladimir Tretchikoff ’s Chinese Girl, one of the world’s most recognisable and reproduced paintings, ignited his interest in art. Today, its beautifully rendered deep colours may be appreciated in the entrance of the winery framed by two luxury boutiques.

The jewel box interior of the Graff Diamonds store is adorned with a signature chandelier, Emperor marble and Indian rosewood interiors. It showcases an an exclusive collection of bracelets, solitaire rings, earrings, pendants and luxury watches handmade in London by Graff ‛s master craftsmen. In the 100% Capri store, Italian designer Antonino Aiello’s island living-inspired pure linen clothing collection is complemented by a beautiful homeware range. Both stores are fi rsts in Africa, taking retail therapy to glittering new heights.

Over the years, Delaire Graff Estate has become a benchmark of excellence in South Africa, rated in equal measure for its views, food and wine, service culture, gardens and art collection. While it has already raised the standard of luxury travel in Africa, there is more to come.

personalised dining experience at Indochine, the hotel’s intimately scaled restaurant and bar. Fragrant and spicy Asian-infl uenced cuisine is served under the restaurant‛s iconic Swallows in Flight installation. Each dish is executed with creativity and precision by head chef Virgil Kahn, and matched by impeccable service.

A portion of Laurence Graff ‛s extensive contemporary collection of South African art displayed across the Estate, featuring the work When Laurence Graff purchased

a rustic wine farm called Delaire in 2003, he fell in love with the property’s awe-inspiring views.

As one would expect, he had unearthed a true gem.

Situated on the crest of the vertiginous Helshoogte mountain pass, between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the 40-hectare property is at the heart of South Africa’s most historic and prestigious wine-growing region. Today‛s Delaire Graff Estate includes an ultra-modern winery with an elegant wine lounge, two restaurants, a tranquil spa and a collection of villa-style lodges. The architecture is contemporary and sophisticated, while remaining uniquely South African. Thatched roofs, sleek gables and polished plaster walls in earthy tones are part of the Estate’s modern interpretation of Cape Dutch vernacular style.

The property’s glamorous interiors, oozing local provenance and impressive attention to detail, were masterminded by the David Collins Studio. Iconic design elements, like riempie chairs, beaten copper, stone-packed walls, peach-pip fl oors and white-washed rietdak ceilings are a marvel of old-fashioned craftsmanship.

With the appointment of winemaker Morné Vrey, Delaire Graff ‛s elegant, terroir-driven wines have gained momentum and recognition over the past decade, winning signifi cant awards. Adjoining the winery is the fl agship Delaire Graff Restaurant, with eye-catching tangerine leather banquettes and impactful artworks. It extends outdoors onto a shady terrace with panoramic views stretching into

Six years since its opening, Delaire Graff Estate has gone from strength to strength, offering an unparalleled experience of food, wine, art and beauty, and ushering in a new era of luxury in the Cape Winelands

A WINELANDS‛ RENAISSANCE

WORDS | JANE BROUGHTON

A YEAR FOLLOWING

ITS OPENING IN 2009,

THE ESTATE’S ALREADY

COMPREHENSIVE LUXURY

OFFERINGS WERE

ENHANCED BY THE ADDITION

OF LODGES, A SPA AND A

SECOND RESTAURANT

THE GRAFFLEGACY The visionary founder of both Graff Diamonds and Delaire Graff Estate, Laurence Graff OBE is an industry legend

diamonds,” Graff says. “It was an inherent feeling

that has turned into a lifelong passion. I truly

believe that working with diamonds is what I

was born to do.”

Since its inception, Graff Diamonds has

been known for its work with only the most

exceptional quality jewels, and Graff’s expertise

in every aspect of the business has helped it

fl ourish. Graff’s passion and distinctive style

has inspired not only generations of jewel

connoisseurs but his own family, as his son

Francois has followed in his footsteps as the

CEO of Graff Diamonds.

