w w w. d e l a i re . c o . z a
T H E J O U R N A L O F D E L A I R E G R A F F E S TAT E
ART
WINE
CUISINE
The incredible story behind Tretchikoff ’s most iconic painting
The Estate welcomes the Sunburst Noble Late Harvest
Desserts delight at Delaire Graff Restaurant and Indochine
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A C C O M M O D A T I O N
Capri • St Barth • Bal Harbour • Roma • Sicily • Delaire Graff Estate • Beverly Hills • Firenze • Ibiza www.100capri.com
W E LCO M E
CONTENTS
CONTENTS Welcome to the fourth issue of Views
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elaire Graff Estate has been through an incredible journey in its existence as a landmark property in the Stellenbosch Winelands. As 2017 draws to a close, we welcome in a new era of excellence at our beloved Estate.
Issue four, ���7/18
The first exciting development of 2018 will be the expansion of our Lodges & Spa, with the addition of six new Lodges, and a stunning Villa with four bedrooms. We are celebrating the past year’s achievements, including the launch of the latest addition to our premium Icon Range, the Delaire Graff Sunburst, a Noble Late Harvest wine. We also welcome the reopening of our newly renovated and expanded wine lounge, and the nomination of our winemaker, Morné Vrey, to be a member of the coveted Cape Winemakers Guild.
04..... Graff Diamonds Forces of nature Graff is famous for exclusive, indisputably lavish watches that harness the beauty and finesse of nature’s powers.
06..... Feature The mysterious muse She was the subject of one of the most iconic artworks of all time, yet hardy knew it. The painting now takes pride of place at Delaire Graff Estate.
In this fourth issue of Views, we explore one of the most remarkable works of art to have ever been painted in South Africa, The Chinese Girl by Vladimir Tretchikoff. This iconic work was a legendary part of global 1950’s and 60’s culture, and it now forms the centrepiece to Laurence Graff ’s extraordinary art collection, as well as being a highlight of the Estate.
08..... Cuisine A grand finale here is no sweeter victory than tasting one of T the confectionary creations at our lauded fine dining venues, the Delaire Graff Restaurant and Indochine.
We take some time to lovingly peruse the incredible desserts that are conjured up in the Delaire Graff Restaurant and Indochine. Both venues are pushing the limits of Winelands fine dining, creating unparalleled pieces of sweet serendipity. We explore the amazing creations that are Graff ’s horological masterpieces, the sophisticated Graff Eclipse, and the sumptuous Graff Butterfly. In addition, we explore the ongoing contributions of the mobile learning centres to the Cape Winelands by Graff ’s charity, FACET, in partnership with the Pebbles Project.
10..... Wine At the pinnacle Our winemaker Morné Vrey becomes a member of the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild; also the launch of our wine club, and our new Icon Sunburst.
12..... Showcase A new era The Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa offer an unrivalled experience of refinement and relaxation. Now, the Estate is adding six new Lodges and a four-bedroom Villa.
In the course of its existence, Delaire Graff Estate has become a hospitality destination unlike any other in Africa; the true jewel of the Cape Winelands. We are looking forward to embracing this wonderful new chapter.
14..... Giving back Making a difference The Cape Winelands reap the benefits of additional mobile learning centres, courtesy of the FACET Foundation and the Pebbles Project.
