La Motte Wine Estate is renowned for its delicious wines and cultural heritage, providing visitors with a charming and memorable experience.
Read on to discover everything you need to know before visiting this beautiful wine estate.
The La Motte Experience
What to expect
✔️ A casual and relaxed environment
✔️ Wine tasting experiences
✔️ Indoor and outdoor activities
✔️ A collection of renowned South African artworks
We recommend
🥾 A guided hike and wine experience
🍷 The flagship wine tasting
🌳 Strolling through the gardens
🥘 JAN Franschhoek dining experience
If we had to sum it up
La Motte is a casual wine farm that leaves the experience up to the visitor.
The relaxed environment means that you can enjoy a post-hike wine tasting in your gym kit or come dressed to the nines.
The wine farm offers enough of a variety of activities to cater to everyone—ranging from outdoor lovers to a more active crowd.
Their staff also go the extra mile to ensure that everyone feels welcome and enjoys their visit to the farm.
Visiting Information ⏰ Open Wednesday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm ⚠️ Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning (021)-876-8000 or emailing info@la-motte.co.za |
Our Day at La Motte
🥾 Hiking experience
The day started with a beautiful 3.1 mile (5 km) hike that kicks off at the La Motte tasting room.
⏲️ The hike typically takes two to three hours to complete, depending on your pace.
🏃 It has an intermediate difficulty, but people of all fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to join.
👀 Expect to be rewarded with stunning views and a glass of wine at the end of the hike.
⭐ We highly recommend opting for the guided hike to learn more about the fauna and flora found on the trails, sustainably farmed vineyards, and points of interest along the way.
🐦 This hike is also a great opportunity for birding enthusiasts to spot the famous Cape Sugar birds.
Insider Tips 💡 |
👟 Bring along a good pair of trainers and proper workout gear to make the most out of this activity. 👶 Children under the age of 10 and infants in carrier backpacks aren’t permitted on the hike. 🚰 The estate provides water but encourages hikers to bring a small bag to put their belongings in for an easier hike as you might need your hands for some parts of the trail! |
Towards the end of the hike, we arrived at a lapa—a thatched roof structure—where we were greeted with a refreshing glass of amazing wine and freshly baked croissants.
It was the perfect pitstop to refuel for the walk back to the vineyards!
⚠️ The hike becomes quite popular in the summer months, so it’s recommended to book online to secure your spot. Self-guided hikes cost R90 ($5) and the guided options are R200 ($11).
Before You Go Hiking… The trail will lead you into the unfenced Wemmershoek mountain range, where wildlife like baboons are often found. To ensure your safety, it’s recommended to keep food out of your hands and stowed away in bags to prevent attracting the baboons. |
🍷 Wine tasting
After the hike, we headed to the tasting room to explore La Motte’s range of award-winning wines.
The tasting can be hosted inside the tasting room or in the outside area and you can choose from two different tastings:
- The Classic and Estate Tasting, which includes six wines for R80 ($5).
- The Flagship tasting, which includes four wines for R160 ($9).
We enjoyed the Flagship tasting, which consisted of a Sauvignon Blanc, MCC, Syrah Viognier Blend, and a limited edition red wine called ‘Hanneli R’—a tribute to the owner of the farm.
Moving on to the red wines, the Hanneli R was definitely a standout. This limited edition wine was made in 2017 and features bold and spicy flavours—perfect for a drink in the winter.
The 2019 MCC was also great, and its light and smooth flavours definitely made it a highlight of the tasting experience.
Did You Know? Jacob Hendrik Pierneef is a renowned South African artist who has painted many memorable landscapes. His most well-known works are the 32 panels he painted for the Johannesburg train station, which features beautiful landscapes and indigenous trees from across the country. The Rupert family—the owners of La Motte—own a number of Pierneef works, and many of these are exhibited on the wine farm. You’ll also get a glimpse of his signature tree style on the Sauvignon Blanc bottle label! |
🥐 The bakery
Once our wine tasting ended, we popped into La Motte’s charming bakery for a coffee. Here, you can purchase a variety of freshly baked treats made on-site in the wood-fired oven.
Their breakfast options looked delicious and featured a variety of croissant and bread dishes. You’ll also find local favourites such as scrambled eggs, porridge, and oats on the menu.
The atmosphere in the bakery is welcoming and relaxed, offering indoor and outdoor seating for an easy breakfast or lunch spot.
Guests are also encouraged to explore the gardens between their meals or purchase something from the bakery and enjoy it on the estate’s lawns.
Visiting Information ⏰ Open Wednesday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm ⚠️ Bookings aren’t required for the bakery, and they typically operate on a first-come-first-serve basis |
JAN Franschhoek
La Motte offers a unique and exceptional dining experience at the JAN Franschhoek restaurant. This restaurant was created by Jan van der Westhuizen, South Africa’s only Michelin-starred chef.
The culinary experience is led by Chef Antro Davel and features a blend of local flavours and seasonal ingredients prepared in traditional cooking styles.
Dishes are carefully sourced, prepared, and paired with La Motte’s award-winning wines before being presented to guests.
Here’s what you can expect from this experience:
➡️ Guests are welcomed at the gathering point on the La Motte estate before being transported to the cottage housing the restaurant. It’s surrounded by lavender fields and offers a picturesque lunch or dinner setting.
