by Aude
Few years ago, I fell in love with Cape Town. Like deeply in love. In love enough to fly there every February for my CNY break (knowing that February is just the perfect time to visit beautiful Cape Town because it’s summer there). Why such a deep love? I can’t really explain, it just feels like Cape Town is the right place for me: the landscape, the vibes, the people, the food … I’ve only been back from my annual trip there for a few days and already missing my favorite place on earth.
What is there to do in Cape Town, people always ask me? Well, quite a lot! Here is my Cape Town city-guide if you wanna explore what this beautiful city has to offer. And if you ask me, one of the highlights of my stay every year is a trip to the vineyards (roughly a 1h30 drive from the city-center). Also known as Franschhoek (literally “The French neighborhood” referring to its history: Cape Town’s Wine Valley was first established by French Huguenot escaping religious persecutions in France) Cape Town’s Wine Valley is home of amazingly beautiful and photogenic vineyards and definitely worth a full day trip. Even better, spend the night over there! Not sure where to stay? I’ve been lucky to visit Mont Rochelle and can’t recommend it enough!
Here are 4 reasons why you should visit Mont Rochelle
IT’S A VIRGIN LIMITED EDITION PROPERTY
Few years ago, I fell in love with Cape Town. Like deeply in love. In love enough to fly there every February for my CNY break (knowing that February is just the perfect time to visit beautiful Cape Town because it’s summer there). Why such a deep love? I can’t really explain, it just feels like Cape Town is the right place for me: the landscape, the vibes, the people, the food … I’ve only been back from my annual trip there for a few days and already missing my favorite place on earth.
What is there to do in Cape Town, people always ask me? Well, quite a lot! Here is my Cape Town city-guide if you wanna explore what this beautiful city has to offer. And if you ask me, one of the highlights of my stay every year is a trip to the vineyards (roughly a 1h30 drive from the city-center). Also known as Franschhoek (literally “The French neighborhood” referring to its history: Cape Town’s Wine Valley was first established by French Huguenot escaping religious persecutions in France) Cape Town’s Wine Valley is home of amazingly beautiful and photogenic vineyards and definitely worth a full day trip. Even better, spend the night over there! Not sure where to stay? I’ve been lucky to visit Mont Rochelle and can’t recommend it enough!
Here are 4 reasons why you should visit Mont Rochelle
IT’S A VIRGIN LIMITED EDITION PROPERTY
Mont Rochelle isn’t just any property, it’s a Virgin Limited Edition one and therefore part of Sir Richard Branson’s collection of stunning retreats and venues across the world.
And stunning this vineyard definitely is! The ground at Mont Rochelle cover 39 hectares for you to explore and boast incredible views of the surrounding mountains and lands.
Oh and don’t you worry about this peaceful paradise being invaded by a crazy crowd of tourists … there are only 26 rooms and suites at Mont Rochelle and, booking one of them, you’ll be treated to the most peaceful retreat of all. Now all you have to do is decide which room to go for. One of the four Shiraz Rooms with king size bed and a courtyard or valley view? Or maybe something a bit larger like one of the six Merlot Rooms? Looking for even more privacy?
And stunning this vineyard definitely is! The ground at Mont Rochelle cover 39 hectares for you to explore and boast incredible views of the surrounding mountains and lands.
Oh and don’t you worry about this peaceful paradise being invaded by a crazy crowd of tourists … there are only 26 rooms and suites at Mont Rochelle and, booking one of them, you’ll be treated to the most peaceful retreat of all. Now all you have to do is decide which room to go for. One of the four Shiraz Rooms with king size bed and a courtyard or valley view? Or maybe something a bit larger like one of the six Merlot Rooms? Looking for even more privacy?
The six Cabernet Rooms all include a private terrace overlooking the valley.
And if you are more of the suite type you can either go for a Pinotage Suite or go for one of the two Cap Classique Suites to enjoy your private plunge pool. Have you notice, all the rooms are named after grapes varieties?
