Since introducing its reimagined experience, the seasonal art exhibitions in the La Motte Ateljee has become a highlight on the estate and La Motte is delighted to announce a spectacular new art experience for the summer season.
ROSE’D opens on 18 October 2025 and draws its inspiration from the flourish of spring and summer as well as the many forms of the rose.
Guests are invited to step into the rose and to admire both its grandeur and delicacy, its eternal, yet fleeting beauty and all that is special about the season of the rose, from buds to blooms to petals.
The exhibition showcases rose-inspired art by the acclaimed Heike Taschner Jeske, whose extensive experience developed from a childhood devotion influenced by her father, renowned rose farmer, Ludwig Taschner. This exhibition honours a longstanding collaboration between the La Motte and Taschner families as well as the two cultivars that Ludwig Taschner has named in honour of the Rupert family, the Hanneli Rupert and Berdine roses.
The coral joy of the Hanneli Rupert roses along the driveway and a statement rose in expansion in the Reception area welcome guests to the estate, preparing them for what is to come. For this exhibition, Heike’s signature installation presents an immersive, larger-than-life rose that appears to burst from the walls, blooming across the ceiling, drawing you in to experience it as though you were a tiny creature marvelling at its grandeur. The installation aims to evoke a sense of wonder and intimacy, inviting viewers into the delicate beauty and construction of the rose. The exhibition is presented through an array of mediums, including monoprints, charcoal drawings, watercolours and ceramic sculptures.
In addition to this immersive rose experience, La Motte invited artists through an Open Call to submit works to the theme of Flourish, deepening the universal appreciation of the rose. From the many submissions received, the top ten artworks will be on featured display, while a broader curated selection will form part of the exhibition and be available for purchase.
A diverse and exciting series of floral-inspired workshops will be presented alongside the exhibition.
Detail:
The exhibition runs from 18 October 2025 to 22 February 2026.
Entrance is free.
More information about the La Motte Ateljee.
Ateljee hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00.
More information on the exhibition: Curator, Nina Kruger. T: +27 (0)21 876 8850 / curator.ateljee@la-motte.co.za
The rose theme will extend to the other experiences on La Motte and guests can expect a touch of rose in the Tasting Room, Bakery, L’Ami Family Brasserie, Spens and of course from a lovely selection of gifts and treats in the Farm Shop.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
For reservations, please click on the date.
Ceramic Floral Jewellery with Heike Taschner Jeske (full day)
18 October
R2205
Explore botanical artistry and experience how Heike sees beyond the petals. Under Heike’s guidance, guests will unravel the essence of the rose to transform it into sculptural adornments.
This workshop invites you to explore the rose not just as a flower, but as a form, a story and an experience, creating wearable and functional artworks.
Guided by Heike, you’ll experiment with: Floral selection & abstraction – moving beyond realism to capture an essence of the rose.
Sculptural techniques – shaping, detailing and finishing clay and mixed media pieces which will be fired in the woodburning oven of the La Motte Artisanal Bakery.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, this hands-on session offers a space to sculpt, imagine and be ‘rose’d’ in a world where nature meets art.
What to Expect:
● Expert guidance on sculptural embellishment techniques using floral inspiration
● Connection with fellow creatives
● Tools and materials included
● Jewellery and other bases provided for the embellishments
● You will walk away with your unique made sculptural jewellery piece,
● Included in this workshop is a coffee and rose inspired pastry break
Ceramic Floral Jewellery with Heike Taschner Jeske (half day)
19 October
R1095
Explore botanical artistry and experience how Heike sees beyond the petals. Under Heike’s guidance, guests will unravel the essence of the rose to transform it into wearable ceramic jewellery. This workshop invites you to explore the rose not just as a flower, but as a form, a story and an experience. You will learn sculptural techniques – shaping, detailing and finishing clay and mixed media pieces which will be fired in the woodburning oven of the La Motte Artisanal Bakery. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a curious beginner, this hands-on session offers a space to sculpt, imagine and be ‘rose’d’ in a world where nature meets art.