➡️ Once you arrive at the cottage, you can walk through the lavender fields and admire the beautiful location before heading inside.
➡️ Inside the cottage, you’ll find an open-plan kitchen and intimate seating at one long table for a maximum of 18 guests. The decor is elevated and luxurious, while still maintaining the historic charm of the cottage.
➡️ The restaurant staff will guide you through each meal, explaining how it was made, notable ingredients, and the wine it will be paired with. You will be treated to eight dishes, including dessert.
➡️ After the meal, guests are given a JAN The Journal book that is produced by the JAN Innovation Studio each year. It features various stories, recipes, and insights about the brand’s various restaurants.
JAN Franschhoek Visitor’s Information The JAN Franschhoek experience is seasonal and is presented from September to April each year. Dinners are hosted from Wednesday to Saturday at 19:00. Guests should arrive at the La Motte Manor House at 18:30. Sunday lunch starts at 12:30 and guests should arrive at the Manor House by 12:00. 💰 The seasonal tasting menu and wine pairing experience costs R2850 ($155) per person. ⚠️ Due to the limited number of seats, booking is absolutely essential and should be done as far in advance as possible. Bookings can be made by phoning (021)-876-9115 or emailing jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za. |
Coming Soon in 2024
The following locations are currently closed for reservations but will re-open again in 2024. Keep an eye on La Motte’s website for updates.
La Motte Restaurant
The Pierneef Restaurant is a celebrated culinary destination that offers traditional South African cuisine paired with the signature La Motte wines.
The menu is inspired by the rich culinary history of the country and the creativity of Pierneef, the artist who the restaurant is named after.
You’ll also find various beautiful Pierneef artworks on display throughout the restaurant.
Although the menu is limited, it features meals that perfectly complement La Motte’s wines, such as the West Coast fish paired with the Syrah.
Opening Hours ⏰ The restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 4 pm. ⚠️ Booking isn’t essential but it is recommended if you want to avoid disappointment. You can book via the La Motte website. |
The museum
The La Motte museum is a great cultural spot to visit for those who want to know more about the Rupert family, see rare Pierneef paintings, and enjoy various temporary exhibitions.
The main focal point of the La Motte museum is the history of the Rupert family and their role in the the development La Motte.
Pierneef’s Heritage Collection is permanently displayed at the museum and features some of his most iconic landscapes, prints, and other artworks.
You can also learn more about the artist’s history and influences by strolling through the exhibition.
In addition to these permanent exhibitions, the La Motte museum often presents various temporary or rotating installations.
Keep an eye on the estate or Rupert Museum’s website for more information on what these exhibitions showcase.
Everything Else You Need to Know
📜 A brief history
La Motte is situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley and has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century.
Its estate was acquired by Pierre Joubert, a French traveller, in 1709 and was named after the the village of La Motte in Provence to reflect Joubert’s heritage.
In the 1970s, La Motte was acquired by Dr. Anton Rupert, a well-known South African businessman and conservationist.
Under the Rupert family, the estate transformed significantly to modernise its winemaking practices while preserving the rich heritage.
The Rupert family continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining La Motte’s prestigious wine destination status through a commitment to producing quality wines, sustainable farming practices, arts, and culture.
🍷 The wines of La Motte
Red wine
La Motte is well known for its red wine blends and pure varieties that have been aged to perfection. Here’s what you can look out for:
- 2018 Pierneef Syrah Viognier
- 2018 La Motte Syrah
- 2017 Hanneli R
- 2020 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2021 La Motte Millennium
White wine
The estate produces a range of refreshing white wines that are crisp and easy to drink. Here are the wines on offer:
- 2022 La Motte Chardonnay
- 2023 La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc
- 2023 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc
Method Cap Classique
Although the estate only produces one MCC—the 2019 La Motte Méthod Cap Classique—it’s a popular choice among visitors.
It offers a smooth and light drinking experience that can be enjoyed all year.
The Last Sip
Our day at La Motte was truly memorable, and I would recommend it to anyone who visits Cape Town.
The estate offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else—like the hike and wine pairing—which made my visit so much more enjoyable.
The peaceful and relaxed setting of the estate makes it the perfect place for a laid-back afternoon spent enjoying top-notch South African wines with friends or family.
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About Epic Escapes SA
Epic Escapes was founded by a team of passionate South Africans who want to share all that our beautiful country has to offer.
At Epic Escapes SA, we pride ourselves on our adventurous and explorative spirit. We want to make your South African journey memorable, offering safe and unforgettable travel experiences.
Join us as we share the wonders of South Africa and create lasting memories.
La Motte Explorer: Caroline Ferraris If Caroline could be a winemaker, she would – that’s how much she loves wine. Caroline spends most of her weekends exploring wine farms and markets.
Favourite wine Red: Cabernet Franc White: Sauvignon Blanc Ideal Wine Farm A spot for picnics, running and cycling routes, laid back, with a market. |
Our Editor: Nicola Spingies
Nicola is a South African-based copywriter. She lives in Cape Town and loves to have a glass of wine with her friends. Favourite Wine Rosè: Any dry variation or Pinot Noir blend White: Chenin Blanc Ideal Wine Farm Anywhere with mountain views, lots of trees, and a big lawn for a picnic. |
