The historic La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek is re-opening this December, inviting guests to a reimagining of the beloved family farm. With a grand launch set for 2025, this gentle unveiling of the estate’s new guest experiences marks La Motte’s journey toward a refreshed brand identity rooted in both the heart of the land and the soul of its community.
The reimagined farm experience balances La Motte’s heritage and values with accessible, elevated experiences that honour its French heritage and South African roots. Guests will be able to explore new and thoughtfully curated spaces, from a warm and inviting tasting room celebrating La Motte’s exceptional wine to a family-friendly brasserie, a reimagined farm shop, and an Ateljee, a creative hub showcasing art as well as the craftsmanship of local artisans.
“Opening our family farm to the public is about sharing what makes La Motte special,” says the La Motte family. “With this refresh of the farm, we’re building on our heritage to create a renewed sense of place - a space that feels rooted, welcoming, and alive with new experiences.”
The estate’s offering showcases its commitment to preserving its storied history while inviting guests into an authentic, accessible experience of farm life, craftsmanship, and connection. Each new feature on the estate highlights La Motte’s dedication to quality, community, and genuine hospitality.
The Reimagined La Motte Experience consists of:
L’Ami Family Brasserie
L’Ami, the new family brasserie at La Motte, is a space where moments are savoured, and meals are shared. With its relaxed indoor ambiance and an inviting wrap-around stoep, it is the perfect setting to gather and enjoy the simple pleasure of a beautifully prepared meal.
Combining warmth and elegance, L’Ami brings together the rich flavours of France and South Africa, with a menu inspired by seasonal, farm-sourced ingredients and the artistry of open-fire cooking.
True to its name - “friend” in French - L’Ami is a celebration of friendship, family, and togetherness, paired with La Motte’s exceptional wines.
Enjoy an à la carte menu for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday, or join for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. A children’s menu is also available.
Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 – 15:00
Dinner: Friday & Saturday, from 18:30
Small Plates: Wednesday to Saturday, 14:30 - 16:30
Wine Experience
In the La Motte Tasting Room, guests are invited to slow down, to appreciate, and to explore wines that embody the estate’s unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity.
Set against the backdrop of the maturation cellar and the rhythm of a working winery, the Tasting Room offers an exceptional wine experience. Now extending to a tranquil veranda overlooking a serene pond and the estate’s gardens, it is a setting designed to inspire connection - both with the wine and the moment.
Guests can look forward to a variety of seasonal wine experiences that celebrate the art of winemaking and the beauty of La Motte’s surroundings.
Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
Farm Shop
Inspired by the natural beauty of La Motte and its passion for artistry and exceptional craftsmanship, the La Motte Farm Shop is a reflection of collaboration and vision. This space is the brainchild of Berdine Swart, owner of The Local Edit and founder of The Apiary Studio. As The Apiary Studio’s first project, the Farm Shop brings to life Berdine’s commitment to celebrating South African design and craftsmanship.
Working in collaboration with The Apiary Studio under the creative direction of Marize Albertyn, the shop offers a carefully curated selection of artisan-made treasures. From handwoven linen and bespoke kitchenware to pottery sourced from local kilns, each piece reflects the essence of indigenous landscapes and La Motte’s dedication to quality.
Take home a beautifully crafted memento or a thoughtful keepsake to celebrate your time at La Motte.
Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
Ateljee
Continuing the family’s passion for art, the Ateljee is a creative space to engage with artworks, artists and makers. Enjoy the exhibitions, meet the makers, see their creative processes, and join in the making.
The first season is themed “sharing that which brings great joy” and exhibits painting, ceramic and textile art and products, with a soon to be introduced programme of workshops and events presented by the artists and makers.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00
Spens
Stocked with everything required for a delightful picnic or a casual gathering at home, the La Motte Spens offers a charming nod to the old-fashioned farm pantry. This thoughtfully curated space is filled with quality, down-to-earth foods that celebrate the essence of farm life.
Discover a selection of local cheeses, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal pickles and preserves, and expertly crafted charcuterie. From Karoo-certified lamb sourced from the farm Matjesfontein to free-range beef and must-have pantry staples, every item reflects La Motte’s commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and the joy of sharing good food.
Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00
La Motte Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café
This charming day-time spot celebrates bread in all its original beauty with a wonderful daily variety of freshly-baked options from the on-site wood-fired oven, available to purchase and take home while they also form the basis of the delicious seasonal menu. Enjoy beautiful breakfasts, light lunches and tempting patisserie.
Intimate indoor and outdoor seating are available and guests are welcome to explore the gardens with ancient oaks, stretched lawns, a tranquil pond and farm-yard inspired playground for young ones.
Breakfast, Lunch and Shopping from Bakery: Wednesday to Sunday, 08:00 – 16:00. (Kitchen closes at 15:00)
JAN Franschhoek
JAN Franschhoek Season III is currently underway at La Motte. This exceptional food and wine experience presented from a charming historic cottage, the Veepos, right in the middle of the Franschhoek Valley’s most picturesque lavender fields combines the nostalgia of a South African family table with Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s Michelin-star culinary innovation.
Expect regional traditions, familiar flavours and local ingredients transformed to reflect the exciting context of modern global cuisine. Sourced and prepared with the utmost care and consideration, dishes are paired with the estate’s award-winning wines and presented with mesmerizing flair.
Seasonal dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on Sundays. Reservations are essential.
The estate’s mountainside hiking trail stays a popular activity for those who enjoy the outdoors, while a programme of art, history and culture-inspired events and intimate experiences will be announced shortly.