What to Expect:
● Expert guidance on sculptural embellishment techniques using floral inspiration
● Connection with fellow creatives
● Tools and materials included
● Jewellery and other bases provided for the embellishments
● You will walk away with your unique made sculptural jewellery piece,
● Included in this workshop is a coffee and rose inspired pastry break
Growing Beauty Without Pesticides with Anja Taschner
1 November
R220
As part of Stellenbosch Garden Town’s celebration of nature, art and sustainable beauty, La Motte is proud to host a special talk by Anja Taschner, renowned organic farmer, botanical alchemist and advocate for regenerative planting.
Wander through La Motte’s beautifully kept grounds on a Rose & Garden Walk, as Anja shares her insights into the symbolic and geometric patterns of the rose. Her talk covers practical advice on intuitive and organic methods of growing roses — in harmony with the rhythms of nature and without harmful pesticides.
Included in the event is a welcoming coffee or herbal garden tea. Enjoy a breakfast or lunch at La Motte’s bakery or restaurant, L’Ami Family Brasserie, (reservations required) and be sure not to miss Die Ateljee’s ”Rose’d” exhibition.
A welcoming coffee or herbal garden tea is included in the price.
The Origin and History of the Rose with Ludwig Taschner
5 November
R220
In celebration of the Stellenbosch Garden Town’s festivities and Die Ateljee “Rose’d” art exhibition, La Motte is hosting a special talk by world-renowned rose specialist Ludwig Taschner. Join us for a journey through the history of the rose — from its ancient origins in the East to its cultivation across cultures and continents. Discover how this beloved bloom found its way to South Africa, brought by early settlers via the Cape of Good Hope. With his insight and storytelling, Ludwig traces the rose’s evolution as both a botanical treasure and a symbol woven into the fabric of history.
Set against the fragrant gardens of La Motte, this event promises to deepen your appreciation for one of the world’s most iconic flowers. Afterwards we’ll open a Q & A session, you can chat to Pamela Taschner, the rose representative in the Winelands, collect a Ludwig’s rose catalogue booklet and have it signed by Ludwig.
Included in the event is a welcoming coffee or herbal garden tea. Enjoy a breakfast or lunch at La Motte’s bakery or restaurant, L’Ami Family Brasserie, (reservations required) and be sure not to miss Die Ateljee’s ”Rose’d” exhibition by Heike Taschner Jeske and other collaborating artists, whose sculptural homage to the rose forms the backdrop of this enchanting experience.
A welcoming coffee or herbal garden tea is included in the price.
Wildflower & Rose Floral Arranging with Anja Taschner
R950
In the spirit of Garden Day South Africa, join us at La Motte Wine Estate for a hands-on floral arranging workshop led by Anja Taschner - organic flower grower and passionate advocate for living in harmony with nature.
Celebrate the beauty of roses and wildflowers in an uplifting and interactive experience that invites you to pause, play and create with the natural world. Surrounded by the serenity of La Motte’s gardens you’ll be guided in creating your own artful bouquet or table arrangement using sustainably grown roses and locally gathered botanical treasures.
This is more than a floral demo - it's a Garden Day ritual of connection and creativity. Whether you’re a gardener at heart, a flower lover, or simply seeking a mindful moment, you’ll walk away with inspiration, nature-wisdom, and your own floral masterpiece. Wear your flower crown if you have one – or make one with us on the day! Included in the workshop is a coffee or herbal tea and a floral-inspired pastry.
A welcoming coffee or herbal garden tea is included in the price.
Botanical Watercolour Painting with Libby Bell (half day)
R1300
Join Libby Bell for a creative journey into botanical watercolour, where she’ll guide you through technique and expression. Designed for both beginners and experienced artists, this session will guide you through some of her most-loved and well-used watercolour techniques for botanical illustration.
During the morning break guests will receive a coffee and bespoke pastry inspired by the watercolour workshop at our bakery. All art materials are provided, as well as a beautiful bag of LB goodies from Libby’s stationery range - just bring your enthusiasm and a curiosity to create!
Christmas Card Painting with Moon and Brush (half day)
11 December
R650
Just before the festive rush begins, this workshop offers a peaceful space to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy the simple joy of watercolour painting.
