La Motte's association with the art of renowned South African landscape artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957) dates back to early 2002, with the creation of the estate’s premium wine, the Pierneef Collection. Ever since, Pierneef’s love for that which is truly South African, as well as his passion for his art are echoed in more than just the name of this wine collection. There is also a strong synergy between La Motte and Pierneef with reference to a love for the South African landscape and nature as well as an interest in the preservation of architecture.
The inspiration for the wine packaging design comes from the posthumous limited edition of 128 linocut prints by Pierneef that has been in the possession of La Motte’s owner Hanneli Rupert since the 1960’s when she received it as a gift from her father. As copyright still applied to Pierneef when the design was conceptualised, La Motte asked Pierneef’s only child, Marita Bailey, for the right to use his name and incorporate reproductions of the linocut prints onto the wine labels. Sharing the love and interest for arts with the owner of La Motte, Marita granted permission and a friendship was born.
In 2009, Marita shared her wish to have her private collection of Pierneef artworks returned to South Africa from the UK, to be housed and preserved in a suitable environment and to be available for public viewing. This led to La Motte acquiring 42 original artworks – in various media, from preliminary and preparatory sketches to executed oil paintings, dating between 1908 and 1955. Pierneef’s oeuvre dates more or less from 1904 to 1957.
The works, complemented with personal memorabilia, found their new home at La Motte. For more than a decade, this treasured collection was hosted in the La Motte Museum. Since La Motte Reimagined was introduced with a new interactive art experience in the La Motte Ateljee, the Pierneef collection has found a new home in the La Motte Manor House.
Guests are now invited to the Pierneef Wine & Art Experience, kicking off in October 2026.
Presented from the historic ambience of the La Motte Manor House (circa 1758), the intimate Pierneef Wine & Art Experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the exceptional art of the South African master, while also enjoying La Motte’s acclaimed offering of the culinary arts presented as a tasting of its Pierneef Collection of wines, paired with delicate canapés.
This carefully curated 60-minute experience shares La Motte’s treasured Pierneef collection of artworks and memorabilia in a true celebration of South African art, heritage and hospitality.
Presented on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the Pierneef Wine & Art Experience starts on 7 October. The hour-long experience takes place between 10:00 am and 11:00 am and costs R250 per person. The two wines from the Pierneef Collection will be presented and paired with a selection of four canapés.