06 | VIEWS, ISSUE 1 VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 07

G R A F F D I A M O N DS A RT

A t the entrance to Delaire Graff Estate hangs a painting of Laurence Graff. Abstract strokes of red and blue paint

are intermingled with his likeness. Laurence Graff has long been a loyal supporter of South African artists such as Anton Smit and his son, Lionel. “I fi rst came into contact with Laurence Graff through my father,” Lionel Smit says. “A conversation started about my work, and Mr Graff began buying my pieces. Ever since, I have had a close relationship with Delaire Graff Estate.”

The spacious grounds of the Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa off er a perfect canvas on which to display Smit’s latest monumental sculpture, Morphous. The dual faces look in opposite directions, watching over the grounds with quiet grace. “Delaire Graff Estate is defi nitely well suited to exhibit my works,” Smit enthuses. “I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

The mirrored faces invite multiple interpretations around identity and duality. “The concept of Morphous started when I was working on a series of works inspired by the Rorschach inkblot,” Smit explains. “I wanted these double-painted images to be translated into sculpture, but once I did this it referenced other things like the mythological Roman Janus head, introducing the idea of one head looking into the future and the other into the past. This connected well with my recurring Cape Malay model, since my work also revolves around the idea of identity; how we have changed and morphed into diff erent cultural identities. This work could be asking the question: where do we come from and where are we going?”

Although the artist’s subjects are mostly Cape Malay women, their expressive realisations refl ect a universal aesthetic. “Most of the works are inspired by actual people, but I use them as a reference, and that becomes the idea of someone,” Smit says. Morphous is dripped with blue patina, allowing the sculpture to appear as though it were forged from the substance, off ering a complex exploration of intersecting art forms. “The surface itself is part of an ongoing language that I am trying to achieve in my sculpture, to mimic the idea of paint into the bronze, and treating it like the canvas,” he explains.

The grand scale of Morphous is akin to most of the artist’s works, lending them an air that inspires reverence. “I love working big, with the way you have space to move across a canvas or sculpture,” he explains. “It also translates the relationship between the abstract and the fi gurative very well. There is always a push and pull between them.”

The strong bands of colour that merge with his portraiture interrupt concrete interpretations, refl ecting infl uences of the American action painters, but his works defy classifi cation. “I always struggle to defi ne my style, but all I can say is that it has been inspired by everything I love,” Smit says. “And I love almost all types of art. I think I bring all of this together subconsciously.” Morphous might just be his greatest realisation of this amalgamation yet.

Lionel Smit’s immense artworks are an intergral part of Delaire Graff Estate. His latest work, Morphous, is an exercise in emotional portraiture and painterly craft that complements the Estate’s lush surroundsWORDS | JESSICA GLIDDON

SWALLOWS IN FLIGHT

Swallows in Flight is an unprecedented

collaborative project bringing together renowned

South African artists Lionel Smit and André Stead.

Their shared vision has resulted in the striking

sculpture depicting the upward fl ight of a fl ock

of swallows that overlooks Delaire Graff Lodges &

Spa’s signature restaurant, Indochine.

Indochine offers an enchanting fi ne dining

experience that marries sophisticated fl avours

with touches of Asian inspiration. Exotic infl uences

can be seen in everything from the vibrant blue

and copper colour interior to touches of Asian-

infl uenced fl avours in the dishes. Curated by head

chef Virgil Kahn, the harmonious experience is

brought together under the immense artwork,

framing the majestic views stretching across to

Table Mountain.

André Stead is an accomplished artist whose work

has been featured at numerous exhibitions and art

fairs, well known for his metal work as a partner

at the Bronze Age Art Foundry. Stead says of

Swallows in Flight: “The installation is a symbol of

freedom and endurance that describes the innate

liberty and graceful beauty of the human spirit.”

LIONEL SMIT'S STYLE HAS BEEN INSPIRED BY EVERYTHING THAT HE LOVES

MONUMENTAL ARTISTRY

Diamonds are Africa’s most precious resource, inspiring passion unlike any other, and no one knows this better than Laurence Graff, the founder of Graff

Diamonds. So when the world’s leading diamantaire decided to open a wine estate in tribute to Africa’s fi ne gemstones, it was only fi tting that he would choose South Africa to house the exclusive locale for Africa’s fl agship Graff boutique.

