Things to do in South Africa

Mont Rochelle: the Winelands’ most romantic spot

The first thing Sir Richard Branson does when he arrives here is play a game of tennis with me …

By James Basson

General Manager for Mont Rochelle by Virgin Limited Edition

Sir Richard Branson enjoys a lovely glass of Chardonnay but my favourite out of our Mont Rochelle wines would have to be the newly released 2020 Sauvignon Blanc. I just think the tropical fruit flavours that are coming through are incredible, especially on a hot summer’s day.

The location of the property is truly spectacular in the foothills of the Dassenberg Mountains. You can see all the vineyards, the neighbouring wine estates, the horse paddocks and a huge plum orchard. Not only do we enjoy incredible sunrises and beautiful sundowner spots, but it feels as though you’re out of the hustle and bustle of Franschhoek town even though it’s only a five-minute drive away. I have the privilege of living on the farm with my two young boys who are six and nine. They love the freedom – being able to walk and run and ride their bikes. The estate’s brilliant for families. While the parents are wine tasting, we do a blind juice tasting for the children which is quite a bit of fun.

When it comes to activities, wow, there’s a lot to offer; a tennis court (the first thing Sir Richard Branson does when he arrives here is play a game of tennis with me), an incredible spa and a stunning pool that’s all about the views as well as our wine tasting area and two restaurants. A lot of special occasions revolve around picnics which not only include cheeses and charcuterie but pork kebabs, which are delicious, pea arancini with honey dip, and lemongrass and tuna fishcakes just to name a few of the treats you might find. Then there’s the malva pudding – a traditional South African dessert we make into truffles. It is quite a feast.

One of the most wonderful experiences we pulled together was a proposal. The guests enjoyed a private tasting with our winemaker and then our farm manager took them for a vineyard tour. The bride-to-be had no idea that at the end of the vineyard there would be the most romantic table set up overlooking Franschhoek Valley. It was spectacular. Just one of those nights where it was a beautiful, beautiful summer’s evening. She said yes of course.

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Alfred & James Basson

James Basson has worked in the hospitality industry for almost twenty years. Starting his career as a wide-eyed food runner during school holidays, he catapulted up the ranks during his time at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat where he became General Manager and met his wife, Dee. James now manages the much-lauded Mont Rochelle estate where he enjoys welcoming people from all walks of life.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

Laura Preston

Travel Expert for Alfred&

Having travelled extensively through Africa, Laura has a wealth of experience. She is passionate about Tanzania’s diversity from the quiet wilds of Ruaha that feel completely private to the silvery sands of Zanzibar and Stone Town’s spice-laced streets. In South Africa, she sought out the best views over Table Mountain, cocktail in hand, as well as the lesser-visited Kruger conservancies for more exclusive safaris. But her favourite place in the world has to be the Serengeti for its wide-open plains and incredible game that epitomise that feeling of Africa.
Wayne Howarth

Head Safari Guide at Kariega Game Reserve

Wayne loves being outdoors and has spent most of his life between the family farm and working on Private Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. He has been guiding at Kariega for 12 years. His qualifications include Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) Level 2, Advance Rifle Handling, Skippers Licence Category R and first aid. One of his career highlights was becoming a finalist in the 2021 Safari Guide of the Year competition.
Rupesh Kassen

Founder and guide of Eat Like A Local

Rupesh Kassen abandoned his decade-long career in banking to move to East Africa, where he trained and worked as a chef. He later became immersed in South Africa’s food scene and worked as a food critic before setting up Eat Like A Local in Cape Town. Rupesh now offers guided food tours to showcase the city and its diverse culture and history through food.
Fundi Ziqubu

Sommelier

Fundi was born in Durban and fell in love with wine when it was introduced to her by a few Capetonian friends. On discovering her passion she got the chance to study wine with the department of tourism in collaboration with the Sommeliers Academy. Being appointed sommelier at Lanzerac was a career highlight and in 2019 Fundi was named most up-and-coming wine steward by the Distell Inter-Hotel challenge.
Ntobeko Ntshingila

Duty Manager at Three Tree Hill Lodge

Ntobeko has been part of the Three Trees family for 13 years and describes it as a lovely journey with lots of room for growth and experience. She has her own family, including a daughter of 18, and a son, aged three. She lives in a nearby village with her parents, four siblings and three nephews. When not spending time with her family she manages her broiler chicken business, which brings her extra income.
Cheryl Blackburn

Owner and guide, Three Tree Hill Lodge

Being born in the Kruger National Park instilled in Cheryl a love of nature and wildlife. Having lived and worked as a guide in the Kruger reserve, and also in Botswana, she eventually got the opportunity to run her own lodge, with her growing family, in the lush KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg region. She still finds time to guide guests on foot, tracking white rhino in the neighbouring Spioenkop Game Reserve.