YOU CAN BOOK YOURSELF IN FOR WINE TASTING WITH AMAZING VIEWS OF THE SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS
YOU CAN BOOK YOURSELF IN FOR WINE TASTING WITH AMAZING VIEWS OF THE SURROUNDING MOUNTAINS
Wouldn’t be a proper trip to the vineyards without a wine, tasting right? And at Mont Rochelle wine tastings are hosted daily until 6 pm.
Definitely recommend seating outside on the Country Kitchen ’s terrace to enjoy the amazing mountain and vineyard views along with your chilled glass of Mont Rochelle Sauvignon Blanc and some nibbles (I personally love my wine with cheese and cold cuts).
Guest staying at Mont Rochelle also have the opportunity to meet wine-maker Dustin Osborne and get to know more about the recent launch of a replanting project in the estate but also be treated to a visit of the wine cellar.
Pssst: Mont Rochelle has been awarded the Vineyard of the year 2018 in South Africa at the Luxury Travel Guide Food & Drink Awards. Told you it’s very special!
Hong Kong Madame’s fav Mont Rochelle wine: Miko White 2015, named after the late Mr. Miko Rwayitare previous owner of the vineyard and only produced in exceptional vintages (which means not every year).
YOU CAN BOOK YOUR VERY OWN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE VILLA IN A HERITAGE BUILDING: THE MANOR HOUSE
Definitely recommend seating outside on the Country Kitchen ’s terrace to enjoy the amazing mountain and vineyard views along with your chilled glass of Mont Rochelle Sauvignon Blanc and some nibbles (I personally love my wine with cheese and cold cuts).
Guest staying at Mont Rochelle also have the opportunity to meet wine-maker Dustin Osborne and get to know more about the recent launch of a replanting project in the estate but also be treated to a visit of the wine cellar.
Pssst: Mont Rochelle has been awarded the Vineyard of the year 2018 in South Africa at the Luxury Travel Guide Food & Drink Awards. Told you it’s very special!
Hong Kong Madame’s fav Mont Rochelle wine: Miko White 2015, named after the late Mr. Miko Rwayitare previous owner of the vineyard and only produced in exceptional vintages (which means not every year).
YOU CAN BOOK YOUR VERY OWN EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE VILLA IN A HERITAGE BUILDING: THE MANOR HOUSE
Imagine a four-bedroom (and one children’s bunkroom) villa where you could make use of your very own private kitchen, living room, games room, two heated swimming pools and gym to enjoy a sweet escape to the winelands with your family or friends. The Manor House at Mont Rochelle is the most exclusive and exquisite place.
A place which of course also comes with perfect service and details: natural and eco-friendly South African beauty amenities from Africology, daily breakfast, daily 3 courses lunch at the Country Kitchen or lunch and dinner at Miko, drinks package per person, complimentary wine tasting sessions, complementary selection of drinks and snacks ….
Hong Kong Madame’s fav room at The Manor House: The Viognier Room for its own private little terrace and exquisite details but also (and most importantly) for its privacy. Unlike the 3 other adult rooms, the Viognier Room isn’t located directly in The Manor House but a few steps away in its own little house. Absolutely perfect for when you need a little quiet time (and who doesn’t need one during a family or friends’ holidays?).
A LUXURY HOTEL WHICH IS KID FRIENDLY
A LUXURY HOTEL WHICH IS KID FRIENDLY
Wine and wine tastings aren’t the only thing on the menu at Mont Rochelle and younger guests, also known as “Little Corkers”, can expect a whole range of exciting activities. The hotel’s beautiful and extensive grounds are dotted with law games for kiddos and their parents to spend family time in the sun.
“Little Corkers” will also love getting their hands and feet dirty stomping grapes with the wine experts from the estate before refreshing with a grape juice tasting.
Last but not least, the estate also features a tennis court (probably the most beautiful tennis court we’ve ever seen … I mean, who wouldn’t dream of playing tennis in the middle of the vineyards?) and a beautiful swimming pool.
“Little Corkers” will also love getting their hands and feet dirty stomping grapes with the wine experts from the estate before refreshing with a grape juice tasting.
Last but not least, the estate also features a tennis court (probably the most beautiful tennis court we’ve ever seen … I mean, who wouldn’t dream of playing tennis in the middle of the vineyards?) and a beautiful swimming pool.