South Africa has long been integral to Graff Diamonds. Graff owns the South African Diamond Corporation (SAFDICO), and most of its diamonds are cut and polished at their facilities. At Delaire Graff Estate, a collection of jewellery and watches has been exclusively assembled for the Graff boutique featuring a contemporary open grille punctuated by the distinctive Graff Icon motif.

Created by Graff Diamonds’ Monaco-based interior design team, each detail of the Graff store interior draws infl uence from African and Cape Dutch styling, incorporating a rich colour palette and a luxurious array of fi xtures and fi ttings. Opulent showcases line the walls of the store, while stitched leather and ebony desks provide the perfect place for clients to appreciate the fi ne craftsmanship of Graff Diamonds’ distinctive designs in fi ner detail.

Graff ’s unique statement pieces showcase the artistic skill, meticulous attention to detail and design ingenuity of the company’s Master Craftsmen and talented designers. Intricately articulated with

invisible settings and expertly set by hand, their gems are set in exquisite brooches, necklaces, rings, bracelets and tiaras. Graff ’s unique pieces are a divine statement of delicacy, boldness and eff ortlessly elegant style, graceful combinations of rarity and timeless design.

One of Graff ’s fi nest jewels boasts Delaire Graff Estate as its namesake, the Delaire Sunrise, the largest Fancy Vivid Yellow square emerald cut diamond in the world, at 118.08cts. Like this incredible gemstone, many of Graff ’s stunning stones are steeped in myth and history. In 2008 Graff acquired the 15th largest diamond ever discovered – the 603ct Lesotho Promise, which yielded 26 magnifi cent fl awless gems set into a stunning necklace. Perhaps one of the rarest and most historic diamonds of all time, the Wittelsbach-Graff was repolished by Graff, transforming it into the largest Fancy Natural Deep Blue Internally Flawless diamond in the world, at a magnifi cent 31.06cts.

Modern and classic, graceful and feminine, each Graff jewellery collection is distinctly unique, often incorporating the lineage of the company in its designs. For example, the delicate lines of the Graff Icon collection draws inspiration from the renowned ‘Hair and Jewel’ coiff ure made by Laurence Graff in 1970, which now can be appreciated in the captivating Graff Icon jewellery collection.

One of Graff ’s signature motifs is the butterfl y, drawn from nature for its innate poise and grace.

The enchanting Classic Butterfl y collection was fi rst incorporated as a simple sequence of marquise and pear shape gemstones. Today the butterfl y has been incorporated into a diverse set of collections, from the Butterfl y Silhouette to the Butterfl y Medallion.

In 2009, Graff added the Graff Luxury Watch collection to the company’s repertoire. Each timepiece is inspired by the unique facetted design of the classic cut of a diamond and is equipped with a fi ne Swiss movement. The masterpiece of this collection is the ‘Hallucination’, which perfectly encapsulates the marriage of fi ne timepieces with exquisite jewels, featuring a kaleidoscope of over 110cts of extremely rare coloured diamonds. It is estimated to be the most valuable watch ever created.

After more than fi ve decades at the pinnacle of the luxury jewellery industry, Graff continues to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence.

Internationally regarded as one of the world’s preeminent jewellery brands, Graff Diamonds creates the most fabulous jewels in the world, boasting gems of perfection and unrivalled elegance

BEYOND COMPARE

The Bombé Collection is one of

Graff Diamond’s most exquisite,

drawing inspiration from a ring created

by Laurence Graff shortly after Graff

Diamonds was established in 1960.

At the beginning of his career, Mr Graff

met a diamond trader who advanced

him 33 small diamonds. Where most

jewellers would have subsequently

created 33 separate rings, Graff

audaciously combined them all into

one. The ring sold immediately.

The Bombé Collection echoes this

early foray into jewellery, emphasising

the brilliant beauty of each shade of

stone as it is presented in hand-selected

clusters, featuring rubies, sapphires,

emeralds and diamonds. The collection

is available as elegant cocktail rings,

striking earrings, bold pendants and

shimmering necklaces and can be

viewed at Delaire Graff Estate.

