Delaire Graff estate is one of the joys of travel; a gem hiding in plain sight. And ‘gem’ is the right word too. For if you didn’t know it was there you’d drive right past the gates to the dramatic mountaintop estate owned by diamond supremo Sir David Graff.

Perched atop the Helshoogte Pass outside the winelands town of Stellenbosch, Delaire enjoys some of the best views in the winelands, not least from the deck of the flagship restaurant under the helm of chef Christiaan Campbell.

For while the views are certainly spectacular they are only the starter course for a full menu of indulgence at this opulent estate. Take the art, for instance: the grounds and buildings are filled with pieces from Graff’s private collection, including works by Dylan Lewis and Tretchikoff. The latter’s famous ‘Chinese Girl’ painting currently greets visitors to the winery and Delaire Graff restaurant.

Winemaker Morne Vrey is crafting elegant whites and red blends from grapes both grown on the estate and from selected vineyards further afield. A few steps away, Campbell is widely respected for his fine dining menu that takes sustainability and farm-to-fork principles to heart. It’s not the only gastronomic pleasure on offer though. At the Delaire Lodge, Indochine dishes up superb Asian-fusion dishes with a local twist.

After such feasting you’ll want to spend the night. Each of the estate’s 10 ‘lodges’ is more of a small apartment than a hotel suite, with stylish sitting room, fireplace and spacious bedroom. You’ll also love the private kitchen, stocked with organic coffee and bespoke nibbles.

From the terrace to the discreet plunge pool the views wash in from every angle, and the magnificent gardens surrounding each lodge have been carefully planted to bloom throughout the year. Yes, there’s flat-screen TVs and WiFi and all the usual mod cons and a health spa, but it’s the sense of place – and space – that sets Delaire apart as one of the finest small hotels in the winelands.