The theme of the last instalment of this column explored the historical association between mining capital and three of South Africa’s most prestigious wine estates. Continuing that theme, it is interesting to note that a further two of the country’s premier wine estates also boast a link to the ultraluxurious world of diamonds.

The estate that truly embodies such a link is the Delaire Graff estate, owned by the modern-day King of Diamonds, world-famous gem dealer Graff Diamonds International chairperson Laurence Graff.

Graff, who was born in Stepney, England, in 1938, has been in the diamond business since the tender age of 15, when he became a jeweller’s apprentice, learning the art of repairing rings and creating small pieces of jewellery. Graff himself has stated that diamonds have been his lifelong passion. “I remember my first diamond and looking inside the stone and being fascinated. This wonder has stayed with me.”

The budding diamond magnate’s career advanced rapidly and, by the age of 24, he had founded his own company, Graff Diamonds, and opened two jewellery stores. By 1974, he had established himself as a gem dealer and jeweller of distinction, specialising in supplying the world’s most affluent with exclusive, finest-quality jewellery. It has been said that more important gem-quality diamonds have passed through Graff’s hands than those of any other dealer. Among the most famous diamonds that have passed through the company include the 69.68 ct Excelsior, the 115.91 ct Hope of Africa, the 54.04 ct Porter Rhodes, the 100.57 ct Star of America, the 603 ct Lesotho Promise and the 493 ct Letšeng Legacy. Through his diamond business, Graff has amassed a considerable fortune and, in 2013, Forbes ranked the diamond magnate as the 299th-richest person, with a fortune of $4.3-billion.

Graff entered the South African wine industry in 2003, when he used some of his substantial wealth to buy the Delaire winery, situated on the Helshoogte pass, which overlooks the Stellenbosch vineyards. (Interestingly, the winery was bought from John Platter, South Africa’s most celebrated wine writer and critic, who had owned the estate since 1982. It was Platter who renamed the farm Delaire; it was formerly called Avonduur, French for ‘from the eyrie’, as it looks down over spectacular scenery.) Graff’s aim in buying the estate was, seemingly, to channel his love of cultural luxuries by establishing South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination.

In just over ten years, Graff has completely transformed and modernised the estate. Today, Delaire boasts one of the most advanced cellars in the southern hemisphere and is now ranked in the top ten wine producers in the country. (Delaire’s wine offering is extensive and covers a range of grapes – from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In recognition of its founder, the estate has christened a flagship red blend the Delaire Graff Laurence Graff Reserve.) Two restaurants, exclusive lodges, a spa and two luxury boutiques have also been added to the estate’s offerings over the decade.

Further, the estate houses many original artworks from Graff’s personal collection, representing some of the country’s finest contemporary artists.

As a nod to the House of Graff and in recognition of the source of the family’s fortune, a Graff Diamond store is located on the estate. In fact, the store was the first to be opened in Africa and sells handcrafted jewellery designed and manufactured by Graff’s London-based master jewellers.

Another diamond magnate who has invested in the South African wine industry and built a successful and luxury wine brand is Chris Hellinger.

Originally from Germany, Hellinger has had a diverse entrepreneurial career across the African continent. A mechanical engineer by training, he began his career operating Caterpillar equipment franchises in five African countries and then, in the 1980s, made a transition to the Angolan diamond mining business. In fact, during that decade, Hellinger became one of the leading diamond magnates in Angola and made a substantial fortune, before heightening political turmoil forced him to leave the country.

Hellinger’s foray into the South African wine industry began in 1991, when he bought the Chamonix wine farm, a 273 ha wine and fruit estate located high up on Mount Rochelle, in the historic wine region of Franschhoek. The farm itself has a wine tradition dating back to the late seventeenth century, as it once formed part of the historic Huguenot farm, La Cotte, established in 1688.

Over the last two decades, Hellinger has invested considerable capital into transforming the estate into a premier leisure destination. Chamonix boasts not only a highly rated and award-winning wine range, but also a seven-cottage hotel, restaurant and horse farm. The estate produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a range of red variety wines, although it is particularly noted for its award-winning Chardonnay.