The La Motte Sustainable Hike has reopened, and after the winter’s rain, the mountain offers a splendour of indigenous flora and breathtaking vistas of the Franschhoek Valley. A further expression of La Motte’s commitment to the highest conservation and biodiversity standards and the protection of precious indigenous flora and fauna in the mountain area surrounding...

We often tend to think of wines as being quite seasonal – white in summer and red in winter. But can a wine be better suited to one season than to another? What makes one wine more of a “summer wine” and another more of a “winter wine”? There is no simple formula for wines...

The Blushing Bride, a rare white or pink flower with silky, pointy petals, is somewhat of a legend in the Franschhoek Valley. The story goes that it was discovered in the surrounding mountains in 1773 and came by its romantic name from its use in a rather romantic tradition. A French Huguenot farmer who was...

Those who have visited Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant on the estate might have admired the ceramic chandeliers hanging gracefully from the ceiling. Some might have enjoyed La Motte’s Winelands Tea, presented in the intricately decorated tea service, while others might have noticed the themed bowls and other containers displayed in the La Motte Farm...

“Museums are important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and the development of mutual understanding, co-operation and peace among people” (ICOM) While celebrating International Museum Day (18 May) with the theme Cultural Landscapes and Museums, the life and work of South African old master JH Pierneef (1886 – 1957) should be of special interest,...

It feels like the Cape Winelands have jumped from Summer to Winter within a week and as if we have missed out completely on one of the most beautiful seasons, Autumn! But not to worry, sunshine and mellow temperatures are forecasted for next week and as one can slowly see the turn of the season...

Home to the beautiful sculpted works by acclaimed South African sculptors, father Theo Megaw and son Toby Megaw, La Motte Wine Estate invites you to a walkabout with the two artists, visiting the various sculptures on the estate. Along the walk, nine sculptures will be visited – from the major commission piece, the welcoming Wine...

La Motte’s association with the art of Jacob Hendrik Pierneef 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...

Farm-style shopping is redefined in the quaint La Motte Farm Shop with its wonderful variety of take-home reminders of the estate. Artisan farm-baked breads, a tempting array of confectionery from the Pierneef à La Motte pastry kitchen, light meals as well as farm produce such as seasonal vegetables, fynbos, disas and lavendine grown on the...

An exhibition aimed at highlighting the value of contributions by South African female artists during the past fifty years was opened in the La Motte Museum recently. Assessing the value of contributions by South African female artists and the influence of their work on the development of South African art has, until now, received little...