The Delaire Graff Wine Estate sits enviously plumb on the crest of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass. Also known as Hell’s Height the entire area surrounding Delaire Graff is redolent with a rich history. Dating back to 1854 this is one of the oldest passes in the Cape linking Stellenbosch with the Drakenstein Valley and passing en route through Jonkershoek and the Simonsberg Mountains. It was in this region in 1679 that Simon van der Stel laid the foundations of the globally famous Cape wine industry.

Back in 1982 John Platter acquired the farm and renamed it Delaire – meaning “From the Sky,” paying understandable homage to its awe-inspiring views. In 2003 Delaire was bought by Laurence Graff, chairman of Graff Diamonds International. And it was Laurence Graff who by dint of his vision and dedication and much hard work transformed Delaire into Delaire Graff Wine Estate, which today is one of South Africa’s leading and most desirable art, hospitality and wine destinations.