Mont Rochelle: Winemaker Spotlight
At Mont Rochelle, we carefully tend to diverse grape varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Our 1850s winery, once a fruit packing shed, now functions as a traditional wine cellar, processing nearly 150 tons of grapes each season. But the real magic comes from our winemaker, Michael Langenhoven. With an impressive 21 harvests under his belt, here we learn about how he got into winemaking as well as his favourite wine plus perfect food pairings.
What first got you into winemaking? Was it a specific moment or just a natural progression?
Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to vineyards – whether it was the idea of farming the vines or crafting wine from the vineyards. But it wasn’t until my time as a student working in the Cellar at Simonsig Winery in Stellenbosch that my passion truly took shape and set me on the path of becoming a winemaker.
There I discovered the sheer magic of the process: transforming grapes from diverse varieties and unique terroirs into something extraordinary. It was fascinating to taste how each variety carried its own distinct character, and even more intriguing to notice how the same grape could reveal entirely different flavours depending on the soil it grew in. That experience was nothing short of a defining moment for me – a revelation that solidified my love for winemaking and its endless possibilities.
You’ve had an impressive career spanning the last 21 years, with many awards and accolades under your belt, what has been your proudest moment so far?
I am really proud to be Sir Richard Branson’s only winemaker in the Virgin Limited Edition collection. It is also very exciting when you successfully sell out all the wine you made that year and receive prestigious accolades for the wine you have created, which is indeed very rewarding for the whole team in the winery.
What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about winemaking that surprised you?
One of the most surprising lessons I’ve uncovered in my winemaking journey is that crafting exceptional wine isn’t just about skill- 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.
What brought you to the winery at Mont Rochelle? What in your opinion makes our vineyard and wine cellar so special?
I always wanted to be involved in the full circle of winemaking, from nurturing the vines in the vineyards all the way to winemaking and eventually helping to sell the wine. As a boutique winery, I saw Mont Rochelle as an exciting opportunity where I could focus on crafting very premium world-class wines. With our new replanting process, we have virus-free vineyards, which is very special and is the dream of any winemaker.
What makes Mont Rochelle and Franschhoek the perfect place for a vineyard?
What sets Mont Rochelle and Franschhoek apart as an ideal haven for Vineyards boils down to one word: Terroir. On our farm, we are blessed with seven different soil types, each contributing to a truly unique growing environment. Perched along the Dassenberg mountain slopes, our vineyards thrive in an elevated landscape, where a distinct microclimate works its magic. The south-easterly winds sweep through, gently cooling the grapes in the evening, creating the perfect conditions for them to flourish. It’s this remarkable combination that makes our corner of Franschhoek a winemaker's dream.
Mont Rochelle has won an impressive number of awards for its wines - how do you choose what wine to put forward for an award and why are winning these accolades important?
As a winemaker, you always have a gut feeling about an exceptional wine and a wine that you think will do well in a competition. It is extremely important for us to win these accolades because an award-winning wine stands out on the shelf (especially when there are 50 other bottles) and assures the drinker of its superior quality and taste.
View the Mont Rochelle wine collection here.
As a winemaker, what inspires you to make great wine?
My passion for wine really inspires me to make great wine. As a winemaker you only have one harvest a year, in other words, one chance a year to do the best you can. I like to be involved in the vineyard with the farm manager throughout the growing season to make sure the vines are exactly as we want them because I believe you can’t make great wines from average vineyards. When our harvest season starts there is an indescribable excitement in the air, from tasting the grapes in the vineyard to making sure when to pick them, to the first load of grapes arriving at the winery. The smell of freshly fermenting juice is incredibly exhilarating.
Do you have a favourite wine that you’re particularly proud of? What makes it stand out for you?
I couldn’t be prouder of our 2020 Miko Cabernet Sauvignon/ Cabernet Franc – a wine that’s a true testament to balance and elegance. With its lush, opulent fruit and silky-smooth tannins, it’s a standout that promises to age gracefully for years to come. This release also holds a special place in my heart as the first Miko blend I made was Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and Cabernet Franc (25%).
What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened during a harvest?
With 21 harvests under my belt, I’ve witnessed my fair share of wild and fascinating moments in the thick of the season. Harvest has a way of throwing curveballs- sometimes what seems like a flaw in a wine at first ends up transforming into a trophy-winning gem. And then there are the harvest interns, whose antics and unexpected ideas can leave you wide-eyed and your hair standing on end. It’s all part of the unpredictable magic of the season!
What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about how wine is made?
I’d love to guide everyone through the entire journey of grape growing and winemaking so that they can understand the process better. My goal would be to reveal the meticulous attention to detail poured into every single bottle because I am convinced that once people see it for themselves, they’ll savour and appreciate wine on a whole new level.
Wine and food pairings – do you have a personal favourite that would surprise people?
Pairing the Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon with a rack of lamb holds a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about how the bold, structured flavours of the wine intertwine with the rich, savoury notes of the lamb, creating a dining experience that’s magical. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Can you share 3 top tips to have the best wine-tasting experience?
You must be in the right mood to taste and enjoy wine.
Good-quality crystal wine glasses are a must.
Serving wine at the right temperature is essential.
Book a wine tasting at Mont Rochelle here.
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