JOHANN LAUBSER, GM DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE
DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE TEAM
PURE CREATIVE AGENCY PUBLISHING TEAM
ESTATE GENERAL MANAGER JOHANN LAUBSER info@delaire.co.za
PUBLISHER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR ANDREW BURKE andrew@purecreative.co.za
MARKETING AND PR MANAGER TANJA VON ARNIM marketing@delaire.co.za
EDITOR JESSICA GLIDDON jess@purecreative.co.za
LODGES & SPA GM MATTHEW SMITH hotel.gm@delaire.co.za
ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN TESSA GREEN tess@purecreative.co.za
Distribution: Views is distributed annually by Delaire Graff Estate, available in print at the Estate, otherwise on request by emailing info@delaire.co.za. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
SOCIAL MEDIA @delairegraff #delairegraff
Views is designed and published by www.purecreative.co.za For business enquiries, call Andrew on +27 (0)21 424 6918 or email hello@purecreative.co.za
GRAFF DIAMONDS
FORCES OF NATURE Graff Diamonds’ timepiece creations are inspired by the power of the natural world, illustrated in two of its greatest collections, the Eclipse watch for men, and the Butterfly for women
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hrough the intensity of nature’s fundamental elements, beauty is realised. The black centre of the eclipse emerges with the rotation of the planet; the flutter of a butterfly’s wings is manifest through complex aerodynamics. There is an engine behind everything in nature, and it could be said that a watch is the reflection of these mechanisms. A watch tracks time, the most basic foundation of existence. In the case of a Graff timepiece, this grandeur is expressed through the beauty of diamonds, a pure creation of the natural world. Launched in 2008, Graff Luxury Watches is a recent arc of the 57-year-old company. There are five distinct collections that make up this division: Technical, Dress, Sport, Jewelled and Bespoke. “The development of the Luxury Watch collection was a natural evolution for Graff,” explains Nicolas Sestito, Chief Executive Officer of Graff Luxury Watches. “In just a few years, Graff has become renowned for producing some of the world’s finest, most desirable timepieces, from high-end jewellery watches to the most advanced horological engineering. Graff has developed an exclusive, innovative gem-setting technique for its watches, adding a further dimension of luxury.” Graff watches are creative masterpieces that often use motifs inspired by nature: from the awesome power of the heavenly bodies to the simple elegance of a butterfly. Butterfly jewellery has been an enduring centrepiece of Graff for decades. The first of these pieces was inspired by the creature’s fluidity, forming an artistic representation of the insect through the arrangement of two pear-shaped and two marquise gemstones. “The rich and romantic language of nature has long inspired the design of Graff jewellery,” says Sestito. “It follows that these decorative details are equally appropriate in timekeeping. The butterfly is an iconic and captivating creature that never ceases to influence.” Anne-Eva Geffroy, Design Director at Graff, says of the designs: “I find the remarkable patterns,
THE RICH AND ROMANTIC LANGUAGE OF NATURE HAS LONG INSPIRED THE DESIGN OF GRAFF JEWELLERY,” SAYS SESTITO. “IT FOLLOWS THAT THESE ICONIC DECORATIVE DETAILS ARE EQUALLY APPROPRIATE IN TIMEKEEPING.
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GRAFF DIAMONDS
colours and designs on butterflies’ wings mesmerising. It is with the outline of precious stones that we attempt to recreate their extraordinary silhouettes.” From these roots the Graff Butterfly watch was born. Two of the most striking collections in Graff ’s timepiece repertoire are the Disco Butterfly watch and the Princess Butterfly watch. The Disco features a ring of butterflies in midflight in a variety of colours, ranging from emerald green to a vibrant, deep blue. They are depicted in marquise and pear-shaped diamonds, set against a rich tapestry of white diamonds. As the wearer moves, a kaleidoscope of colours dance across their wrist. The Princess Butterfly takes the silhouette of the winged marvel and renders it in its full sculptural beauty. The pavé wings are outlined with tapered baguette gemstones, concealing the timepiece below with an innovative mechanism which, when pushed, reveals the mother of pearl watch face. One variation features a satin strap, but the most exquisite has a diamond bracelet. Graff watches are handmade in Geneva, the heart of the fine watchmaking world. No matter what the design, these timepieces are always meticulous works of art, and deftly incorporate the beauty of diamonds. “The distinctive designs of Graff watches are inspired by the facets of a perfectly cut, round diamond,” Sestito explains. “We offer highly complex timepieces while also staying true to our diamond gemstone expertise and métiers d’art savoir faire; through the creation of patented settings, the expertise of enamelling and micro painting, and our unparalleled exquisite jewelled timepieces for ladies.”
THE ECLIPSE IS A STRIKING WATCH, EXEMPLIFYING A DESIGN THAT GRAVITATES TOWARDS CONTEMPORARY WATCHMAKING VALUES, SUCH AS LIGHTNESS.