Perfect for beginners and those looking to deepen their skills, the session with Tamzin from Moon and Brush gently guides participants through the essentials – from learning about brushes, paint, and colour mixing, to creating loose, expressive florals and summery botanicals with a festive touch.
Each guest will leave with a set of their own hand-painted Christmas cards, ready to share with loved ones, along with a starter kit of supplies to keep the creativity flowing at home.
No drawing experience is necessary – just a sense of curiosity and an appreciation for slow, meaningful moments. It’s a wonderful way to ease into the season, soak up the summer mood, and make something truly personal. All materials and tools will be provided, just bring your creativity and curiosity.
Christmas Gift Wrap Painting (half day)
R650
Join artist and designer, Charlotte van Schalkwyk, for a fynbos-inspired acrylic ink painting workshop at the La Motte Ateljee. Together we’ll explore creative ways of creating surface pattern designs on gift wrap paper, just in time for the festive season.
Set in a relaxed and welcoming environment, this workshop is about connection, creativity, and the joy of making meaningful, personal gifts. No drawing experience required - simply bring yourself and an openness to explore. You’ll leave with your own hand-painted gift wrap, ready to bring a thoughtful touch to this season’s celebrations. Goodie bag with items from Charlotte’s botanical stationery range included.
Fynbos Wreath Decorating Workshop
13 December
R650
Join the Ateljee team during the festive season while they offer an exciting wreath decorating workshop. Guests will have the opportunity to decorate their own wreath with fynbos and plant materials from the surrounding mountains and valleys of Franschhoek
Guided step by step, guests will receive a wreath base made from plant materials to decorate with fynbos, and all the necessary tools and other materials will be provided. It is advised for guests to bring their own gardening gloves as some of the materials can be prickly and irritative. This workshop is beginner friendly, and children from the age of 12 are welcome to join together with an adult. By the end of the session guests will have a unique piece to take home, perfect to decorate their front door or holiday table with.
Festive Cookie Decorating Workshop
19 December
R650
Join the Ateljee for a hands-on Christmas cookie ornament decorating class at La Motte. Guests will learn royal icing decorating techniques, create beautiful designs, and have a batch of decorated cookie ornaments to take home and get into the festive spirit. This workshop is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, and children from the age of 12 are welcome to take part accompanied by an adult. Basic piping and flooding techniques will be covered, and each guest will receive a recipe book to bake and decorate their own cookies at home as well.
Botanical Paper Making with Cleo (half day)
24 January 2026
R1000
This hands-on workshop introduces the art of making handcrafted paper using upcycled materials and natural embellishments, encouraging playful experimentation and a relaxed approach to materials. Guests will learn how to transform old paper scraps into fresh sheets of textured, creative paper — perfect for journaling, collage, cards, or simply as standalone artworks.
What to expect:
Learn how to blend recycled paper into pulp and form new sheets using a papermaking deckle. Watch a demonstration of pulp-making with a blender. Explore simple techniques for adding character. Experiment with incorporating petals and leaves to create unique designs with a touch of nature’s beauty.
Participants are welcome to bring along any scrap paper or natural elements (such as petals) they’d like to include. This session includes a coffee & pastry break, a gift bag with a creative mini paper-pulp starter kit, including an assortment of papers in different colours, textures, and shapes, dried botanicals, and a sweet treat, and plenty of time to learn everything one needs to know about paper making. All materials and tools will be provided, just bring your creativity and curiosity.
Textural Acrylic Painting with Kim Black (half day)
R1000
Enjoy a colour filled workshop where Kim Black will bring flowers to life in textural acrylic paint. During this workshop guests will learn about colour value and variation, and break down complex floral forms into clear, confident compositions. Kim will give guests clear guidance on how to observe blooms and select colours to then create beautiful expressive and layered paintings with freedom and spontaneous brushstrokes.
The beauty of floral inspiration is the core of creating in this workshop. This is the perfect opportunity for both experienced and new artists to approach florals with a fresh outlook. This workshop will include all the necessary materials, as well as a pastry and coffee break, and at the end guests will walk away with a new finished floral artwork and a deeper appreciation of colour.
