Our history
In 2003, at the age of 78, May de Lencquesaing, then owner of the famous Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, purchased the estate, part of the original Idas Valley farm, 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, realising her vision of establishing a thriving winery that best utilises the soils and microclimate of the valley and supports local economic development and the community. And thus Glenelly Estate was reborn.
The 1783 stamp on the labels signifies nearly 250 years of the family’s involvement in the wine industry which continues into the 21st century at Glenelly. Their ancestor, Elie Miailhe, was granted the title of ‘royal wine broker’ in 1783. May de Lencquesaing (née Miailhe), continues this tradition together with her grandchildren, Nicolas Bureau and Arthur de Lencquesaing.
1487
1487
Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias navigates the tip of southern Africa and names it the "Cao da Boa Esperanca", the Cape of Good Hope.
1652
Dutch East Indies Company sets up a ship "refreshment" station in what would become Cape Town.
1655
The Cape's first governor, Jan Van Riebeeck, plants first vines.
1682
Cape Governor Simon Van Der Stel cedes the land on which Glenelly stands in the Ida's valley to a French Huguenot, Francois Villion.
1685
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in France growing the ranks of the Huguenots population around Cape Town (picture called “Revocation of the Edict of Nantes”)
1738
May’s ancestor, Elie Miailhe, is granted the title of ‘royal wine broker’.
1806
Cape-area under British administration.
1855
May's great grandfather, John Benjamin Butler, stops at Cape Town en route from the Philippines to London for family business.
1911
Glenelly is purchased by Jack Garlick, the son of the department store founder John Garlick, and is run as a fruit farm for over 90 years.
1925
May is born in Bordeaux and raised in the middle of the family estates: chateaux Pichon Lalande, Palmer, Siran and Ducru-Beaucaillou.
1939
During World War Two (1939-1945), May lived under German occupation and her stories are told in the book “Wine and War” by Donald & Petie Kladstrup.
1947
May marries Hervé de Lencquesaing, a French cavalry officer. They will have 4 children together.
1978
May de Lencquesaing inherits Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Grand Cru Classé in 1855.
2003
After many years of searching for the ideal site to create a vineyard, May purchases Glenelly Estate, on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg.
2004
60 hectares are planted, overseen by Pichon Lalande’s team and viticulturist Heinrich Louw.
2007
Luke O'Cuinneagain joins the Glenelly team.
2008
The first vintages of Glenelly Estate.
2009
Completion of the winery by inauguration of the 6,000 m² environmentally friendly winery, anchored in the mountains on 4 floors functioning by gravity flow.
2010
May de Lencquesaing’s grandson Nicolas Bureau joins as Export Manager - the 8th generation of vintners and wine producers.
2011
May de Lencquesaing promoted by the French government, from "Chevalier" to “Officer” in the Order of the Legion of Honour.
2013
Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa (PIWOSA) is created, of which Glenelly Estate is a founding member.
2015
Arthur de Lencquesaing joins as Marketing Manager, launching both projects of renovation of the winery and rebranding.
2015
May de Lencquesaing celebrates her 90th birthday and ads some new contemporary pieces to the Glass Collection.
2016
May de Lencquesaing honoured as an Officier de l'Ordre du Mérite Agricole by French Ministery of Agriculture for her achievements at Chateau Pichon Lalande and Glenelly.
2016
The new logos and labels are launched.
Wines are made to pair with food and The Vine Bistro, headed by Chef Christophe Dehosse, offers a French-inspired dining experience.
The interior decor is warm and elegant and includes a harmonious mix of 19th century chairs, classic Parisian tables, a contemporary cellar, a fireplace for the winter, leather banquettes and a traditional bar.
Outside on the terrace or under the pergola, long wooden tables, a water feature, plants and a petanque court invite long lazy afternoons enjoying the picturesque views of our estate.
Opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday: lunch from 12pm
Thursday to Saturday: dinner from 6.30pm
Book now:
bistro@glenelly.co.za
+27 (21) 809 6444
Gallery
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