Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard 5*

EXPLORE MONT ROCHELLE

The grounds at Mont Rochelle cover 39 hectares (about 100 acres) and you’re welcome to go exploring. A favourite activity for many of our guests is picnicking on the estate – our kitchen can arrange a well-stocked picnic basket with a chilled bottle of wine (or two!). There are two restaurants, a cosy bar, a spa, a gym and a heated outdoor pool. That’s not forgetting a 37 hectare vineyard and wine cellar of course!

Sustainability

We know just how important it is to take care of the environment, and we are extremely sensitive to the impact our properties may have on the local communities within which we operate. We believe in environmentally sustainable tourism and remain committed to making a difference wherever we can.

What does this mean in practice?
Our approach includes a commitment to responsible supply chain management, fair trade policies, ethical dealings with our employees as well as the local community, and of course the environment. We know that some changes can be made immediately however others may take a little more time. Virgin Limited Edition is proud to have taken steps at all our properties to reduce any negative environmental impact, and Mont Rochelle is no exception.
Mont Rochelle is very conscious about ensuring that our supply chains are ethical in regards to the raw materials and labour used. We strive to ensure that as much of our food as possible is locally sourced in South Africa to ensure maximum economic benefit to the people and minimal transport and ‘food miles’.

Ditching the plastic
Some of the properties in our collection are in parts of the world where the local water supply doesn’t always inspire confidence, so we previously made bottled water available to our guests. As the result was a lot of discarded plastic bottles we worked with a supplier to source branded glass water bottles which are washable and can be reused again and again. A filter machine sits on site and the team is trained in how to operate it hygienically. The result is a complete elimination of plastic bottles used on the Mont Rochelle estate with similar results elsewhere.

Rooms at Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle is open year-round for visitors, and our 26 rooms and suites can be booked for any length of stay. You could even hire Mont Rochelle exclusively if you're planning a party, a wedding or just a special occasion.

Mont Rochelle’s Vineyard

We cultivate grapes of the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties amongst a few others. The vineyards are situated between 250m and 400m above sea level exposing the grapes to a range of micro climates. Mediterranean-like conditions found in the Western Cape means dry summers and high winter rainfalls of 1000mm. The Franschhoek Valley also experiences the south-easter which helps bring in cooler air allowing for a longer ripening period.

Dining at Mont Rochelle

There are two restaurants at Mont Rochelle including the Country Kitchen which joins up to our wine cellar – it’s an ideal place for a light lunch in the sunshine or a relaxed dinner. Our main restaurant, Miko, is the setting for some fantastic gourmet meals including for those special occasions. Start the evening off with a refreshing cocktail from our bar and find a comfy space on the terrace to watch the sun set.

Things to do

From personalised wine tasting to a picnic amongst the vineyards, wine enthusiasts will be in heaven at Mont Rochelle! If you're looking to get a bit more active we recommend a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pool. You could also work up an appetite in the gym or just sit back, relax and indulge yourself in our in-house spa.

Swimming Pool and Hammam

Take a dip and relax in the main outdoor heated swimming pool at Mont Rochelle - there are some fantastic views of the Franschhoek Mountains. Bar service is available around the pool and fresh pool towels are available. Resident guests are welcome to make use of Hammam at their leisure as long as it’s not in use for a scheduled treatment.

Spa Treatments

What could be more relaxing than a spa treatment during your stay? Mont Rochelle has two dedicated spa treatment rooms as well as a Hammam. We use the eco-friendly Africology ‘Authentic’ range of products which are made from 100% essential oils and natural plant extracts.

Get Active

And when you’re not drinking wine... the grounds at Mont Rochelle cover 39 hectares (about 100 acres) and you’re welcome to go exploring. The following are available either on the premises or nearby and we can help in making all the arrangements for any activities

Gym
For the active types our gym is available between 06h00 and 22h00 every day. There are two treadmills, bikes, an adjustable bench and suspension training pack and a set of free-weights.

Biking
There are some wonderful routes that make it easy to explore the surrounding area on bike . We can arrange rentals with a local company, just let us know and we can book these for you.

Hiking
Enjoy a hike through hills, valleys and vineyards surrounding the hotel, as well as in local reserves. The Mont Rochelle Reserve on the opposite side of the valley offers superb views of the wine valley and on a clear day you can even see Table Mountain and the ocean! The walks vary in length from 3 to 8 hours and are of moderate intensity. Required permits and maps are available from the Tourism Office in the centre of town. You are welcome to take walks through our farm and our only request is that you stay on the walkways, thus preserving the fragile vines that produce our splendid wines.

Horseback Riding – With Wine Tasting!
Horseback-riding tours can be arranged for both the experienced and novice rider. You can even combine horse riding with wine tasting, arriving at the cellar on horseback.

Tennis Courts
We have a Astroturf floodlit tennis court and a cabana complete with a kitchen and bathroom. Racquets and balls supplied.

Retail Therapy
Franschhoek village offers a variety of art and craft shops as well as galleries and antique stores and we can point you in the right direction.

Golf
South Africa is known for the high standard of its many golf courses with courses in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The hotel can arrange tee-off times for you. Booking is vital during the summer season in order to avoid disappointment.

Some more information about the courses in our area with the driving time to each one indicated:
Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate 15 mins 18 Holes
Boschenmeer Golf Estate 20 mins 27 Holes
Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate 30 mins 18 Holes
Stellenbosch Golf Club 30 mins 18 Holes
Somerset West Golf Club 45 mins 18 Holes
Erinvale Golf Club 60 mins 18 Holes
Arabella-Western Cape 90 mins 18 Holes