There’s something about Syrah that works beautifully with venison. Or perhaps it is the other way round! But Syrah understands the flavours that also work well with venison. Earthy notes, a subtle smokiness, fragrant herbs and spices and the charm of fruity sweetness. Our bumper venison burger is a moreish treat that works wonderful with a...

In a world where disembodied virtual experiences have become the order of the day, Threads of Synergy – a new exhibition of South African tapestry art in the La Motte Museum - pays homage to the artisans’ presence in the making. This exhibition of large-scale tapestries calls for a tactile encounter, regaining sensitivity towards surfaces...

La Motte’s Syrah wines are acclaimed for their elegance. Perhaps the wines find their classic style in the origin of the grapes - a natural fruitiness from the Franschhoek Valley and the cool climate complexities from the Cape South Coast. Perhaps it is winemaking inspiration from France, where La Motte’s vinicultural heritage began or perhaps...

Each July when we celebrate our French heritage, we revisit some traditional recipes. While French chefs have lead the way when it comes to classic techniques and recipes, there is much more to French cuisine than the picture perfect pâtisserie, soufflé and confit - in fact, the best known French recipes are for rustic and hearty...

With a traditional focus, this Cassoulet is based on the Castelnaudary-style with a crunchy bread crumb topping.  Come-together Cassoulet (serves 12) Ingredients DUCK CONFIT 6 duck legs 6 Tbs salt 4 sprigs thyme 4  garlic cloves, smashed 1 Tbs black peppercorns 2 oranges, zest only 500 g duck fat Prick skin on duck legs all over...

Cassoulet is France plats à partager (dish to share) and it is this wonderful spirit of sharing that Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche experienced when, as a young and hungry winemaker in France, a Frenchman shared a plate of Cassoulet with him. Since that experience he has been trying his own hand at making Cassoulet using local ingredients - he has...

  It is no secret that France is considered as the home of great wines and has served as the inspiration for many grape growers and winemakers around the world, including here in our very own French corner. Most wine grape varieties also originate from France and as we traditionally celebrate our French heritage in...

What a privilege it is to have art in our homes. Whether it is a really valuable work, a piece of beauty or just something sentimental, art can bring us joy, memories and even contemplation. Art can easily outlive you - if you take good care of it. Elzette de Beer, curator at the La Motte...

Recipe for rare roast beef with pickles, an onion dressing, sweet mustard and "pofbrood" (lavash) Roast beef 2 kg Silverside, cleaned 30 g Dijon mustard Salt and pepper Pre-heat your oven to 100 degrees. Season the silverside liberally with salt and pepper. Place a large saute pan on high heat and wait until it starts...

The Franschhoek Bastille Festival is an annual highlight celebrating the beautiful Franschhoek Valley’s joie de vivre and the love for food and wine we inherited from the French Huguenots who settled here many years ago. Unfortunately, as with so many of the things we enjoy, Covid is preventing the normal festivities this year, but that does not prevent us...