There are evenings you just know will be special the moment you walk through the door, and this was one of them. Tucked away in the Hide and Seek private dining room at the acclaimed Hide in Mayfair, I had the rare opportunity to be one of the very first to taste a debut release by Belle Montagne, a 2022 South African Cabernet Sauvignon that boldly sets a new bar. Rich, elegant, and full of promise, this wine was the centrepiece of the evening, and the kind of first impression that doesn’t just speak, but sings.
A Crowd Worth Toasting To
We arrived to a softly lit, elegant room and were greeted by the kind of crowd that instantly sparks interesting conversation, such as people from the wine world, fine dining aficionados, and those from the luxury retail scene. The atmosphere was warm and buzzing with curiosity. Soon, we were ushered to our seats and introduced to the evening ahead by the founders of Belle Montagne. A few short speeches gave context to the brand’s beginnings and why this Cabernet Sauvignon was so much more than just a bottle of wine.
Meeting the People Behind the Pour
What struck me was hearing how Belle Montagne came to life. The brand was founded by Nick and Roslyn Holland, whose deep love for wine and global travel led them to see a unique opportunity. While South Africa is known for producing great wines, it hasn’t had a true luxury wine brand that competes on the world stage, not in the way Bordeaux, Napa, or Tuscany do. Belle Montagne is their answer to that.
Their journey began in the Franschhoek Valley, one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine regions. A few years ago, they took over an old farm with 25-year-old vines that were no longer producing quality fruit. With the help of Vinpro, South Africa’s leading wine industry body, they conducted detailed soil analysis and heat mapping to determine the best varietals for the land. They planted nine hectares of carefully selected new vines, which are set to produce their first harvest in 2027.
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine designed with ageability in mind, is still remarkably enjoyable right now. The fruit was sourced from Polkadraai Hills and Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, two of the country’s most respected regions for Cabernet.
From the winemaking to the design, everything has been built with a clear sense of purpose. Each bottle features a gold crest, a signature leather strap, and is housed in a luxury presentation box made from Italian Fedrigoni paper, with a velvet-lined interior and a bespoke cotton dust bag.
Only 1,000 bottles of this cuvée are made, and it’s available exclusively to Belle Montagne Wine Club members. Just 500 memberships exist globally, and members will receive three wines each year: the Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by a Chardonnay and Shiraz, launching from late summer 2025. Each delivery comes in temperature-controlled packaging, with a numbered certificate of authenticity.
A First Sip Before the Pairing Began
Not long after we took our seats, we were offered an early pour, the very first taste of Belle Montagne’s 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. There were aromas of dark fruit, cassis, and cedar, opening into velvety tannins, lush berries, chocolate, and a subtle hint of dried herbs. It was smooth and complex, with enough structure to suggest it’ll age beautifully. That first sip set the tone for the rest of the night, hinting at just how well it would stand up to food.
The Menu & Pairings
Every dish that came out was a story with each one elevated by its wine pairing. The bread and mushroom broth opened things gently. Umami-rich and comforting, like a soft welcome. Then came peas, mint, and yuzu, an ultra-fresh, zippy plate paired with Egon Muller’s 2014 Scharzhof Riesling. Bright, citrusy, and a brilliant foil to the green vibrancy of the dish.
Next, white asparagus with jamon, smoked egg, and morels over juniper. This one was like spring in the woods: earthy, creamy, and complex. And the Manzanilla Pasada sherry that came with it was salty and nutty. The steamed Cornish turbot was buttery and delicate, sitting in a silky vermouth sauce. Paired with a Greek Assyrtiko from Oeno Pi, it was an elegant intermission before the star of the show.
Then, the roast Herdwick lamb with smoky anchovy, wild garlic, grilled asparagus. This was rich, soulful food. And with it? The Belle Montagne 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. Wow. The wine was luscious, deep with notes of blackcurrant and cedar and just the right whisper of dried herbs. It didn’t just pair well, it danced with the lamb.
We finished with a dreamy red tea-soaked sponge and Tahitian vanilla cream, paired with the Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2007. A sweet, floral close that lingered long after dessert, in the best way. Petit fours arrived after, but by then, I was completely content.
Final Thoughts
As if the evening hadn’t already been memorable enough, we left with a bottle of Belle Montagne’s olive oil, a beautiful reminder of a brand that’s clearly invested in quality across the board. This wasn’t just a dinner, it was a debut, a moment, a statement. Belle Montagne has landed, and not quietly. Between the outstanding food at Hide, the precision of the pairings, and the boldness of this new wine, it felt like the beginning of something genuinely exciting. If South Africa’s been missing its ultra-premium wine icon, Belle Montagne just stepped into that space, glass raised and gloves on.
For more information visit bellemontagnewine.com
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All imagery courtesy of Belle Montagne.