The Rupert Family
La Motte was acquired in 1970 by the late Dr. Anton Rupert, an internationally respected industrialist who established a global business empire, and was held in high regard as a committed conservationist. Dr. Rupert and his art-devoted wife, Huberte, also played an immense role in the preservation of art.
La Motte is one of three wine estates owned by the Rupert family. Hanneli’s brother, Johann Rupert, owns L’Ormarins, formerly owned by the younger brother, Anthonij, who tragically died in a car accident in 2001. Hanneli and Johann are in partnership with the De Rothschild family of France, producing wines on the Fredericksburg farm under the Rupert & Rothschild label.
Hein Koegelenberg is married to La Motte’s owner, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg and has been the Chief Executive Officer of La Motte Wine Estate since 1999 until his retirement at the end of 2025. Still very much involved as part of the Board, his passion for wine and tourism is reflected in the estate’s wine accolades as well as internationally acknowledged tourism offering.
La Motte is owned by the Rupert’s daughter, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg. Formerly one of South Africa’s leading mezzo-sopranos, she is also the inspiration behind La Motte’s programme of Classical Music Concerts presented from the Historic Cellar on the estate.
La Motte is pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO, succeeding previous CEO Hein Koegelenberg.
Kobie Lochner joined the La Motte team as CEO in June 2025. With an energetic and people-focused approach, he is committed to performance and leading La Motte into a new chapter.
