This wasn’t an ordinary tasting. It was a celebration of artistry, hosted by the founders of Belle Montagne. Nick and Roslyn Holland, whose vision has redefined how the world perceives South African fine wine.
The Visionaries
Belle Montagne, meaning “beautiful mountain” in French, draws its name from the dramatic slopes of South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, framed by the Hottentots Holland mountain range. Founded by Nick Holland, formerly in the mining sector, and his wife Roslyn, the brand was born from a belief that wine could be more than a beverage, it could be a collectible, signifying beauty and intention.
Collaborating with acclaimed winemaker Coenie Snyman, the Hollands set out to produce wines of extraordinary refinement. “Wine is no longer simply consumed,” Nick once shared. “It is collected, celebrated as a work of art.”
The Collection
Belle Montagne’s debut collection is limited, deliberate, and designed for longevity. Each bottle is numbered, sealed with a gold crest, and presented in a hand crafted Italian box lined with velvet, echoing the elegance of haute horlogerie.
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, produced in only 1,000 bottles, led the evening. Aromas of dark fruit, cassis, and cedar filled the air, unfolding into a palate of velvet tannins, black cherry, and bittersweet chocolate, a composition built for ageing.
Alongside it, guests discovered the house Chardonnay, layered with ripe stone fruit, lime, and toasted vanilla, and the Shiraz, spiced with black pepper, dark berries, and mocha. A wine both bold and balanced, crafted with quiet precision.