BOMBÉCOLLECTION

THE

08 | VIEWS, ISSUE 1 VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 09

Clockwise from the top:One of Deg’s artfully plated dishes;

Michael Deg harvests fresh produce

from the gardens; a dish incorporating

fresh fl owers; the scenic terrace of

Delaire Graff Restaurant.

F E AT U R E

Delaire Graff Restaurant embraces the seasons by making use of the culinary bounty of the surrounding Cape Winelands. It’s a philosophy upheld with a passion by head chef, Michael Deg

WORDS | JESSICA GLIDDONNATURAL

L ike everything at Delaire Graff Estate, the cuisine at Delaire Graff Restaurant is meticulously crafted and inspired by its natural surroundings. “Every morning

when I travel up the Estate driveway, I appreciate how green it looks,” says the restaurant’s head chef, Michael Deg. “It fl ows throughout the Estate, from diff erent scenery to diff erent colours, everywhere you look. I take this inspiration onto the plates.”

Every dish Deg serves has been inspired by his experience on the Estate. “There is nothing more relaxing than walking through the garden and picking herbs for the dinner guests after a long lunch service,” Deg says. “Every morning, Jerry Gumunyu, our vegetable gardener extraordinaire, comes to us with a list of produce ready to be harvested: from tomatoes, green beans, artichokes, peppadews and courgettes, to a huge variety of salads and herbs. I like to use our estate vegetable garden and greenhouse as a reference for what is in season for the menu.”

Fresh, natural ingredients are central to the work of many contemporary chefs, and Deg’s authentic cuisine fi ts easily into this philosophy. The Estate’s garden brims with verdant gems with each new season. “In winter we have an entirely diff erent crop to look forward to than in spring,” Deg says. “When we see the fi rst sign of broad beans, we know summer is around the corner. It’s so exciting to live with the seasons; to have such variety just outside the kitchen is a chef ’s dream.”

On a sunny afternoon, Delaire Graff Restaurant’s scenic terrace off ers a relaxed bistro-chic atmosphere, backed by sweeping views across the Banhoek Valley. “At lunch, we strive for a relaxed approach to dining, as we want the customers to take in the whole experience of Delaire Graff Estate, rather than focusing upon an overly complex menu,” Deg explains.

Delaire Graff Restaurant’s dishes are vibrantin fl avour, and every detail refl ects this.

Q&Awith Michael Deg

I LIKE MY PLATES TO LOOK

AS IF THEY ARE BRIMMING

WITH NATURAL COLOURS;

I ALWAYS PLATE FROM LEFT

TO RIGHT TO REPRESENT

THE FLOWING MOTION OF

THE GARDEN. WE USE A LOT

OF EDIBLE FLOWERS FROM

THE ESTATE, WHICH POP

WITH COLOUR AND BRING

THE DISHES TO LIFE

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING THE HEAD CHEF AT DELAIRE GRAFF RESTAURANT?

“Working with my wonderful team of 20 chefs, who all give their best and work hard, long hours. It really is special to see our brigade working during a busy service to one common goal.”

WHAT IS CURRENTLY ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE DISHES THAT YOU ARE SERVING AT THE RESTAURANT?

“Our custard slice infused with toast, served with banana sorbet, praline mousse, caramelised popcorn and coconut crème. Our head pastry chef, Ándre Steyn, is a master of his craft and really comes up with magical desserts. It is a pleasure having someone of that calibre working with us.”

EVERY MORNING, OUR VEGETABLE GARDENER COMES TO US WITH A LIST OF PRODUCE READY TO BE HARVESTED

WHO IS YOUR CULINARY IDOL?

“Padraig Hayden, whom I worked for as Sous Chef in Dublin, Ireland. He not only taught me how to cook properly, he taught me how to work hard. As a head chef, he would never miss a service. He was always the fi rst chef in the door and the last to leave. He also taught me that no job is too small. I try every day to bring this work ethic to my kitchen.”

WHAT CULINARY TRENDS DO YOU FORESEE BEING BIG IN 2015?