One of Graff ’s most sophisticated creations is the Eclipse watch. This horological marvel is clad in a sheer black titanium casing made of a carbon material called Diamond-like Carbon, an amazing substance with the characteristics of a diamond. The strap is made from black alligator, and the watch is tipped with a single black diamond. Every detail is cast in black, including the Graff Icon at the 12 o’clock point. The Tourbillon version weighs just 45 grams, while the Graffstar Slim Eclipse weighs a mere 39 grams. “The Eclipse is a striking watch, exemplifying a design that gravitates towards contemporary watchmaking values such as lightness,” Sestito says. “Its automatic tourbillon calibre is incorporated into the watch’s exceptionally slim and lightweight form, which makes it effortless to wear.” Graff watches are designed by the same team that works with Graff jewellery, ensuring that each piece feels distinctly like a Graff creation, and inspiring a coherent aesthetic unison. Sestito explains: “Great consideration goes into Graff Luxury Watches in terms of feel, finish and equilibrium and this requires a continuous dialogue between the London atelier and the artisans in Geneva to ensure the results are a perfect combination of jewellery design, diamond setting and Swiss watchmaking.” The marriage between the finest jewellery makers and watchmakers has set Graff on a trajectory for nothing but brilliance. Through ingenuity, the forces of nature have been harnessed into timepieces that are as unique and extraordinary as their wearer.
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F E AT U R E
THE
Mysterious
MUSE The Chinese Girl is one of South Africa’s most influential works of art, and it forms the crowning jewel in Delaire Graff Estate’s exquisite art collection. Yet for 50 years, the painting’s enigmatic model had no idea of the influence her image held WORDS | JESSICA GLIDDON
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he sits in the Delaire Graff Estate foyer, and at first glance, you might not even notice her. She stares at the people who come in and out, and if you’re busy being entranced by the towering vases, the peach pip floors, or Lionel Smit’s portrait of Laurence Graff, you might almost miss her. One of the most well-recognised works of modern art just stands there, unabashedly brilliant in her golden tunic and turquoise-tinted gaze. The Chinese Girl is widely regarded as Vladimir Tretchikoff ’s masterpiece. The artwork came into existence in the humblest way. Tretchikoff, who was born in Siberia, lived for a decade in China and Singapore before coming to Cape Town in the 1950’s in search of his family, who had been displaced during the Second World War. While working in his studio in Sea Point, the artist was introduced to a young Asian woman from a local laundrette through a Russian ballet dancer acquaintance, who had noticed the girl’s uncanny beauty. Her name was Monika Sing-Lee, later Pon-Su-San by marriage. When she sat for the artist as a teenager, she thought little of the experience. She didn’t even think to find out what had become of the painting until nearly 50 years later. She only learnt of its significance two decades before she passed away in June of 2017.
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IT IS UNDENIABLE THAT THERE IS SOMETHING MAGNETIC IN THE PORTRAIT’S GAZE, SOMETHING SO POWERFUL IN THAT SERENE EXPRESSION AND TRANSCENDENT BEAUTY THAT IT MANAGED TO ENTRANCE A GENERATION
Tretchikoff, unconventionally, sold his paintings and prints in department stores like Woolworths. “He was the first artist to mass produce and sell reproductions of his work, making his art affordable and accessible to all,” explains Bina Genovese, Joint Managing Director of fine art auction house Strauss & Co. “He wanted everyone to enjoy his art, thus earning the title ‘the people’s painter’. Remarkably, he earned more from his reproductions than from his original oil paintings during his lifetime.” Out of all his works, The Chinese Girl seemed to most strike a chord. Tretchikoff had been a commercial artist previously, and the clean lines and Hollywood tones of the image no doubt contributed to its popularity. Her visage has become an essential part of the fabric of popular culture. She is ubiquitous: she is in David Bowie videos, and in Michael Caine’s film Alfie. She could be seen hanging in living rooms around the world, her steady gaze unchanging. “It is the world’s most reproduced print,” explains Genovese. “Millions of copies have been sold since it was painted in the 1950’s, even exceeding the Mona Lisa in number. The familiar image of the woman, with her dark hair, bright red lips and the unusual blue-green skin tone, has featured on T-shirts, mugs, accessories and posters all over the world. During his lifetime, this prodigious artist held 52 exhibitions in South Africa, the UK, USA and Canada. He achieved ubiquity among the masses and brought art to the people.” Unaware of the painting’s popularity, Monika spent most of her life in poverty, raising five children as a single mother and working in a fish and chip shop. But when she finally discovered the painting’s impact in the 1990’s, she reunited with Tretchikoff, and struck up a friendship with the artist. Now there are many photos of the two of them jovially chatting in their later years. The painting spent most of its existence in a private collection in the US, until the granddaughter of its original buyer put it up for auction in London in 2013. This is when Laurence Graff heard of its sale. Mr Graff said of the painting, “As a young man, I noticed the image of Tretchikoff ’s The Chinese Girl continuously displayed in many different locations in print form. It was the first piece of art that made an impact on me, and I believe it ignited my interest and passion for art. You can imagine my surprise to have learnt of the sale of the original painting and, of course, my decision to
GAME CHANGER The recently launched Zeitz MOCAA has redefined African art’s role in contemporary art, and bolstered the thriving Cape Town art scene It is only once every few decades that a building opens up with the significance of Cape Town’s new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA). To represent not only
IT WAS THE FIRST PIECE OF ART THAT MADE AN IMPACT ON ME, AND I BELIEVE IT IGNITED MY INTEREST AND PASSION FOR ART.
