“The winter before the harvest has an important role to play in the eventual quality of wine grapes. We need cold for decent dormancy and rain to replenish the water levels. Last year, we received both”, says La Motte cellar master, Edmund Terblanche. Rain: With a very wet winter and around 35% more rain than...

Must is one of the wonderful products of the wine grape harvest that does not only have a rich history but is also a versatile seasonal ingredient in many recipes – even in the modern-day kitchen. It has been a popular ingredient in cooking since ancient times and it was probably the French Huguenots who...

13 July 2013 French Festivities – Zanne Stapelberg (soprano) and Francois du Toit (piano) Zanne Stapelberg As part of the annual Bastille festival in Franschhoek, acclaimed South African soprano Zanne Stapelberg and well-known pianist Francois du Toit will present a special programme of French music which includes Je Veux Vivre from Roméo et Juliette by...

La Motte’s desire to make a delicate dessert wine started in 2011 with the harvest of some very special Viognier grapes. With its distinctive aromatic properties, Viognier from Paarl and Franschhoek was used to make one barrel of straw wine. In 2012, Viognier from the Elgin region was used to make another barrel and at...

“The winter before the harvest has an important role to play in the eventual quality of wine grapes. We need cold for decent dormancy and rain to replenish the water levels. Last year, we received both”, says La Motte cellar master, Edmund Terblanche. Talking to a few of South Africa’s leading wine cellars from various...

During the coming months we will be hosting a series of talks, starting on Thursday, 28 February. The first talk will be presented by acclaimed expert on South African Culture and History, Prof Matilda Burden. Following on her previous talk on the relevance of Cape Dutch Architecture, this time she will focus on the building...

To celebrate the wonder of harvesting wine grapes, La Motte has introduced a Harvest Tasting which will introduce guests to all facets of this special time in the Winelands. Starting in the Vineyards, guests will be able to taste the ripening grapes while a well-informed Wine Ambassador introduces the various varietals and explains the harvest...

We have started our harvest this week with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for our Méthode Cap Classique. Our annual tradition is to get together and ask for a blessed harvest. Our Vineyard, Winemaking and Cellar Teams Chardonnay for our Méthode Cap Classique Mosbolletjies and Pinot Noir grapes La Motte MCC as a celebration of the...

As the king of cultivars, Cabernet Sauvignon, perhaps more so than all others lends itself to maturation. Especially when made in the traditional complex and elegant style, it should mature beautifully. Cellar Master, Edmund Terblanche recommends that the recently released 2010 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon be cellared up to 2023. Grapes for the 2010 vintage...

A little bunch of Sauvignon Blanc grapes in training to become a refreshing glass of wine for a hot Boland day like today! Winemaker’s predictions are that we will start harvesting Sauvignon Blanc in a week or two.