“Foraging is a trendy word these days: during mushroom season, my chefs love picking wild mushrooms and return with buckets full of them. I love nothing more than when one of the chefs comes to work with a big bag of freshly foraged nasturtium, a fi rm favourite of mine. Chefs will continue to strive for fresh and healthy cuisine, because at the end of the day, customers want natural products.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO COOK FOR YOURSELF AT HOME?

“Durban lamb curry with basmati rice, and poppadums with Mrs Ball’s chutney takes me home every time.”

TASTE“Beautifully presented dishes are very important,” says Deg. “I like my plates to look as if they are fl owing with natural colours; I always plate from left to right to represent the fl owing motion of the garden. We use a lot of edible fl owers from the Estate, which pop with colour and bring the dishes to life.”

The menu boasts fi ne cuts of meat and fi sh, framed with sophisticated fl avours; from pan-seared line fi sh, delicately complemented by tangy fennel and mussels, to a sirloin of prime beef, ornamented with

a rich aubergine puree. Incorporating ingredients such as Franschhoek trout, braised Karoo lamb and Saldanha Bay mussels, each dish boasts local origins.

“We support local farmers,” Deg says. “For example, most of our mushrooms come from Nouvelle Mushrooms located less than 10 kilometres away; our trout is farmed just outside Franschhoek; Ryan Boons from Paarl supplies our free-range meat; and we use Farmer Angus from Spier for our grass-fed beef sirloins.”

Delaire Graff Restaurant is an integral part of South Africa’s internationally regarded Winelands’ culinary scene. Both Deg and his predecessor, executive chef Christiaan Campbell, have followed an ethos of using the freshest local

and seasonal produce out of an instinctual desire to use readily available high quality resources. “We use only South African produce,” Deg says. “It wouldn’t make sense to buy scallops fl own halfway round the world. We have wonderful produce on our doorstep, so we make use of it.” It’s a practical philosophy that produces magnifi cent results.

VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 1110 | VIEWS, ISSUE 1

IT IS CLEAR THAT VREY HAS BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A UNIQUE AND STRIKING STATEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE

THE BOTMASKOP 2013 DISPLAYS THE PUREST EXPRESSION OF THE VARIETALS FROM WHICH IT HAS BEEN CRAFTED

Méthode Cap Classique has a history dating back to the 1970s, a time when there were

virtually no plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Cape. The fi rst producers of Champagne-method sparkling wines found themselves forced to make do with the varieties at their disposal, such as Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Clairette Blanche.

Ample supplies of Chardonnay and Pinot became available in the 1980s, changing the winemaking landscape. Grape growers responded to the burgeoning demand by planting them expressly for sparkling wine producers. Today, almost all the benchmark Méthode Cap Classiques derive their style and aesthetic from the wines produced in the Champagne region of France.

In conceiving the Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut MCC, winemaker Morné Vrey felt the state should not simply follow convention. He instead looked to a Champagne-method sparkling wine made with an unlikely blend of Loire and Champagne grape varieties. “South Africa has the most extensive plantings of Chenin Blanc anywhere in the world, and the Cape makes many of the benchmark examples,” Vrey says. “We also have an amazing old-vine resource at our disposal. It’s an obvious choice if you have the freedom to move beyond the conventional.”

While Vrey’s work was something of a fi rst for Méthode Cap Classique producers, it’s not unheard of in France’s Loire Valley. There, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are widely used in the production of Crémant de Loire. With extensive plantings in the vicinity of this majestic river, Cabernet Franc, too, has become a regular partner in the Crémant de Loire base wine. During a stint in this part of France some three years ago, Vrey tasted this sparkling wine blend. Undoubtedly, the challenge of mapping his own course through this largely uncharted territory – at least in terms of Cape sparkling wine – drew him to the Crémant de Loire model.

The Delaire Graff Estate winemaker’s next inspired move was the decision to include a small amount (eight per cent, to be precise) of Cabernet Franc in the blend, in the same way that most Champagnes contain a small amount of clear white juice from the red-skinned Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier grapes. The variety performs surprisingly well in the Cape, ripening beyond the herbal notes typical of many of the Loire’s reds, and delivering fi rmness of structure with an almost spicy fragrance that would be the envy of many Bordeaux estates.

