Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard is a charming 26 bedroom property surrounded by rich vegetation and beautiful scenery. Mont Rochelle stands in the town of Franschhoek, resting against the slopes of the Klein Dassenberg Mountain Range. The hotel lies within a 39-hectare estate, where guests can feel free to explore and immerse themselves in the beautiful plant life. Mont Rochelle’s kitchens can also provide delicious picnics for you to take out and enjoy among the verdant gardens. Indulge in a bottle of fine wine, surrounded by flowers and trees with a view of the 37-hectare vineyard. The hotel also features two exquisite restaurants, a fully-equipped bar, a spa, a gym and a luxurious heated outdoor pool.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Franschhoek, South Africa
Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province, just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town, and is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa. The hotel is just a 35-minute drive from the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Somerset West wine routes, and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and impressive mountains.
Guests can reach Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard by flying to Cape Town International Airport. Transfer can be arranged from the airport or city, and guests can self drive to the property if preferred.
- Located in the Franschhoek wine valley
- Beautiful views of the Klien Dassenberg Mountain Range
- Explore nearby vineyards on the Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Wine tastings and winery tours
- Fine dining experience
- Picnics on the grounds
- Swimming pool
- Gym
- Relaxing spa treatments
Each of the Shiraz Rooms features a king-size bed, which can be made up as twin beds on request, a full-length mirror, a writing desk and comfy armchairs. The Shiraz rooms can be found in the Garden wing and Manor house wing of the hotel, where guests can enjoy courtyard or valley views from the comfort of their private balcony with outdoor seating – the perfect spot to enjoy a fine wine from the hotel’s cellar.
The en-suite facilities have underfloor heating and guests will be provided with a fluffy bathrobe and slippers. There is both heating and air-conditioning to maintain a comfortable climate, and guests will be able to use a complimentary umbrella so that no matter what the weather does, you are prepared.
Complimentary tea and coffee facilities are available to use as well as the room’s minibar. Notepads and pens are also provided along with postcards and stamps so that you can write to friends at home and share your amazing adventures.
The six Merlot Rooms are located in the Garden wing and Manor House wing of the hotel, offering amazing valley views. These rooms are larger than the Shiraz rooms, with more space for moving around and relaxing. Each of the rooms includes king-size beds which can be made up as twin beds on request, a flat-screen TV, mini speakers for streaming music, tea and coffee facilities, postcards and stamps, and a safe for storing valuables.
Your private en-suite bathroom features Africology toiletries, a hairdryer, a fluffy bathrobe and slippers, as well as underfloor heating. There is also heating and air-conditioning to maintain a comfortable climate, and guests can enjoy the fresh air and stunning views out on your balcony.
Each of the six Cabernet Rooms features a charming private terrace that overlooks the sweeping vineyards and beautiful Franschhoek valley. The bedrooms all include a king-size bed which can be made up as two twins on request. The modern decor, with splashes of colour and an imaginative design, creates a comfortable yet interesting space where guests can relax and feel at home.
The spacious bedroom includes a flat-screen TV, mini speakers for streaming music, tea and coffee making facilities, a notepad and pen, postcards with stamps, a hairdryer, a fluffy bathrobe, and comfy slippers. The bathroom has underfloor heating and complimentary Africology branded bathroom amenities, and both heating and air-conditioning are provided to maintain a pleasant climate. Enjoy the pleasant views from your outdoor seated area with a refreshment from the room’s complimentary minibar.
The Pinotage Suites are located in the manor wing and the Garden wing, where guests can take in the glorious views of the picturesque gardens and rolling landscape. The jagged mountains spread across the horizon, creating breathtaking scenery which can be admired from the suite’s private terrace with outdoor seating. The tranquil setting creates a homely atmosphere which is complemented by the luxurious suite.
Guests will be able to relax in their spacious lounge around a toasty fireplace in the cooler evenings and lie back on a king-size bed fitted with soft sheets and blankets. The bedrooms also include additional seating and a flatscreen TV, as well as access to the outside.
In your extra-large bathroom, you will find complimentary Africology bathroom products, a fluffy bathrobe and slippers, a huge bathtub for enjoying a soothing soak and a walk-in shower. The bathroom has a sleek and modern design and underfloor heating.
The Cap Classique Suites are the two largest rooms at Mont Rochelle. Located in the Vineyard wing of the hotel, these suites offer guests a separate lounge area, private terrace and a heated plunge pool with sun loungers and panoramic views of the rolling landscape. The spacious lounge includes sofas, a flatscreen TV, and two walls made up of glass sliding doors with incredible views of the verdant scenery and beautiful plant life.
The cosy bedroom features warm colours and access to a seated patio with a sofa and hanging chair – an ideal spot to relax with one of the room’s books and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. All of the suites have king-size beds which can be made up as twin beds on request. The suite’s bathroom consists of twin basins, a large bathtub (with a rubber duck), fluffy towels and bathrobes and a comfy pair of slippers.
Complimentary Africology products will be provided as well as a hairdryer. The bathroom has a modern design with neutral colours and wood-panelled walls and underfloor heating.
