My Mont Rochelle Franschhoek review from June 2017 covers this beautiful boutique hotel situated on a working vineyard in Franschhoek, in the Cape Winelands outside Cape Town.
It is one of the small portfolio of unique hotels that make up Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s hotel group.
In this post:
Check In
The check in process is was very smooth, with Peter from the management team meeting the car outside and escorting me into the bar area for the check in formalities.
A glass of rose bubbles was presented as we discussed my plans over the four nights of my stay, which included visits to a few wineries and meals at Foliage (unfortunately Pierneef at La Motte was closed for their Winter break and Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français was only being re-opened by the team from La Colombe later in August).
Peter confirmed the Virtuoso benefits which included a complimentary lunch at Country Kitchen and a guided tour of the cellars by Dustin, the Mont Rochelle winemaker. Breakfast is included for all guests.
James, the General Manager, also stopped by to introduce himself and welcome me to Mont Rochelle.
Mont Rochelle Cap Classique Suite Review
An upgrade, subject to availability, is also a Virtuoso benefit and I lucked out with Room 27. The two Cap Classique Suites are the best rooms in the house and come with their own plunge pool.
The daybed was perfectly positioned to take in the mountain views.
With the interior tastefully appointed in a modern, though not minimalist style.
The bathroom was luxurious with a oversized bathtub and walk-in rainshower. Floors were heated, which was appreciated during my stay in August.
The minibar, including wine, is complimentary and replenished each day.
Dining Review
The quality of food at Miko for breakfast was excellent, with a cold buffet that is supplemented by a hot dish cooked to order.
Complimentary local bubbles, or méthode cap classique, is also part of the breakfast offering.
I also ordered room service on the first night and found the burger a simple but tasty meal.
The Virtuoso benefit of a lunch at Country Kitchen and wine tasting couldn’t have happened on a more perfect day.
The steak was flavoursome and the mix of chips and roast vegetables was just right, especially after a few big meals in Cape Town at La Colombe and Test Kitchen.
Ice cream with a view!
Electing to have the wine tasting on the terrace was definitely the right call. The wines themselves were good, though not superb.
Mont Rochelle Cellar Tour
The cellar tour with Dustin, the Mont Rochelle winemaker, was an interesting 45 minutes and featured tastings of their top of the line Miko wines (which I thought were a noticeable step up and had excellent flavour/complexity/mouth feel).
I was surpised to learn that one of these French oak barrels goes for over €800 so it’s understandable they use them for four years!
Other interesting points include the use of a humidifier in the barrel room to minimise loss by evaporation from the barrels and the steep decline in grape production of older vines (though obviously compensation comes in the quality of the wine produced).
Location
Mont Rochelle, the hotel, is located about 15 minutes walk from the town of Franschhoek, with about half of that time being spent within the grounds of Mont Rochelle, the estate.
There are complimentary transfers several times per day that work well for lunch and dinner.
Mont Rochelle Franschhoek Review Verdict
I absolutely loved my four night stay at Mont Rochelle. It was the perfect boutique country hotel that somehow never felt busy, even though occupancy was at about 70% during my stay.
Staff get to know you pretty quickly, and were always ready to help but never intrusive. And as mentioned above Peter is a star and really made this stay.
