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...

Even those of us who do not have green fingers feel like doing something in the garden when Spring is here. But if you are used to your gardening efforts ending up in a lot of soil and little growth, perhaps this year, you should try to plant a Porkbush or Spekboompie! Not only is...

La Motte’s internationally acknowledged Pierneef Collection has seen a meaningful redesign of its packaging with the release of the 2012 Pierneef Syrah Viognier and 2014 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc. Now featuring lino-cut artworks by famed South African landscape artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef on the front label, the association with the artistry of wine-making as well as...

La Motte has always been committed to the preservation of our heritage, culture and art. To further this focus, a series of very interesting talks and guided walkabouts has been introduced. The upcoming programme includes: Art in Clay – The Setting, contemporary ceramic tableware Saturday, 25 October 2014, 10:00 Contemporary ceramic table settings Join us...

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...

With 9 August being National Women’s Day in South Africa, the month of August is often used to commend the virtue of women. At La Motte we would like to celebrate the many qualities of women with reference to the various sculptures of women on the estate. Today, a new sculpture was revealed in the...

La Motte is celebrating its association with classical music with a programme of monthly classical music concerts presented in the beautiful Historic Cellar on the estate. The programme for the second semester of 2014 varies between a special performance by the estate’s owner and acclaimed mezzo-soprano, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg to violin, piano and clarinet recitals by...