Mont Rochelle Vines
Mont Rochelle Vines
(Image credit: Mont Rochelle Vines)

Richard Branson has agreed to purchase Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyard in South Africa via his Virgin Limited Edition luxury retreat business.

Branson said that he is keen to promote wine tourism in the area after signing a preliminary deal to acquire the Franschoek-based Mont Rochelle.

A fee was not disclosed for the 22-bedroom property, which charges up to 9,900 South African rand (£564) for a night in its top room – the Cap Classic Suite – that includes a private terrace and plunge pool.

Mont Rochelle is set on a 39-hectare private estate, including vineyards (pictured above).

‘I’m thrilled to be able to announce that we are in the process of purchasing Mont Rochelle and what I’m sure will be a “must visit” winelands experience in South Africa,’ said Branson.

If it completes the deal as planned, Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition business plans to close the hotel for refurbishment until August 2014.

Written by Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer
Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.