Stories, wine-pairings and a feast of flavours.
The gentle slopes of Mont Rochelle, just outside the village of Franschhoek, are home to diverse grape varieties, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, syrah and cabernet sauvignon. This gives winemaker Michael Langhoven plenty to work with in the 1850s building that is now the estate winery. A wine-tasting at The Country Kitchen (the estate’s informal restaurant close to the cellars) is one way to experience the award-winning wines, but for a full immersion into the lore of Sir Richard Branson’s South African wine estate, joining one of the special wine-paired diners hosted by Michael himself can’t be beaten.
The winemaker
Michael Langhoven has an impressive 21 harvests under his belt and a host of stories, expertise and insights to share. “Crafting exceptional wine isn’t just about skill,” he says, “it’s about serenity and patience. It’s a slow, deliberate process, requiring a steady hand and calm spirit to guide the grapes from harvest to their fullest potential, coaxing them into the best wine they can become.” He focusses on crafting world-class wines and is proud of the varied terroir and the virus-free vineyards he has to work with, which he says are a winemaker’s dream.
The winemaker’s dinner
Every few months, Michael gets together with Mont Rochelle’s executive chef Terence Morris to devise and host a special five-course wine-paired menu that showcases his wines at their best. The evening starts off with a tour of the historic cellar, before moving to the table in The Country Kitchen. While the menus vary between event dates, expect matches made in heaven: a Cape Malay butter chicken paired with Miko Chardonnay; herb-crusted Karoo lamb loin with Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon; or sustainably farmed sea bass with samphire paired with Mont Rochelle Chardonnay.
An opportunity to discover more about the terroir, wines and winemaker of this prestigious Franschhoek estate, and share a relaxed and story-filled evening of fabulous food and wine with like-minded wine-lovers.
Cost R1 320
When 10 July; 4 September; 4 December 2025
Time 6.30pm
Book through DinePlan
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