That view. Perched above the Helshoogte Mountain Pass, surrounded by jagged peaks jutting into blue skies, slopes carpeted in a patchwork of greens. . . In a city not short of views, this is arguably its most stupendous, yet jeweller Laurence Graff did not rest on this particular laurel when he purchased his South African real estate gem in 2003. Determined to transform what was a humble restaurant and a respected but relatively unknown wine label into South Africa’s most desirable Winelands destination, Graff replanted vineyards; rebuilt from scratch a luxurious hotel with villa-like suites offering the ultimate in privacy and space; opened two excellent restaurants – destinations in their own right – and commissioned award-winning gardener Keith Kirsten to plant a “living canvas”, featuring over 350 indigenous plants interspersed with reflective ponds, sculptural shrubs and tinkling water features. Graff then added the final finishing touches by populating the grounds and interiors with magnificent art.

Today there are close to 400 artworks, each handpicked by Graff, an eclectic, ever-evolving collection featuring the likes of Deborah Bell, Vladimir Tretchikoff, Sydney Kumalo, Lionel Smit, Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi and William Kentridge. Exploring the grounds is as much a voyage of discovery as working your way through the Delaire Graff wines – predictably, these too are excellent; this most pleasant of activities further heightened by the fascinating work of Kendell Geers, AniMystikAKtivist, displayed in the opulent tasting room.

For Graff, the fact that his hotel is also an art gallery is integral to the Delaire Graff experience, creating points of interest and stories with insight, while simultaneously showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in South Africa, from the emerging to the well-established. And always ensuring that his impeccably groomed oasis offers a 360-degree ‘wow’ view . . .

Read more on the art collection at Delaire Graff in our Q&A with owner Laurence Graff