With the launch of the fi rst vintage of Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut, it is clear that Vrey has been able to make a unique and striking statement in the context of Méthode Cap Classique. The wine is really beautiful to behold, a green-tinged pale lemon yellow delivering fresh gooseberry and sweet melon aromas on the nose. The palate shows fi nesse and intensity, with a fi ne, perfectly integrated mousse. Lime, pear-drop and delicate vanilla notes emerge, together with the faintest hint of grapefruit pith. Zesty and fresh, it is harmonious, persistent and inescapably moreish.

It is this elegance, balance, fragrance and restraint that sets it apart from the more traditionally styled Champagne-varietal wines produced in the Cape and almost everywhere else, where bubbly is based on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A nuanced consistency through the nose, palate and fi nish, rather than creamy opulence, is its defi ning statement. It off ers food versatility as well as the pleasure of a thoughtful yet refreshing aperitif in equal measure. No wonder its release has been hailed as a defi ning moment in Cap Classique wine.

The first vintage of Delaire Graff ’s Sunrise Brut, inspired by the Loire and named after a famous Graff Diamond, is a groundbreaking contribution to South Africa’s Méthode Cap Classiques

BOTMASKOP 5343

W I N E W I N E

MORNÉ VREYWINEMAKE R

Morné Vrey is an accomplished winemaker, whose

knowledge of viniculture is responsible for the

creation of Delaire Graff Estate’s fi nest cuvées,

born from the grapes that are harvested from the

crest of the panoramic Helshoogte Mountain Pass.

Vrey began his career as assistant winemaker

at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, and

went on to widen his experience with harvests

in France, Germany and New Zealand. Today, he

uses his experience to create a portfolio of wines

in the New World style, with a clear focus on

freshness and balance. He takes a keen interest

in the manner in which his grapes are harvested

to ensure the freshness translates through to the

bottle; other fruit is meticulously sourced from

selected vineyards managed by the Delaire Graff

Estate’s viticulture team.

Vrey has a bold, but honest winemaking vision:

to keep the integrity of the superlative grapes

without over manipulation. They come bursting

with a pure fl avour brought about by using

authentic winemaking methods – capturing

the essence of the earth and our South African

summers in every grape, bottle and glass.

Since its reintroduction in 2009, the flagship blend has become South Africa’s most awarded red wine, acquiring a near-cult status in the wine community

• Platter Wine Guide – 5 Stars• Classic Wine Trophy Awards – Bacchus Trophy for Best Red Blend• Tim Atkins Report – listed on South Africaʼs Best Bordeaux Blends• Old Mutual Trophy – Trophy for Best Red Blend and Best Red Wine Overall• Decanter Wine Awards – Gold• Classic Wine Trophy Award – Gold for Best Red Blend Category

South African awards

Production of the Botmaskop Bordeaux-style

blend has increased fi vefold and is set to reach

60 000 bottles. A powerful, yet elegant blend

with classic aromas of dark berry, fruit, spice

and cassis, Delaire Graff Estate’s 2013

Botmaskop wine is an approachable, yet serious

Bordeaux blend made with estate-grown

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot,

Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes at the foot of

Botmaskop Mountain, the namesake of this

sophisticated blend.

Originally named Bootmanskop, meaning ‘Boat

Man’s Peak’, the Botmaskop Mountain served as

the lookout point to sight sailing ships entering

Cape Town’s Table Bay harbour 50 kilometres

to the west. Such an event would elicit a

canon shot, a signal to surrounding farmers

alerting them to a potential market for their

fresh produce.

For winemaker Morné Vrey, the 2013 Botmaskop

is the pinnacle of Bordeaux blending. “The wine

is powerful, but elegant and polished at the

same time,” he explains. “This is a beautiful red

blend with classical aromas, soft tannins and

balance in structure which completes the wine

on the palate.”

A NEW DAWN

12 | VIEWS, ISSUE 1 VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 13

A s the sun descends across the undulating valleys lining the Helshoogte Pass, light ripples through stony outcrops and dappled hills, drawing the eye to

the lush rows of grapes winding up the hillsides. Amidst these vineyards is nestled a collection of discreet buildings, their ornate pediments echoing those of traditional Cape Dutch architecture.

