In 2003, at the age of 78, May de Lencquesaing, then the owner of the iconic Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, a Grand Cru Classe from Pauillac, in Bordeaux, started a new venture on South African Soil, and purchased Glenelly Estate. With a nod to the French Huguenots settlers and after cautious study of the terroir, she built a thriving winery that best utilises the soils and microclimate of the valley and supports local economic development and community.
In 2018, the estate decided to adopt a holistic approach to both viticulture and winemaking, embracing organic farming practices. Glenelly Estate strongly believes that keeping a natural balance in their vineyards and the surroundings is beneficial for the quality of the wines and people.
The 6000 metres square winery was constructed across 4 levels and operates by gravity flow. Solar panels, recycled water and insulation against climate extremes contribute further to less- ening the environmental impact. The estate aims to recycle all waste that is generated.
Glenelly Estate has 3 collections of wine:
Glass Collection - A range of premium single varietal wines celebrates May de Lencquesaing’s lifelong passion for the art of glassmaking.
Estate Reserve Collection - The signature wines of the estate – a red blend using the highest quality grapes and a beautifully complex oaked Chardonnay.
Lady May Collection - The flagship wine, sourced from a single block Cabernet Sauvignon and completed by a dash of other traditional Bordeaux grapes.
Making the best out of South Africa, May de Lencquesaing envisions Glenelly Estate as world-class, producing award winning wines with power, elegance and balance
Click here for the 2021 Green Creditentials from the winery.