LOCAL Houston | The City Guide FEBRUARY 2015 | Page 69

Local February 2015 final.qxp_002houston 1/26/15 1:58 PM Page 69

spot one of the tops getaways in Africa.
www.delaire.co.za

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE

SEE: Owner Laurence Graff is a legendary arts
patron, and the estate showcases many pieces
from his private collection, including works
commissioned for the property. Striking portraits
by hot artist Lionel Smit take centerstage in the
reception; sculptures by Dylan Lewis dot the
gardens; and Vladimir Tretchikoff’s famous
“Chinese Girl” hangs in the main building. The
Lodge can also arrange for VIP visits to sculptor
Lewis’s studio, galleries in Stellenbosch and the
Rupert Museum, housing a mix of South African
and international artists (including Rembrandt).

EAT:

Using ingredients from the on-site biodynamic greenhouse and gardens and ethical
regional farms, the two restaurants draw both
guests and day-trippers with their creative
menus. Set overlooking the vineyards and olive
groves, with an oak tree-shaded deck, the
Delaire Graff Restaurant serves bistro-style seasonal dishes accompanied by flourishes like
bespoke olive oil and aromatic butters.
Intimate, dimly lit Indochine celebrates panAsian flavors in its tapas and tasting menus
(and also serves a killer breakfast buffet).

ELLERMAN HOUSE HOTEL

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE | INDOCHINE

DRINK: Settle into the clubby Wine Lounge,
done up with leather chairs and floor-to-ceiling
windows, to learn about Delaire Graff Estate’s
award-winning wines – and sample a few.
Using grapes grown both on property and elsewhere, the vintages are all created in the on-site
winery, opened in 2008. The flagship
Bordeaux-style blend is named after the
Botmaskop mountain just behind the estate;
other favorites include the Chardonnay and the
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

by Sandra Ramani
Photos courtesy of Ellerman House and Delaire Graff Estate

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE
LIONEL SMIT AND ANTON STEAD – SWALLOWS IN FLIGHT

ELLERMAN HOUSE + DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE
www.ellerman.co.za | www.delaire.co.za
february 15 | L O C A L 69