This August, wine lovers heading to the Maldives are in for a rare sensory treat. At RAAYA by Atmosphere and VARU by Atmosphere, guests can immerse themselves in South Africa’s rich winemaking tradition with a special tribute to Glenelly Estate, an iconic name in Stellenbosch wines.

The exclusive wine events are scheduled from 10th to 12th August at RAAYA and from 14th to 16th August at VARU, curated as part of the fully inclusive RAAYA Plan™ and VARU Plan™. Guests can enjoy these experiences at no additional cost upon pre-booking.

Founded by the legendary Madame May de Lencquesaing, fondly known as Lady May, Glenelly Estate embodies the fusion of French winemaking philosophy and South African terroir. Even at the age of 80, Lady May ventured into winemaking in South Africa, transforming a historic fruit farm into a vineyard known for its graceful and complex vintages. This year, she celebrates her 100th birthday, marking a century of inspiration and achievement.

Continuing her legacy, Glenelly Estate returns to the Maldives for a series of in-resort wine events led by Cellar Master Dirk van Zyl. Raised in South Africa’s Robertson Wine Valley and trained in Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, Dirk brings deep knowledge of terroir and a passion for storytelling through wine.

“Wine tells a story of time and place,” shares Dirk. “The upcoming events offer a unique chance to share Glenelly’s story, set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.”

Beyond guest experiences, Dirk will also host workshops and blind tastings for the resorts’ culinary teams, enriching their knowledge to better guide guests through the Glenelly portfolio.

Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, notes, “It’s about more than wine — it’s about celebrating heritage and making it approachable. Our partnerships, like with Glenelly Estate, allow us to turn our island resorts into unexpected hubs for wine discovery.”

The wine initiative is part of Atmosphere Core’s wine program, launched in 2021 with THE OZEN COLLECTION and now expanded to include brands like COLOURS OF OBLU, Glenelly Estate, Bodegas Martín Códax, and Bottega SpA.

Whether sipping Lady May under a Maldivian sunset or enjoying a moonlit tasting session, guests can expect an unforgettable blend of storytelling, fine wine, and island charm this August.