Tucked away in the residential area of Idas Valley, Stellenbosch at the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, you’ll find a hidden gem called Glenelly Estate. The drive from the main gate to the venue already suggests that you’re in for a magnificent display of views. In 2003, at the golden age of 78, May de Lencquesaing owner of the famous Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande bought Glenelly Estate and began establishing the then fruit farm into a world- class estate.
After a yearlong closure due to extensive renovations, the estate was reopened in late 2016 with a bistro, tasting room and the glass museum. Glenelly Estate is breathtaking and sophisticated yet manages to be unpretentious at the same time. The friendly down-to-earth nature of the staff is refreshing and allows you to fully enjoy everything this magnificent estate has to offer.
Wine with a view at the Tasting Room
Glenelly Estate winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain has managed to perfectly capture the three key elements that define their award-winning wines: power, elegance and balance. These elements seamlessly come together at the tasting room on the top floor of the winery which overlooks the lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. The tasting area is light, airy with views beckoning you to linger longer and savour the superb wines. We tasted the current and back vintages of the Estate Reserve and Lady May wines in the winemaker’s private tasting area which is separated by a large cabinet de curiosité featuring interesting elements related to wine, the family and the estate.
Opening Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 10h00 – 18h00 | Thursday to Saturday until 19h00 and Sunday until 15h00 |+27 21 809 6446 | tasting@glenelly.co.za
Unveiling of the Glenelly Flagship Lady May and Estate Reserve Signature Red Blend 2013 Vintages
The 2013 vintages of Glenelly’s flagship Lady May and Estate Reserve signature red blend has just been unveiled and is truly special. The Lady May 2013 is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. It’s an elegant and complex wine with fresh blackberry, cassis, dark cherry and spicy plum notes. Lady May 2013 can be purchased online and is available nationwide at specialist wine merchants at a recommended retail price of R490.
The Estate Reserve 2013 vintage is a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. True to the ethos of Glenelly wines, the 2013 vintage is all about elegance and underlying power with bold aromatics of blackberries, cranberry and blackcurrant that are followed by hints of savoury, spicy plum with touches of cedar and floral tones. The Glenelly Estate Reserve Red retails nationally at approximately R230.
The Vine Bistro at Glenelly Estate – French inspired dining
The bistro overlooks the picturesque Glenelly Estate vineyards. The décor is sophisticated and relaxed with a mix of 19th century chairs and classic Parisian tables. Headed by Chef Christophe Dehosse, the bistro serves seasonal food made from local organic farm produce. Our lunch was nothing short of a culinary delight. For starters we had the Cape seafood ceviche, lemon and ginger pickled watermelon with a sago crisp. The main dish was roasted Karoo lamb loin, lamb croquette, buttered green beans, grilled aubergine, Parisienne gnocchi and thyme. Dessert was a delightful selection of Petit Fours that left me wanting more! All dishes where beautifully complimented by the Glennelly wines.
Trading hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12h00 – 15h00 | Thursday to Saturday from 18h30 – 22h00 | +27 21 809 6444 | bistro@glenelly.co.za
Prepare to be fascinated by the Glass Museum
Our day at Glenelly started with a tour of the Glass Museum which is situated in the underground floor of the estate. May de Lencquesaing has always loved ancient and contemporary glass and her collection is a unique journey through the history of glassmaking. The Glass Museum is home to over 480 glass pieces dating back to the 1st century BC. I was especially captivated by the L’Esprit du Temps/Spirit of Time sculpture by French artist Richard Texier. The unusual hue of the Croix Leibnitz by Spainish artist Salvador Dali was also very interesting. However, all the pieces in the Glass Museum are exquisite in their own way and will leave you spellbound.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 10h00 – 17h00 | Sunday: 10h00 – 15h00 | Closed Mondays and Tuesdays | glassmuseum@glenelly.co.za
**I was invited to Glenelly Estate. Wine and food images are my own, all other images were supplied. As always, all views are my own, unbiased and completely honest.