These elegant retreats make up the Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa. The pairing of the Estateʼs accommodations with its spa in a quiet corner of the grounds off ers a serene atmosphere that speaks of unlimited hours of secluded relaxation. Guests can drift between the spa and the lodges, needing never to encounter the activity of the main estate.

The spa lies to the left of the Main Lodgeʼs entrance, where four elegant suites off er guests a luxurious escape. Within these peaceful halls, sophisticated treatments from innovative spa brands are employed for a range of therapeutic benefi ts, used to nourish, renew, revive or detox. Spa escapes take a holistic approach, promoting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and are customised not only to the guests but the surrounds of the Estate, with a new experience offered to complement each season. In the gentle dusk of evening, fi lled with a sense of replenishment and serenity following a spa journey, there is a sense that one has discovered the true heart of the Cape Winelands.

Terres d’Afrique’s refi ned range

of spa products in many ways

share the ethos of the Delaire

Graff Estate. These artisan

elixirs incorporate the fi nest

of African natural ingredients,

utilising native plants such as

baobab, marula, aloe ferox and

kigelia, and are inspired by

the ancient use of botanical

healing ointments in African

cultures. Keeping true to their

natural roots, Terres d’Afrique

products use no addititives or

artifi cial ingredients, remaining

beautifully pure. Their masks,

creams and serums are organic

and produced ethically without

harmful chemicals or detriment

to animals. Every ingredient is

harvested sustainably, making

for a truly harmonious product

that refl ects our own meticulous

attention to detail.

Opposite page: A therapist walks down a corridor of

the Delaire Graff Spa; a scenic view

of the Estate beneath Botmaskop peak

This page top to bottom: The elegant reception area of the Main

Lodge in the Lodges & Spa; a sunset

over the spa deck and pool; the tranquil

terrace of the Owner’s Lodge

S H OWC AS E S H OWC AS E

AN ESTATEOF MIND TERRES

D‛AFRIQUE

SPA

Delaire Graff Estate’s idyllic lodges and serene spa offer all who visit a genuine retreat

VIEWS, ISSUE 1 | 1514 | VIEWS, ISSUE 1

G I V I N G B AC K G I V I N G B AC K

For many children in South Africa’s developing

rural communities, limited resources mean limited

educational prospects, whether due to lack of

funds or infrastructure. Like diamonds in the rough,

South Africa’s disadvantaged rural children hold

untapped potential.

The Graff Mobile Learning Centres have been

created to address these limitations. Conceived in

partnership with the Pebbles Project, this forward-

thinking venture allows advanced technology to be

brought to remote areas, using vehicles equipped

with a computer lab and a library, delivering

previously inaccessible resources to the Cape

Winelands’ smaller communities.

These mobile centres offer a wide range of facilities.

The laptop computer lab has an experienced IT

specialist on board to assist learners. Enabling

children to access information online will help them

not only complete their school assignments, but

expand their opportunities for educational growth.

By developing their skill-sets, children can gain the

confi dence and capabilities to progress to further

education, providing invaluable life experience.

A second van features a book-borrowing facility,

containing hundreds of fi ction and non-fi ction

books designed to encourage children to practise

their reading skills at home. The vehicles travel

around the Winelands, visiting 11 farms, reaching

over 1 200 children and adults in the region.

“It is a great privilege to be involved in such a

wonderful initiative,” said Laurence Graff, founder

of FACET. “Bringing hope and helping young people

to realise their dreams and ambitions is what giving

back is all about. For many growing up in South

Africa’s Winelands, computers are a luxury they

simply can’t afford. Through the valuable work

of FACET and the Pebbles Project, much-needed

equipment will provide these children with further

education and positive life choices.”

FACET fi rst partnered with the Pebbles Project in

2013 with the aim of enriching the lives of children

and young people in the Winelands of South Africa.

