Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury hotel in the famed winelands of South Africa, has added to its collection of accolades by winning an impressive four gold medals at the highly respected 2023 Michelangelo International Wine and Spirit Awards in South Africa. The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2019 Syrah, and 2018 MIKO Chardonnay each received a gold medal, while the estate's beloved 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a well-deserved double gold medal.
Winning four Michelangelo Awards is a significant accomplishment for Mont Rochelle, with the competition being the most prominent wine and spirits event in Africa, now in its 27th year. It boasts a panel of hand-picked judges consisting of wine experts from five continents, making it unparalleled in the region.
“We are so proud that our wines at Mont Rochelle have received yet another fantastic award. At Mont Rochelle, we strive for excellence in every bottle of wine we produce, and this accolade further fuels our passion to continue crafting exceptional Franschhoek wines,” says Michael Langenhoven, winemaker at Mont Rochelle.
Mont Rochelle is nestled in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, South Africa, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing stay accompanied by some of the best culinary and wine experiences in the region. The hotel’s expansive estate spans 39 scenic hectares, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration. There are two exquisite restaurants – MIKO and Country Kitchen. Other facilities include a spa, a gym, a heated outdoor pool and plentiful of activities, including picnics by the dam and wine tasting.
Launched most recently is the estate’s brand new rosé – perfect for rosé lovers. Little Rock Rosé is a delightful pink wine with a touch of copper hue. It has a fragrance of citrus, red currant, and Turkish delight with a refreshing strawberry taste, which is already becoming a new favourite among guests.
The first-ever Mont Rochelle sparkling wine is also on the horizon in 2025, and those guests visiting this year will be among the first to taste this new vintage from the estate. The Cap Classique Brut 2023 is an inaugural vintage sparkling wine, made using traditional methods. Bottled earlier this year, the wine is currently undergoing its second fermentation on the lees in order to achieve complexity.
Mont Rochelle offers an incredible experience for guests to experience its award-winning wines for themselves. Wine tastings and vineyard tours provide an educational and delicious way to learn about the grounds of the property. Day visitors who are not staying overnight are also invited to enjoy the experience too. Country Kitchen extends a warm welcome to all visitors who wish to participate in a wine-tasting day or take a ride on the Wine Tram to visit the local wineries while enjoying the stunning views along the way.
For a truly special experience, hotel guests and visitors alike can attend a monthly Winemakers Dinner at Country Kitchen restaurant, where they can enjoy a tour of the historic cellar with Mont Rochelle’s dedicated winemaker, Michael Langenhoven, followed by a five-course pairing dinner.
For more information on Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard, visit www.montrochelle.virgin.com.