buy it was immediate.” He purchased the painting at the Bonhams auction for £1 million, and decided that it should hold pride of place at Delaire Graff Estate. Tretchikoff died in 2006, but Monika was present when her portrait was unveiled at Delaire Graff Estate in 2013. “The event symbolised a happy homecoming of a lost treasure, restoring the iconic portrait to a place of prominence,” says Genovese, who was present at the event.
Neither the artist nor the model ever understood why this portrait became one of the most iconic of the 20th Century. Despite it becoming the biggest selling art print of all time, Tretchikoff wrote in his autobiography, Pigeon’s Luck: “I still cannot explain the mystery of my painting. I would have never believed anyone who told me that one day I would paint a picture that would appeal… not only to the European races, but to Orientals and Africans as well.” It is undeniable that there is something magnetic in the portrait’s gaze, something so powerful in that serene expression and transcendent beauty that it managed to entrance a generation. It is truly a work of international achievement, an interesting intersection between pop culture and fine art. It is a fascinating document of the multicultural nature of South Africa, as it was painted during apartheid, by a foreigner, of a mixed-race model (Monika was part Dutch). Many see Tretchikoff as the first true pop artist, a pioneer like Andy Warhol. Whatever the case, his work, as well as his mysterious muse, have undoubtedly become an influential and beloved part of the modern art world. As stated by the artist’s granddaughter, Natasha Swift: “Whether you love Tretchikoff or not, it is impossible to deny that his work has reached all four corners of the globe.”
a city, or a country, but a continent’s collective contemporary artworks as the museum has done, is an achievement that is rarely seen. The 9,500 square metre museum, encompassing 80 galleries in addition to a bookshop, restaurant, bar and arts offices, is a masterpiece. The original historic grain silos have been carved into a nine-storey structure by British industrial design firm Heatherwick Studio. The resulting cathedral-like space recalls the industrial heritage of the Tate Modern in London, but is unique to Africa. The museum was created in a partnership between the V&A Waterfront and art collector Jochen Zeitz to nurture and promote contemporary African art. Delaire Graff Estate has always been an adamant supporter of the African arts, and welcomes the museum as an invaluable African arts institution. It will no doubt put Africa's art world on the map in a way it never has been before, enhancing the thriving South African art scene that the Estate is proud to be part of. V I E W S, I S S U E 4 | 07
CUISINE
A GRAND FINALE
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Delaire Graff Estate’s restaurants serve exquisite dessert delicacies that send its patrons on a journey of the senses through a symphony of flavours
CUISINE
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t is the end of a meal, the triumphant cadenza that draws everything to a close. This point rounds off the entire dining experience, leaving a lasting impression at the conclusion of an evening. Desserts are an aspect of the food experience that often falls by the wayside in the evaluation of a meal; but they are also often the space where the greatest amount of skill is showcased. In the culinary world, it is often the final course that displays the most artistry. Painterly presentation involves the careful bringing together of colours and textures, arranging elements in a circular fashion or in delicate stacks, encompassed by a swirl of sauce. At Delaire Graff Estate, the dessert course offers a luxuriant sensory experience that embraces the visual aspect of cuisine. “We often bring colours into our desserts,” explains Indochine’s Head Chef Virgil Kahn. “We think about design trends; for example, blue plating is in, so we’ve been incorporating this frequently. You eat with your eyes first.” Delaire Graff Restaurant’s Pastry Chef Marelize Erasmus invests heavily in ensuring her dishes are visually stunning. “In my dessert presentation, I choose colours that pop, such as with our beetroot cake, which uses a beetroot mousse contrasted with the orange of guava,” she explains. “Beauty should translate into flavour.” The chef accomplishes this by bringing together a medley of different elements into each dish, sometimes borrowing from the savoury
THE FLAVOURS ARE SO CONFIDENT, REFINED AND SUBDUED AT ONCE, THEY DEFY COMPREHENSION. IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DESCRIBE THE IMPACT OF THIS CACOPHONY OF FINE SENSATIONS side, a growing trend in the dessert world. Some of her unexpected creations include a basil gelato, or watermelon soup. The Delaire Graff Restaurant is a firm subscriber to the ethos of seasonality, a phenomenon that is paramount in modern culinary circles. Erasmus changes her dessert menus frequently to correspond with the fresh produce she sources from the Estate’s garden. She also keeps in mind the importance of regional ingredients, aligning with both international culinary trends by sourcing from local farmers.
