With a stunning location within the Franschhoek valley, La Motte offers visitors a unique experience exploring the many facets of this family owned and run estate. From wine tastings in the newly refurbished Tasting Room to the La Motte Museum which showcases the history of the estate as well as a collection of artworks by renowned South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef.

Wine tastings at La Motte are a wonderful experience – expertly led by well-informed wine ambassadors. Overlooking the cellar through large glass pane windows, visitors are seated at the stylish tasting counter, or can relax on comfy couches in front of a roaring fire in winter.

The estate was acquired in 1970 by the late Dr Anton Rupert and is now owned by the Rupert’s daughter, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, one of South Africa’s leading mezzo-sopranos. The Rupert family also own L’Ormarins and are in partnership with the Rothschild family of France, producing wines on the nearby Fredericksburg farm under the Rupert & Rothschild label.

Other highlights of the estate include the highly acclaimed Pierneef à La Motte restaurant headed by Chef Chris Erasmus. Here guests can enjoy traditional cuisine with a modern interpretation, both indoors and outdoors beneath the shade of the age-old oaks. Open for breakfast (Sat & Sun), lunch (Tues – Sun) and dinner (Thurs-Sun), as well as an afternoon Winelands Tea.

Visitors can also join a guided Organic Walk, and pop into the La Motte Farm Shop to stock up on delicious locally produced treats and bunches of proteas, disas, lavender and roses all of which are grown on the estate as part of their Floriculture programme.

The beautiful La Motte estate is home to far more than just award winning wines. The historic buildings that form the estate, the beautiful sculptures, and the La Motte museum, which is home to a superb collection of works by one of South Africa’s greatest masters, Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, are well worth a visit. All of these can all be further enjoyed and appreciated by joining one of the guided walks offered on the estate.

Historic Tour is presented from 10:00 to 11:00 on Wednesday mornings. Starting at the La Motte Museum, concluded with a tasting of artisan bread baked in the Pierneef à La Motte kitchen. Cost R50.

Sculpture Tour is presented on Thursday mornings between 10:00 and 11:00. Nine sculptures throughout the estate are visited, concluding with a tasting of the estate’s limited release La Motte Methôde Cap Classique and an elegant traditional French Madeleine under the age-old oak trees in La Motte’s garden. Cost: R50.

Sustainable Walk is presented on Tuesdays at 9am. Including a guided walk through the vineyards, as well as a tour of the cellars. Cost R50.

Sustainable Hike is presented on Mondays at 8am and takes approximately 2-3 hours. The circular route covers 5km’s and takes in La Motte’s birdlife, the protea garden, sustainably farmed vineyards, and the breathtaking vistas of the Franschhoek Valley. Hikers receive a hiking trail map, bottle of water and light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the Lapa. Cost R50.