Glenelly Estate is a prominent wine estate located on the southern slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The estate was acquired in 2003 by May de Lencquesaing, the former owner of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, a Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac, Bordeaux, France.

At the time of purchase, Glenelly was a fruit farm with no vines. May de Lencquesaing, at 78 years old, embarked on a significant project to plant vineyards and establish a world-class winery, blending her extensive French winemaking heritage with the unique South African terroir.

The estate spans 123 hectares, with 57 hectares under vine, primarily focusing on Bordeaux red varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc) and Syrah, as well as Chardonnay for white wines.

Glenelly’s state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly winery, inaugurated in 2009, is anchored in the mountains and operates on a gravity-flow system across four levels. The estate is known for producing wines with power, elegance, and balance, reflecting both French style and South African characteristics. Their portfolio includes the flagship “Lady May” Bordeaux blend, the “Estate Reserve” range, and the “Glass Collection,” inspired by May de Lencquesaing’s antique glass collection displayed at the winery. The Vine Bistro on the estate offers French-inspired cuisine with vineyard views.

Honouring the legacy of its legendary owner, Madame May-Eliane de Lencquesaing, the 2017 vintage boasts an elegant, silky, and seamlessly harmonious texture, combined with an attractively fragrant, Margaux-esque delicacy and graceful precision. “From the exceptional 2017 vintage, this is a distinguished, patrician wine where everything is in place.”

Tim Atkin – 97 points

Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 94 points