Glenelly Estate is situated in Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, on the southern slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain. Its origins date back to the 17th century when Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape, gave the land to the French Huguenot François Villon in 1682. In 1812 the estate remained in French hands when it passed on to Johan Peter de Villiers.
In 2003 May de Lencquesaing, then owner of the famous Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande purchased the estate. After 30 years in the wine business in France she chose this site due to her belief in the soil, the micro climate and the potential for quality wines, her belief in continuing the long relationship between the French and winemaking in South Africa going back more than three centuries, and because she believes in South Africa and wishes to play a part in its economic development.
Glenelly's Glass Collection range of wines is inspired by May de Lencquesaing's private collection of antique glasses.
