La Motte Wine Estate
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In Their Words
La Motte History & Location
Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley just moments from the centre of the historic village, La Motte is home to the finest wines, recognised internationally for exceptional quality. With its picturesque setting, traditional cuisine and historic charm, La Motte is an enchanting choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
La Motte’s heritage can be traced back to 1709, when the land was purchased by La Motte’s first French Huguenot owner, Pierre Joubert. The name La Motte has its origin from a little village in Provence – La Motte d’Aigues. Viticulture on La Motte was established in 1752 with the planting of 4,000 vines by Huguenot descendant Gabriël du Toit.
In 1970 the farm was bought by Dr. Anton Rupert and a major development, restoration and conservation programme followed, which reinvented La Motte into a leading global wine producer and sought-after tourist destination. Vineyards have been replanted, the latest viticultural practices have been introduced and a modern cellar has been built.
The estate offers several tasting and touring options, plus superb dining in its Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant.
La Motte Operating Hours
Wine Tasting: open Tue to Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 11am-5pm.
Virtual Wine Tasting: open Tue to Sat 9am-5pm.
Varietal-Specific Wine Tasting: available Tue to Fri, 1030am (pre-booking essential).
Vinotheque Wine Tasting: Tue & Thu at 10.30am (pre-booking essential).
Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant: open Wed to Sun 11.30pm-3.30pm.
Farm Shop: open daily 9am-5pm.
La Motte Museum: open Tue to Sun 9am-5pm.
Guided Historic Walk: Wed at 10am.
Guided Sculpture Walk: Thu at 10am.
Art Experience: Tue at 10am.
Virtual Museum Experience: Tue to Fri 9am-5pm.
Hiking Trail (Self-Guided): open daily between Sep to Apr (pre-booking essential).
Hiking Trail (Guided): Tue at 8am, between Sep to Apr (pre-booking essential).
*PLEASE NOTE*
All times, prices and facilities listed are subject to change. We recommend checking latest details directly with the farm and note pre-booking is essential for all the above experiences except the Farm Shop.
La Motte Wine Tasting
La Motte’s tasting facility features a large fireplace and has been highly commended for the inviting and friendly ambiance. Here, a wide variety of La Motte’s award-winning wines can be sampled and purchased in a stylish and relaxing atmosphere.
Seated at hand-made tasting tables, a welcoming tasting counter or on comfortable sofas, visitors have an unimpeded view of the working cellars and original artworks by acclaimed South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef.
Wine Tasting Prices
La Motte feature a wide variety of tastings to suit all palates. The bubbly Cap Classique Tasting is R30pp, Straw Wine Tasting R30pp, Current Vintage Tasting R60pp (R70pp when part of a group), the Hanneli R Tasting R80pp and the Limited Release Tasting R120pp. Reservations for groups are essential and there is a max 16 people per tasting.
On selected days we offer specific tastings in our private tasting room. Between Tue to Fri it is 5 varietal-specific wines served in carefully selected Riedel stemware, which best express the varietal’s characteristics, bouquet and flavours. On Tue and Thu we offer Vinoteque Tastings with special or older Syrah vintages. Both R250pp, pre-booking essential.
Enjoy a virtual version of our popular tutored wine tastings from the comfort of your home, presented by a La Motte Wine Tasting Ambassador. This costs R60pp or is free with an online order of 12 bottles.
La Motte Restaurants
Celebrating South Africa’s culinary heritage, the Estate’s flagship restaurant Pierneef à La Motte treats guests to hearty yet modern favourites. Enjoy the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, the quiet of the farm, vineyards and gardens.
At the Farm Shop, the flavour of fresh, farm-baked bread will lure visitors to this quaint country shop with its many charming take-home reminders of La Motte. Visitors can relax on the veranda or in the pretty gardens.
Menus & Pricing
At Pierneef à La Motte, Chef Eric Bulpitt’s menu changes frequently but focuses on favourites from our culinary heritage and interesting interpretations of comfort meals. Previous options have included Fig & Prosciutto Salad, Cheese & Charcuterie Boards, Iberian Pork, Slow Cooked Lamb and Crème Brûlée. A small kids’ menu is available. Mains from R185.
At the Farm Shop, enjoy artisan breads, a tempting array of cakes, tea, coffee and other sweet treats.
La Motte Tours & Activities
Cellar Tours of La Motte are available for R50pp, pre-booking essential.
The free La Motte Museum offers a stimulating cultural-historical experience sharing the history of the estate as well as carefully curated art exhibitions. La Motte also offer a pre-booked Virtual Museum Experience, with exclusive one-on-one illustrated presentations and conversations, presented by our Museum Curator (cost R80pp).
From the Museum you can also join a Historic Walk (R80pp) or Sculpture Walk (R80pp), which tour our Cape Dutch buildings and estate sculptures. Alternatively, join our Museum Curator for an Art Experience walkabout (R80pp), gaining an insight into the personal stories behind the exhibits. Refer to Operating Hours for times, these must all be pre-booked.
The La Motte Hiking Trail is open during the warmer months and offers the ideal opportunity to explore some of the Estate’s greatest natural assets and breathtaking views. The circular route stretches over 5km, with the hiking trail section covering 2km (approx. 2-3 hours). Self-guided hikes are available daily during summer (R80pp) or alternatively on Tuesday a guided hike departs priced at R200pp (includes map and bottle of water). All hikes must be pre-booked.
Unfortunately, La Motte cannot accommodate weddings and conferences, however the Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant is the ideal venue for group events. Contact the Estate for more information.
When Lucy Visited
Lucy has visited this wine farm, however hasn't quite finished the official write up yet. Check back soon for the review!
