Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyards

About Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyards

Situated against the Klein Dassenberg mountains, you will find this quaint boutique cellar with its unique character and layout due to its historic origin. Previously a fruit packing shed, the cellar dates back 150 years. The vineyards were first planted in 1994. In 2001 Miko Rwayitare bought the farm and became the first black African to own a wine farm in South Africa.

The philosophy is simple, “keep it traditional”. Keeping it traditional allows all the wines to develop as mother nature intended, only when absolutely necessary does the winemaker step in and intervene. This philosophy allows Mont Rochelle to produce wines that are easy drinking, well structured and of high quality that will be fit for any occasion. Quality comes as second nature here and they strive to produce nothing but that.

A farm where 16 of the 33 ha is under vine and features sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. Included are small blocks of mouvedre, petit verdot, viognier and the newly grafted semillon. The vineyards are situated from 250m to 400m above sea level, which gives a wide 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 also helps bring in cooler air allowing for a longer ripening period, lending a hand to more physiologically ripe fruit.

The 150 year old wine cellar was previously used as a fruit packing shed for the early settlers. Since being converted to a traditional wine cellar they can now process close to 110 tons of grapes in a season, these smaller volumes afford more concentration on quality rather than quantity. Stainless steel tanks aid in the making of the crisp clean whites, while barrels are favoured for the red wine making. There is a winemaker on hand at all times to tend the needs of wine, and often he can be seen crouched in the corner tasting some of the previous vintage.

Need to know?
Cellar tours: 11h00, 12h30 and 15h00 during the week. For a private tour by the winemaker please make a reservation.
Tasting hours: wine tasting is available daily from 09h30 to 18h00.
Gourmet tastings: enjoy four of Mont Rochelle’s wines, paired by their chefs as a perfect companion to the daily changing dishes. The tasting staff will explain each pairing to you.