Laidback lunches and picnics with five-star views.
Surrounded by vines and Franschhoek mountain views, The Country Kitchen is Mont Rochelle’s informal restaurant for light lunches after a wine tasting, or a picnic by the farm dam. In the heart of the wine estate (a 10 minute walk or quick shuttle ride from the hotel) and adjoining the wine tasting room, it has white painted reed ceilings, walls adorned by cutout bird and tree art, 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: small plate snacks such as harissa rubbed cauliflower, chargrilled chicken wings or panko-coated camembert; mains of beef, chicken or vegan burgers, potato gnocchi, kingklip or a sirloin steak. Then there’s a choice of platters to graze on and share with a glass of wine, or alongside a wine tasting. For dessert the Turtle cheesecake demands a taste: salted caramel, candied pecan nuts and chocolate sauce…. or go for the gluten-free chocolate tart.
Picnic time
Collect your gourmet picnic basket from the Country Kitchen set out to find your perfect spot. Seek peaceful seclusion on the grassy banks of the farm dam surrounded by vines, just a stroll away. You can also explore further afield on the estate and pick a view-drenched spot on the rolling lawns at the manor or below the hotel gardens, where there’s lawn chess, croquet and skittles to while away the afternoon.
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 label syrah and chardonnay vintages. The gourmet tasting with food pairings is a particular favourite, or choose the chocolate pairing (with Belgian chocolates) as your dessert.
Winemakers Dinners
Delve deeper into Mont Rochelle’s wine landscape with a tour of the historic cellar with winemaker Michael Langenhoven, followed by a special five-course pairing dinner at The Country Kitchen cooked by Mont Rochelle’s executive chef, Terence Morris.
Dates 4 April; 6 June; 3 October; 5 December 2024
Time 6.30pm
Cost R1 200
A relaxed slice of Franschhoek winelands living, with views to sink right into.
Good to know The Fraschhoek wine tram stops at The Country Kitchen
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Contact 021 876 2770, countrykitchen@montrochelle.virgin.com
Where to find it Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan
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