The Country Kitchen at Mont Rochelle: Laidback Lunches + Picnics in Franschhoek

Surrounded by vines and Franschhoek mountain views, The Country Kitchen is Mont Rochelle’s informal restaurant for light lunches, wine tastings with platters, or a picnic by the vineyard dam. In the heart of the estate and adjoining the wine-tasting room (a 10-minute walk or quick shuttle ride from the luxurious Virgin Limited Edition hotel), the relaxed vineyard restaurant has white-painted reed ceilings, walls adorned by nature-inspired, cork sculptures and a sense of simplicity and light. The wide front terrace is the place to soak up sunshine and views with the whole panorama of the Franschhoek valley laid out before you.

Laidback lunch

Locally sourced ingredients and simple, hearty flavours are on the menu here, with something to suit every appetite. Start with small-plate snacks such as black bean and corn taquito, chargrilled chicken wings or panko-coated camembert; or dive straight into mains of beef, chicken or vegan burgers, burrata and beetroot salad, poke bowls, a chorizo and mussel pot, a fillet steak, butter chicken or kingklip and chips. Or if you simply want to graze while enjoying a glass of wine or a wine-tasting, share one of the various platters for two. For dessert, the cheesecake demands a taste: salted caramel, candied pecan nuts and chocolate sauce… or go for a dark-chocolate brownie or the Eton Mess sundae.
Good to know There’s a tasty kids’ menu too.

Picnic time

Collect your gourmet picnic basket from The Country Kitchen, then set out to find your perfect spot. You’ll find peaceful seclusion on the grassy banks of the winery’s dam surrounded by vines, just a stroll away. You can also venture further on the estate and pick a view-drenched spot on the rolling lawns of the hotel. Diving into your basket you’ll find local cheeses and charcuterie, olives, ciabatta and sesame seed lavash; a freshly baked baguette with ham, Emmental cheese, rocket, mustard mayo and pickled baby onions; a poke bowl with bulgar wheat, Asian meatballs, crunchy salad veggies and teriyaki dressing; and a dark chocolate tart for a sweet finish.
Good to know There are vegetarian, vegan and children’s picnic baskets too.
Cost R475; R295 (kid’s basket)

Wine tasting

Make time for a wine tasting before lunch and discover your favourite among Mont Rochelle’s award-winning wines (they’ve accumulated an impressive number of Gilbert & Gaillard golds): Provencal-style rosé and sauvignon blanc, spicy syrah and opulent cabernet sauvignon, and the premium Miko syrah and chardonnay vintages. The gourmet tasting with food pairings is a particular favourite, as is the chocolate pairing with bespoke chocolates crafted specifically to pair with each vintage of Mont Rochelle wine.

A relaxed slice of Franschhoek winelands living, with views to sink right into.

Good to know The Franschhoek wine tram stops at The Country Kitchen
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm (wine-tasting from 10am)
Contact 021 876 2770, [email protected]
Where to find it Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

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