combined with five spice, sorbet, green tea essence with salted caramel and meringue. The flavours are so confident, refined and subdued at once, they almost defy comprehension. It’s almost impossible to describe the impact of this cacophony of fine sensations.
At Indochine, Chef Kahn uses touches of Asian inspiration normally reserved for savoury dishes to take his desserts to a new height. Beneath the stunning Swallows in Flight artwork, Kahn skilfully brings together fine dining, the European kitchen and South African cooking, creating an authentic style with an innovative approach.
As with the Estate’s other restaurant, much of the produce at Indochine is sourced from either the gardens, or highly esteemed local suppliers. “A lot of my time is spent sourcing the best products I can find, and getting to know suppliers who deliver the freshness, quality and impeccable provenance that our cuisine demands,” says Kahn. This care for local provenance results in creations such as the rum baba dessert, incorporating local guavas and rose geraniums in a decadent presentation and utilising luscious local flavours that speak to the season. Guava panna cotta, sous vide guava and white chocolate aero are combined in a tangy, gorgeous medley, mixed with a pillowy brioche.
Kahn experiments with hundreds of spices in his cooking at Indochine, invoking his culinary heritage. The chef sees Asian cuisine as the future of food, and draws the alluring aroma of spices not only into his savoury dishes, but his desserts. Take, for example, Indochine’s extraordinary chocolate and citrus crème brûlée, where burnt cream and dark chocolate is
No matter how magical these creations, the Estate’s chefs always consider the feedback of their guests, ensuring a strong connection with modern tastes. New dishes are often circulated onto to the menus, and will stay there if the reaction is positive. “We want to push boundaries, but still please our guests,” Erasmus says.
Kahn’s unconventional flavours bring together advanced techniques and unusual ingredients, part of a growing trend for chef-style desserts being showcased by many of the world’s star chefs. “We constantly play with our desserts to come up with fresh ideas,” he enthuses. The chef ’s sweet potato, apple and miso dessert is particularly mind-blowing: sweet potato roasted in palm sugar and caramel is dusted with a miso crumble, presented alongside a bowl of crisp slices of apple, nestled within an apple sorbet. Each flavour is unveiled in a procession of tastes: first sweet and tangy, then the sultry saltiness of miso, finished with the soothing creaminess of the sweet potato. The kaleidoscope of sensations that hit the tongue with a bite of this dish is brazenly sublime. Yet at its core, this sophisticated dessert is simply a pairing of sweet potato and apple. Ultimately, Kahn’s cooking embraces the elegance of simplicity. “This dish is reduced down to its essence,” he says. “It is very Asian, in that it’s salty and sweet, fresh and balanced. Yet it makes you feel like it's something your mother used to make.” It is precisely this sublime mix of refinement and contentment that makes for a true masterpiece.