The Manor House is located just a short walk from the main hotel building and close to the winery, giving guests easy access to the hotel’s facilities. This building is the newest addition to Mont Rochelle, and provide an exclusive private space for guests to unwind and relax. The house consists of four bedrooms and a bunk room and can be booked for exclusive use, making it ideal for small groups or families who are searching for a Winelands retreat.
The luxury villa also includes a kitchen, lounge, two swimming pools and a gym. The Manor House can cater for up to eight guests with an additional bunk room for up to six children.
MIKO is Mont Rochelle’s flagship restaurant, and offers incredible gourmet cuisine featuring a variety of traditional South African meals with a unique twist. Guests can begin their evening with a pre dinner cocktail from the bar, before watching the sunset from beyond MIKO’s curving wall of windows that offer incredible 180-degree views of the beautiful landscape, or get closer and enjoy a meal on the terrace.
Breakfast is included in your stay, and snacks and light meals are available from 11 am until 10 pm. MIKO offers incredible seasonal dishes made with fresh local produce which can be paired with their award-winning wine list. Dietary requirements can be catered for if advanced notice is given, and a separate children’s menu is available.
The Country Kitchen is a less formal restaurant where guests can enjoy a light lunch from 10 am until 5 pm, or a relaxed dinner in the evenings. Adjacent to Mont Rochelle’s wine cellar, guests can indulge in a bottle of fine local wine. The restaurant is located just a short walk or a quick drive from the main hotel building and transport can be arranged.
The Country Kitchen can also prepare delicious gourmet picnics for guests to enjoy among the beautiful grounds. Guests can choose a selection of mouthwatering treats including South African cheeses and charcuterie, arancini with a honey harissa sauce and fishcakes. Vegan and vegetarian picnic hampers are also available. The picnics are ideal for two adults to share, and children’s picnic baskets are available for younger guests.
Guests are encouraged to take a tour of Mont Rochelle’s 150-year-old wine cellar and learn about the wine-making process. Mont Rochelle processes a staggering 150 tons of grapes in a single season. They are focused on creating quality wines which guests are able to sample either in the cellar, at either of the two restaurants or at the hotel’s bar.
Cellar and winery tours are available on weekdays at 11 am and are complementary, although pre-booking is required. Stainless steel tanks are used to create sweet white wines, and barrels are used for the rich reds. Wines are also available to purchase so that you can introduce your friends back home to their delicious flavours.
Take some personal time to enjoy a relaxing spa experience at one of Mont Rochelle’s two dedicated spa treatment rooms. The spa also features a beautiful Hammam steam bath which guests can use at their leisure if it is not scheduled for a treatment. Mont Rochelle uses eco-friendly Africology products which are made entirely from natural ingredients. Enjoy a soothing and rejuvenating spa day and let go of the stresses of everyday life.
Mont Rochelle can arrange bicycle rentals with a local company, enabling guests to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Franschhoek valley via the many scenic bike routes. Enjoy a pleasant ride through the vineyards and take in the sweeping views of the incredible landscape while feeling the wind in your hair.
Take a hike through the hills and explore the valleys and vineyards that surround the hotel. The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve lies adjacent to the hotel, on the opposite side of the valley. Here, guests can enjoy stunning views of the valley and the distant Table Mountain. Walks and hikes can last from 3 to 8 hours and are considered moderately strenuous.
For hikes in the reserve, guests will need to obtain a 1-day permit (R30 per person) and a map (R15). Guests can also take leisurely walks through the farm and are requested to remain on the walkways in order to protect the vines.
Explore the Franschhoek wine valley by taking the famous wine tram service to the different vineyards. View the stunning scenery as you pass across the landscape and hop-off and on again at the various stops along the Franschhoek wine route. Visit some of South Africa’s oldest and most prominent wine estates and taste fine beverages and delicious cuisine as you travel on the open-air tram.
Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard are members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that encourages travellers to utilise their space suitcase space by bringing essential supplies that can help benefit the local community. Mont Rochelle is currently supporting FRANCO, a program which aims to improve social programs and organizations within the Franschhoek Valley.
Some of the projects that FRANCO have funded include ‘ex-offender community reintegration, soup kitchens, life skills training in schools, music outreach, school holiday programmes and early childhood development centres. FRANCO are also involved with various sports programmes as well as support groups for the elderly and people with disabilities.’
Guests can help to further this project by bringing general school supplies such as paper, stationery and erasable whiteboards; sports equipment such as basketballs, footballs and tennis racquets; clothing, shoes and socks; bed linen and bath towels; non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products. These much-needed items will then be sent directly to FRANCO to help enrich people’s lives.
Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard ensures that they only source raw materials and labour from ethical origins, and source as much of their food as possible from local farmers to help support the local economy and negate the need to import ingredients. This also reduces the number of carbon emissions produced.
Some of Virgin Limited Editon’s properties are located in areas where clean water supplies are scarce, and so guests are provided with bottled water. However, these have now been replaced by washable glass bottles that can be reused in order to eliminate the number of discarded plastic bottles which have a major detrimental impact on the environment. These properties also include a filter machine and the hotel teams are trained in operating it hygienically.
Children of all ages are welcome at Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard.