Spring in Franschhoek is something spectacular. Sunny skies, the bright green of oak trees and vines, the splendour of fynbos against the mountain slopes... It is hard not to be caught-up in all the sights and smells. This year, the beauty of the new season has served as exceptional culinary inspiration to a few local...

From the days of the hunter-gatherer to the latest culinary trends, foraging is part of both traditional and modern cuisine. When European recipes landed in the Cape in the 1600’s, they were adapted to the new conditions. Classic recipes incorporated the magnificent produce from the Company Gardens and soon the rich biodiversity and natural vegetation...

Embodying the values of dedication and excellence, La Motte is proud to release the 2012 vintage of its flagship red wine, Hanneli R. Carefully crafted and blended from Syrah (60%), Grenache (30%) and Petit Syrah (10%) and barrel maturated for 40 months, the wine offers exceptional depth, complexity and personality. Combining the perfumy flavours and minerality...

Acclaimed as an aperitif-style wine and enjoyed for its refreshing character and accessibility, there is more to La Motte’s Sauvignon Blanc than upfront fruit flavours and a crisp acidity – from vineyard selection to viniculture. Exceeding expectations vintage after vintage, the popularity of La Motte Sauvignon Blanc lies in its consistency, reliability and versatility. Each...

In a year when the life and work of famed South African artist, JH Pierneef is celebrated at La Motte with a tribute exhibition, the exceptional performance of the estate’s premium Pierneef Syrah Viognier, named after the renowned artist, is quite relevant. Consistently rated under South Africa’s best in previous vintages, the recently released 2015...

The age of a bottle of wine can be quite important. And just as with people, wines can be quite sensitive about the issue. Not all wines get better with age, some prefer to be enjoyed while young and fresh, others urge you to let them mellow for a short while and for a number...

Seasonal cooking became fashionable again a few years ago. And the truth is, it should never have gone out of fashion! It makes so much sense from a sustainability, economic, health, as well as taste perspective. With the introduction of Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant’s latest menu, guests are invited to enjoy the warmth of...

There was a time when Chardonnay was almost the brand name for white wine, a time when a white wine drinker, was a Chardonnay drinker. Then it changed and for a while Chardonnay was not the go-to white, in fact when selecting a white wine, there was an ABC rule – Anything But Chardonnay. But...

With the promise of stormy winter weather in the Cape Winelands, we asked staff to contribute their recipes for warming one pot wonders. Brand Manager, Stephanie van Rensburg, shares her recipe for an easy, but hearty chicken curry: “I have a heavy hand with the Masala – it gives that extra bit of heat…. and...

Bastille Day or the French La Fête Nationale is celebrated on the 14th of July and serves as a celebration of a reunited France. In Franschhoek, with its rich French Huguenot history, French traditions have always been treasured and that is why each year Bastille Day is celebrated with a special festival. This year the...