In October La Motte’s rose garden is a spectacular sight and this year we will open the private garden to the public during the weekend of Franschhoek Open Gardens. To celebrate the beauty of this special flower, we have also arranged a Talk by South African authority on roses, Ludwig Taschner of Ludwig’s Roses. Join...

The Cape Winelands, from the Constantia Valley to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington, Worcester and Tulbagh, hold the combined history of many different nationalities who, over the centuries, travelled to this most southern part of Africa to start a new life. As they adapted the recipes of their homeland to new surroundings and ingredients and shared...

Carbonade is the French term for meat quickly grilled in a pan or over the coals and served medium–rare. In 1710, the granddaughter of Jan Van Riebeeck mentioned the Cape karmoenade she enjoyed and, in 1797, Johanna Duminy wrote about the carmonaade prepared for lunch from two legs of lamb, on their arrival at the...

It is beetroot season in the Winelands and day after day the most glorious bright bulbs are making their way from the garden to the kitchen. True to our traditional affinity for combining sweet and sour tastes, in South Africa, beetroot was generally pickled in a sugar and vinegar dressing and served as a refreshing...

Now is that awkward time of year when you feel like summer and eating lighter, but the weather is not always playing along. Treat yourself tonight to our lighter in style, but comforting and delicious Cape Vegetable Soup. Lighter than the hearty winter soups, but still comforting. From our Cape Winelands Cuisine Recipe Book. (Page...

A Cheese and Wine is often used to describe a cocktail party where a glass of wine and an array of canapés or a buffet of snacks – and usually a wide variety of cheese – are served. And while your favourite glass of wine and a few delicious cheeses on a platter, may sound...

This weekend, the Franschhoek Valley is dressed in the colours of the French flag for our annual Bastille festivities. At La Motte, we celebrate with beautiful wine, a French-inspired menu at Pierneef à La Motte restaurant, a classical music concert with a French flavour and delightful gifts and confectionery in our Farm Shop. One of...

Every year, La Motte participates in the Bastille Festival with a programme celebrating our Huguenot heritage and passion for food, wine and classical music. 2014 Programme Friday, 11 July 19:00 French-inspired fine dining (For reservations, please contact us at +27(0)21 876 8800 or pierneef@la-motte.co.za) Saturday, 12 July & Sunday, 13 July 12:00 – 17:00 Join...

Join us for a Talk by renowned food historian, Hetta van Deventer-Terblanche on the versatility and unique characteristics of venison, followed by a four-course dinner of venison dishes by Chef Michelle Theron, beautifully paired with exclusive older vintages from the La Motte Vinoteque, presented by Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche. La Motte wines from our Vinoteque will...

The winter holidays is the perfect time to bake some traditional Soetkoekies (sweet biscuits). A delightful treat for the family and easy enough for children to try when they need entertainment on a rainy day. Soetkoekies 4 cups cake flour ½ tsp salt 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ground ginger...