At Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, every action we take is guided by a commitment to positively impact the earth, our guests and our employees. This #wineforgood month, we reaffirm our dedication to sustainability across each facet of the estate.
Renewable energy and carbon offsetting
Currently, 55% of the Estate’s electricity is sourced from renewables, with plans to increase this to 100% within the next two years. Each year, we offset the carbon footprint of our lodges, spa and Hōseki restaurant.
By purchasing carbon credits on behalf of our guests, we help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, supporting local and regional renewable energy initiatives across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Our lodges
From slippers made of recycled plastic and bamboo key cards to biodegradable coffee pods and refillable loose-leaf tea tins, our lodges are designed to minimise waste. Guests are encouraged to use water and electricity responsibly, and all cleaning products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Our gardens
Our water-wise gardens boast over 350 plant species, 70% of which are indigenous. Gardens Manager Torstiel Gumbo and his team practice zero-waste composting and maintain a thriving wormery, transforming kitchen and Estate leftovers into nutrient-rich organic compost that nourishes the grounds naturally.
Our restaurants
At Delaire Graff Restaurant, our chefs prioritise sourcing from local farms and suppliers practising biodynamic farming, ensuring freshness, creativity and authenticity in each dish. At Hōseki and Lorenzo’s Cucina Italiana, produce is handpicked from the Estate’s vegetable garden and greenhouse, with the remainder sourced from certified sustainable farms and fisheries that share our commitment to environmental stewardship.
The FACET Foundation
Established in 2008 by the owner of Delaire Graff Estate, Laurence Graff OBE, FACET – For Africa’s Children Every Time – supports children and communities across Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa with charitable projects focused on poverty relief, education, training and medical support.
Relais & Châteaux
As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, Delaire Graff Estate aligns with the association’s global sustainability vision, embracing a holistic approach that recognises the vital connection between food, culture, community and the natural environment. Through responsible sourcing, a celebration of local culinary traditions and the reduction of our environmental footprint, we actively contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the well-being of surrounding ecosystems.
We remain devoted to nurturing our people and supporting local communities, ensuring that every aspect of the Estate reflects a shared responsibility to protect and enrich the world for generations to come. From renewable energy to local sourcing, from biodiversity to community empowerment, we strive to create responsibly, give wholeheartedly and leave no trace.
Good news stories abound in the South African Winelands. The #wineforgood campaign, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, is all about sharing these uplifting stories. We dedicate the month of April to our #wineforgood campaign each year, sharing a good news story every day. Join us in spreading the good news about South African wine. If you'd like to submit a story, please email editor@wine.co.za. For more stories, visit www.wineforgood.co.za.