In 2003, at the age of 78, May de Lencquesaing, then owner of the famouns Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, purchased the estate, part of the original Idas Valley farm, granted in 1982 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 establhing a thriving winery that best utilises the soils and micro-climate 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.

“My vision was to establish Glenelly Estate as a world-class wine estate, producing award-winning wines with power, elegance, and balance. From my childhood in the heart of Bordeaux’s finest vineyards until today, I have travelled the world and discovered the amazing diversity of terroirs. On my first visit to Stellenbosch, I knew that this was where I wanted to fulfil my dream of starting a new adventure outside of France.” – May de Lencquesaing – Founder