The Glass Museum in Glenelly Estate #111
An Exceptional Private Collection
The Glass Museum, housed within the winery of Glenelly Estate, owned by May-Éliane de Lencquesaing, showcases one of the largest privately-owned glass collections in the world. Spanning 2,000 years of history, it presents masterpieces from Roman antiquity to contemporary creations.
Visitors can explore 600 exceptional pieces from Bohemia, Venice, France, England, and Sweden, including icons of Art Nouveau and Art Deco by Daum, Lalique, Gallé, and Tiffany, alongside modern works by Lino Tagliapietra, Salvador Dalí, and Jean-Claude Novarro.
Art and Storytelling
Each piece in the collection tells a story of human creativity and transformation – much like wine itself. Highlights include God of Crops by Richard Texier, Cross Leibniz by Salvador Dalí, and 17th-century Italian masterpieces.
The museum celebrates the evolution of glassmaking, blending history, beauty, and innovation into a unique cultural experience that captivates both connoisseurs and casual visitors alike.
An Engaging Visitor Experience
The Glass Museum is not just a display but an immersive experience. Guests can enjoy curated film screenings from Corning University, providing insight into the intricate craft of glassmaking. Open Tuesday to Saturday (10:00–17:00) and Sunday (10:00–15:00), with free admission, the museum invites all to discover the magic of glass – where artistry, heritage, and storytelling come together.
The Woman Behind the Legacy: May-Éliane de Lencquesaing
May-Éliane de Lencquesaing, owner of Glenelly Estate and curator of this remarkable collection, is a legendary figure in the world of wine. Born into a Bordeaux winemaking family, she restored the prestigious Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande before founding Glenelly Estate in South Africa at the age of seventy-eight. An Officer of France’s Legion of Honour, she also holds the Order of Agricultural Merit and the Youth and Sports Medal.
In addition to her winemaking achievements, May-Éliane is the author of the memoir My Journey with Wine, which recounts her life across continents, her restoration of historic estates, and her philosophy of winemaking. Her life and career reflect creativity, vision, and dedication, making both her wines and her glass collection a testament to excellence, artistry, and timeless elegance.
Wines, Style, and Social Responsibility
Glenelly Estate brings together French winemaking heritage and South African spirit, crafting wines that unite character and elegance while authentically expressing their distinctive terroir.
Glenelly Estate’s flagship wines include:
- Lady May – a rich Cabernet Sauvignon with blackcurrant and liquorice notes;
- Estate Reserve Red Blend – with Syrah;
- Estate Reserve Chardonnay – creamy, with apple and pear aromas;
- Glass Collection – unoaked wines highlighting purity and finesse.
The estate actively practices regenerative viticulture, caring for soil health and minimizing its environmental footprint. Glenelly also supports the local community, including educational initiatives for employees’ children, and welcomes visitors for tastings, cellar tours, and dining at The Vine Bistro.