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WINE
AT THE PINNACLE The Cape Winemakers Guild is one of the most respected institutions in the South African wine world, and Delaire Graff Estate’s winemaker, Morné Vrey, has become its latest member
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s a globally significant wine region, the Western Cape enjoys a prestigious place in the international wine world. This is in no small part thanks to the contributions of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG), a hallowed institution made up of South Africa’s most revered winemakers. The 49-member association, formed in 1982, represents the acme of South African winemaking achievement. Now, Delaire Graff Estate’s assiduous winemaker, Morné Vrey, has become the latest addition to the vaunted ranks of this organisation. Membership to this elite group is extended only to those adhering to the highest standards of wine craftsmanship, bringing together the apex of the industry in one place.Vrey brings decades of knowledge and expertise to his work, incorporating experience from France, Germany and New Zealand in his pursuit in creating the most authentic and refined wines possible. As a respected and accomplished professional, Vrey was a natural fit for the Guild. With a bold but honest winemaking vision, he maintains the integrity of superlative grapes without over-manipulation. “He is a new generation winemaker who has a modern approach to winemaking, and an international 10 | V I E W S, I S S U E 4
perspective,” explains Johann Laubser, General Manager of Delaire Graff Estate. Vrey is well known for his unwavering pursuit of quality. “With his emphasis on fruit purity and cellar hygiene, he captures in a bottle the true reflection of the varietal, and the site where it is planted,” Laubser says. “This membership is a recognition by his peers in the industry that he is held in high esteem, and also attests to the calibre of the Delaire Graff offering.” As part of the fabric of the Western Cape, the Guild looks to contribute to the wider development of the region. It accomplishes this through various initiatives, such as the Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Development Trust, which gives back to the wider community by supporting social development through education. The Guild also invests in the wine industry itself through the Circle of Excellence, which gives recognition to cellar workers with special skills, and through the accreditation of Wine Training South Africa (WTSA) courses, establishing a recognised, national qualification. Perhaps the Guild’s most significant work is its contribution to the future of South African winemaking through cultivating, nurturing and
empowering promising young oenologists and viticulturists. The Guild aims to breed a new generation of winemakers through bursaries supporting viticulture and oenology students in colleges and universities throughout the Winelands. A select few are recruited into the CWG Protégé Programme, which provides aspirant winemakers and viticulturists the opportunity to work alongside Guild members. Thanks to Vrey’s membership, Delaire Graff Estate will soon welcome a wine apprentice under this programme, contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of the thriving wine industry. The programmes that aim to empower and uplift the budding industry are fuelled by the Guild’s renowned annual Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction, a coveted event on the wine calendar. Bringing together South Africa’s leading winemakers, the auction offers the chance to sample small-batch wines produced exclusively for the event. Held annually in September, it attracts wine collectors and local and international buyers, keen to taste the winemakers’ artistry. The multifaceted work of the Guild will no doubt continue to help the Western Cape Winelands thrive in the future, with the addition of the valuable contribution of Vrey and Delaire Graff Estate.
WINE
A BURST OF SUNSHINE The Sunburst brings golden brilliance to the Delaire Graff Icon Range The Icon Range features Delaire Graff Estate’s most refined and exclusive wines. Each of the range's prestigious vintages have won multiple honours from The Platter's Wine Guide. The Estate is now welcoming another beaming jewel to the fold: the Delaire Graff Sunburst, a vibrant and alluring Noble Late Harvest wine, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. “The Icon Range is the finest example of what we do at Delaire Graff Estate,” comments winemaker Morné Vrey. “We go to great lengths to ensure it is the best possible; a particular vintage has to be good enough to even produce. While we have a sense from the outset if it will be good enough, we apply our palettes to the process, tasting the barrel throughout maturation.”
THE ICON RANGE IS THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF WHAT WE CAN DO AT DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE... WE GO TO GREAT LENGTHS TO ENSURE IT IS THE BEST. The Delaire Graff Sunburst offers honey-cast notes layered with spicy tropical fruit, set against the canvas of botrytis (noble rot). Since the Sunburst is a Noble Late Harvest wine, it is more delicate to produce. “It is more prone to vintage change, so the season needs to play along,” Vrey explains. “If the grapes are too hot and dry, we don’t get noble rot. The harvest in 2015 was an especially good vintage.” Aged in French oak barrels, the wine's complexity and structure offers a regal elegance, a fitting attribute to conclude the Icon Range.