Sophia Warner, the founder of the Pebbles Project,

explains: “FACET and the Pebbles Project have the

same vision; a world in which children are receiving

the best educational support possible, have greater

potential and a bright future. By encouraging

the children and young people of this region, we

aspire to motivate, educate and provide guidance,

enabling the best possible childhood experiences,

through to future employment opportunities.”

THE CAPE WINE

AUCTION

IN THE

AREAGraff Diamond’s FACET works to develop and support programmes that enrich the quality of life for those most in need in Sub-Saharan Africa

In 2008, Laurence Graff established the FACET Foundation, which stands for ‘For Africa’s Children Every Time’, designed to support the education, health and well-being

of the people of sub-Saharan Africa. The FACET Foundation off ers Graff Diamonds a unique opportunity to give back to the land from which its jewels are sourced.

“In Africa, we see the devastating impact of poor health on local communities and the lack of the most basic standards of education for disadvantaged children who have the right to life and development,” comments Graff. “Through FACET we are working with partners to develop programmes which will make a fundamental diff erence to the lives of Africa’s children. We would like to give something back to the country which gives us our remarkable diamonds.”

FACET identifi es critical areas of need and establishes strong partnerships with governments, organisations and local communities to implement sustainable programmes. The foundation is responsible for many initiatives across Southern

Africa. In 2008, FACET partnered with Help Lesotho to build the fi rst Lesotho Graff Leadership Centre, which enrols high-risk vulnerable girls on courses to improve literacy, employment and leadership skills, and to tackle health issues around HIV and self-esteem. In May 2011, the Graff

Leadership Centre in Mochudi, Botswana was completed in partnership with Stepping Stones International. The centre is dedicated to creating a supportive environment through innovative educational and psychological support programmes for vulnerable children and orphans from 12 to 18 years of age.

FACET also hosts fundraising events to benefi t these programmes, including a charity art auction held at Christie’s in London and an auction for South African art held in November 2011 at the Delaire Graff Estate. In addition to these initiatives, a discretionary donation is added to every bill at Delaire Graff Estate’s two restaurants.

One of FACET's most recent initiatives is a the Graff Mobile Learning centres, created in partnership with the Pebbles Project, which will benefi t children across the Western Cape with the implementation of a unique vehicle carrying computers and libraries to those in need of educational facilities.

Should you wish to support the FACET Foundation with a donation, please email marketing.executive@delaire.co.za.

THROUGH THE

VALUABLE WORK OF

FACET AND THE PEBBLES

PROJECT, MUCH-NEEDED

EQUIPMENT WILL PROVIDE

THESE CHILDREN WITH

FURTHER EDUCATION AND

POSITIVE LIFE CHOICES

MOBILE LEARNING

ESTABLISHED IN

2014, THE CAPE WINE

AUCTION TRUST

WAS CREATED TO

ASSIST EDUCATION

IN THE WINELANDS

AND TO UPLIFT

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

IN AFRICA, WE SEE THE

DEVASTATING IMPACT

OF POOR HEALTH ON

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

AND THE LACK OF THE

MOST BASIC STANDARDS

OF EDUCATION FOR

DISADVANTAGED

CHILDREN WHO HAVE

THE RIGHT TO LIFE AND

DEVELOPMENT

FACET and the Pebbles Project have united to help children across the Western Cape with the Graff Mobile Learning Centres

The fi nest wineries in the

Cape Winelands know that the

stunning surrounds where they

make their fi ne wines need

nurturing to continue to fl ourish.

This is why giving back to the

area’s children is the focus of

the Cape Wine Auction Trust,

a charity initiative that looks

to uplift underpriviledged

communities through education.

Held at the Boschendal Wine

Estate, the 2015 AfriAsia Bank

Cape Wine Auction was held this

February. The spectacular event

raised over R10.6 million in funds

to support education in South

Africa’s Winelands. Last year’s

event raised R7 million which was

distributed to 13 organisations

to support the educational

cause. Among the benefi ciaries

are the Click Foundation, MAD

‘Make A Difference’ Charity and

the Pebbles Project, a frequent

collaborator with FACET.

The 2015 event was an elegant

affair offering attendees

exceptional wines from the

region’s leading wineries, seasonal

local cuisine and live music.

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE