Delaire Graff named best winery in Africa
2020 World’s Best Vineyards
We’re delighted to announce the Estate has been rank first on the African continent by a panel of over 500 leading wine experts.
The World’s Best Vineyards seeks to find and acknowledge truly exceptional wineries across hemispheres, styles and philosophies with a panel of over 500 leading wine experts, sommeliers and travel writers contributing to the search. In the first iteration of the awards in 2019, Delaire Graff Estate was one of only three successfully named vineyards from within South Africa.
In this, the World’s Best Vineyards second year, hundreds of nominees were put forward. Delaire Graff Estate, ‘the Jewel of the Cape Winelands’, has placed 14th in the global rankings, and 1st in Africa, up 25 places from 2019. This accolade hails Delaire Graff Estate as the finest vineyard experience across the continent, and a worthy destination for South Africans, as well as future travellers to South Africa, to explore and celebrate.
“The uniqueness of the different farms’ locations featured in the World’s Best Vineyards, the individual, authentic identity created by each one, and the focus on quality service has resulted in a list of ‘must experience’ vineyards around the world for all wine enthusiasts. Delaire Graff Estate is extremely proud to play a leading role in the creation of unparalleled experiences. It is a tremendous honour to be held in such high regard, especially considering the exceptional international standard of the other Top 50 vineyards,” says Johann Laubser, Delaire Graff Estate’s CEO.
Delaire Graff Estate is an unrivalled experience, home to 2 flagship restaurants, 18 acclaimed lodge suites, a world-class villa, spa, unique luxury boutiques, and one of South Africa’s most respected art collections. Indochine is highlighted by the awards programme for its “dazzling and sophisticated Asian-influenced dining experience, combined with Delaire Graff’s unimpeachable range of wines”. Also noted is the lofty location between the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which offers panoramic views across a sea of grapevines in the rolling foothills of the Stellenbosch mountains.
Wine tourism ultimately revolves around the quality of the wine and that will always be the primary focus in the Delaire Graff Estate cellar. Positioned in a region that is equally suited to the cultivation of good grapes as to being an awe-inspiring visitor attraction, Delaire Graff Estate has all the hallmarks of a unique vineyard experience complemented by quality in every glass.
“The fact that Delaire Graff Estate has obtained First Growth status in Master of Wine Tim Atkin’s report for multiple years, underscores the quality of our terroir, as well as the winemaking skill of cellarmaster Morné Vrey and his cellar team,” remarks Laubser.
Throughout this challenging period, many wineries from around the world have had to temporarily, or permanently, close their doors. During this time, Delaire Graff Estate has worked to create new opportunities through an online shop and beautiful new offerings to share with guests upon reopening its doors.
Delaire Graff Estate continues to offer support to the Winelands community through a collaboration with Pebbles Project and FACET, the foundation created by the owner of the estate, Laurence Graff. Pebbles Project has successfully delivered over 300,000 meals during the Lockdown period within the Cape Winelands region.
It remains important for successful wineries and vineyards to support their immediate community, especially during a global crisis. Delaire Graff Estate is proud to be a partner to FACET and Pebbles Project, and thanks each visitor and customer for their support.