The Estate introduces an exclusive new offering for wine connoisseurs With breathtaking mountain views framing lovingly tended vineyards, Delaire Graff Estate provides a backdrop for the creation of some of South Africa's most remarkable wines. As Delaire means ‘from the sky’, the Estate's wines offer an invitation to taste and savour this distinctive piece of heaven and earth in Stellenbosch. The wines of the Icon Range rank among the most prestigious in the southern hemisphere, as is acknowledged by their continued First Growth status in the 2017 Tim Atkin South African Report, an award reserved for the top 15 vineyards in the Western Cape. In celebration of these superlative wines, the Estate will be introducing the Icon Wine Club, offering members the exclusive opportunity to regularly experience its most prestigious vintages. By invitation only, members will enjoy unprecedented access to our wines, in addition to benefits such as complimentary tastings, exclusive offers on vintage wine purchases and a complimentary bottle of Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut MCC when dining at Delaire Graff Estate. To enquire about the Icon Wine Club, please contact wineclub@delaire.co.za.
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SHOWCASE
A NEW ERA The Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa is welcoming an expansion of our luxurious accommodations
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hat makes up a perfect day? Is it taking a stroll amongst lush gardens in the sun, indulging in a gourmet meal or gliding through the waters of a placid pool? There are so many ways to enjoy life, and Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa has a way to savour them all. Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa is one of the most striking hospitality destinations in the Cape Winelands. Nestled amidst manicured gardens, the venue exudes a calming atmosphere, adorned with carefully chosen artworks, brimming bouquets and elegant water features. One of the most extravagant ways to enjoy this space is through soaking up the sumptuous offerings at the Delaire Graff Spa. Situated in an atmosphere of the utmost luxury and peace, the Spa contains five tawny-hued suites, awash with natural light. Each treatment on offer combines natural elements and innovative techniques, carried out by experienced therapists. They are complemented with globally renowned products such as Swiss Perfection, a customisable collection that promotes rejuvenation, or the refined essential oils and botanics of Aromatherapy Associates. After an extravagant spa experience, there can be no nicer way to spend an afternoon than wandering idly around the atmospheric infinity pool, or soaking up the sun on a lounger in blissful tranquillity. From there, restore your health fully with a meal at Indochine, the signature restaurant of the Lodges & Spa and an Eat Out Restaurant Awards top 30 nominee. Incorporating Asian inspiration, the dining experience utilises vibrant and healthy ingredients, sourced directly from the Estate’s garden, inspiring radiant wellness. The Spa provides the ideal way to restore both body and mind for the ultimate day of bliss, while the Lodges offer an unsurpassed atmosphere for after-spa relaxation. Combining airy, light interiors with the finest in luxury offerings, the Lodges are immaculately turned out. Slatted wooden doors open towards
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NESTLED AMIDST MANICURED GARDENS, THE LODGES & SPA EXUDES A CALMING ATMOSPHERE, ADORNED WITH CAREFULLY CHOSEN ARTWORKS, BRIMMING BOUQUETS AND ELEGANT WATER FEATURES
SHOWCASE
a relaxing plunge pool, looking onto a garden or over the vineyards. The zenith of the collection is the Owner’s Lodge, able to accommodate up to four people in 130 square metres of space. All of this is to be expanded upon in the coming year with the addition of six Lodges and a breath-taking Villa, offering guests more opportunity to enjoy the luminous beauty of Delaire Graff Estate. These new Lodges will feature unrestricted views of the vineyards and mountains. The centrepiece will be the new fourbedroom Villa, the largest available accommodations on the property. It has been constructed to meet the diverse demands of guests arriving from all over the world, and accommodating multigenerational travellers. It boasts 24-hour security, a large swimming pool, Jacuzzis, an entertainment centre and more.
The Estate’s previous architectural masters dhk Architects, and interior design innovators David Collins Studio, have returned to realise these new structures. The design will expand upon the current look and feel, accentuated with touches of Cape Dutch architecture by utilising local materials such as grass papers, end-grain flooring, polished plasters, hand-woven rugs and textured leathers into the design. Guests of these exclusive new Lodges will enjoy all the benefits current visitors savour, from the private Lodge bar and cinema, to the sumptuous Spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and the gourmet Asian-inspired restaurant, Indochine. However one chooses to spend time here, it will be in the atmosphere of the utmost refinement.
