Madam May de Lencquesaing’s spectacular Glenelly Estate Glass Collection is housed in the winery. It is one of the largest privately-owned collections in the world. The exhibits range from the 1st and 2nd Century to modern classics, including pieces by Salvador Dali and Lino Tagliapietra.
In 2003 Glenelly was acquired by Madame May de Lencquesaing. She is the owner of a Grand Cru Classe’ at Paullic Bordeaux, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. It was part of the Ida’s Valley farm originally granted in 1682 by Simon van der Stel. With a nod to the French Huguenot settlers 300 years before, she set about planting vines to replace the existing fruit trees. Her vision was to transform the property into a thriving winery that best utilizes the soils and microclimate of the valley. Her ideal was to also support local economic development and the community. Glenelly has repaid this faith and stands tall as a leading producer on the slopes of the magnificent Simonsberg mountain.
Glenelly’s vision is to produce authentic South African wines reflecting terroir and vintage in the Simonsberg-Stellenbosch ward. However, one cannot help but be aware of the French connection. The CEO is Madam May’s grandson Nicholas Bureau and the restuarant chef is French.
The wine portfolio is elegant of course, maintaining classic European characteristics. There are no commercial yeasts used, and the wines are tended as naturally as possible. Last year was Glenelly Estate’s 20th anniversary. There are long-term replanting plans in place, aided by the latest technology, in particular to sustantially expand the cabernet vineyards.
The wines in this collection include cabernet franc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, chardonnay,