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G I V I N G B AC K
MAKING A DIFFERENCE The expanded fleet of Mobile Learning Centres, funded by Graff ’s FACET Foundation, is opening up possibilities for the children of South Africa’s Western Cape Winelands
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he benefits of the recent addition of three vans to the fleet of Graff Mobile Learning Centre vehicles are already being felt. “The bus brings so many things,” says three-year-old Jovan Pulse. “Like toy brooms to sweep with!” Each van holds an Aladdin’s cave of toys, books, games and DVDs. There’s also a cutting-edge classroom stocked with tablets and laptops. “The van will help us have a better future,” enthuses 11-year-old Nowhen Piedt. His classmate Jethro Plaatjie agrees. “The computers mean I can do research for homework and using the internet helps me get higher marks.” Giving hope to disadvantaged children in the area, three vehicles are supported by Graff Diamonds’ charitable initiative, For Africa’s Children Every Time (FACET), implemented in partnership with the Pebbles Project. Funded for the next three years, the three computer labs will expand support to children on farms surrounding Stellenbosch and Citrusdal. They will also support 11 Early Childhood Development centres and 16 ASC centres, giving 816 children access to a great start in life. Founder and director of the Pebbles Project, Sophia Warner, explains, “The Mobile Learning Centres are literally ‘opportunities on wheels’. They’ve taken our after-school programme to a whole new level and will have an even greater impact within the community.” The Pebbles Project is a non-profit organisation passionate about supporting children and their families in farming communities in South Africa. Their main emphasis is education and working with children and families to help improve their lives in the long term. For the past three years, FACET has been working with the organisation, allowing it to expand its programme to include targeted maths and literacy classes, which have improved school results by up to 25 percent. “The three vehicles have allowed Pebbles to roll-out its educational programmes to new geographical areas,” explains Pebbles Project Deputy Director Marileze Buys. “In addition, the vehicles also allow us to visit our beneficiaries on a more regular basis, which increases the amount of learning support that we can give to our students. As a result of our partnership with FACET, Pebbles has been able to expand the project to include much-needed programmes such as life skills, study skills and e-learning services.” The first mobile learning vehicles were launched in 2014. These three additional educational vans include a computer lab, a mobile classroom, a library and a multipurpose van (with books, computers and toys). Each one is operated by specialist staff who visit communities on a weekly basis. In the fully equipped mobile classroom, tutors work with groups of children or individuals who need extra support. The vans are staffed by three trained maths and literacy teachers, and the daily lessons across
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G I V I N G B AC K
BRINGING HOPE AND AIDING YOUNG PEOPLE IN REALISING THEIR AMBITIONS IS WHAT GIVING BACK IS ALL ABOUT... 10 farms benefit 277 learners per week. The latest expansion means the Pebbles Project is now able to reach 1 500 children, train more than 100 helpers every month, employ 60 expert personnel and run 49 different facilities across the Western Cape farmlands. Sylvia van Heerden runs the Citrusdal van, and drives there weekly. “It’s so exciting to bring the FACET van to the children and adults of Citrusdal, she says. “I feel empowered with First World tools that can make a real difference in our local communities.” Using tested methods of assessment, each learner’s accomplishments are continuously evaluated and their path to academic achievement is designed and adjusted to ensure their personal success. Facility staff members have monthly training sessions on the different programmes resulting in an ever-evolving dynamic support structure. Laurence Graff is delighted with the success of the Mobile Learning Centres, and to be part of bringing change to these communities. “It’s a great privilege to be involved in such a wonderful initiative,” he says. “For many growing up in South Africa’s Winelands, computers and books are luxuries to which they simply don’t have access. Through the valuable work of FACET and the Pebbles Project, this much-needed equipment provides these children with additional education and the opportunity to make positive life choices. Bringing hope and aiding young people in realising their ambitions is what giving back is all about – helping dreams become reality.”
To make a difference for Africa’s children, visit facet-foundation.org. Other ways to contribute include enjoying a meal at the Estate, with a portion of every bill going to the Foundation, or purchasing the Graff book, as all proceeds from its sale are donated. The book is available at graffdiamonds.com or at the Delaire Graff Estate.
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