Majestic oak trees, centuries of heritage and a beautiful new heart to this historic family estate.
Beguiled by glorious mountain and vineyard vistas on all sides, the dilemma on arriving at La Motte in Franschhoek is where to begin… For the past couple of years, we’ve headed straight along the enchanting woodland path to the artisanal bakery, but now that the meticulous renovation and redesign of the main courtyard complex is complete, there’s a cornucopia of riches to explore.
An airy glass-walled foyer draws the eye through to the soaring spaces of the art-lined Ateljee, an enticing path winds through to the oak-shaded lawn in front of L’Ami Family Brasserie. There are delightful shops to browse and, above a landscaped pond, the wine centre beckons.
The historic family-owned farm has long been known for a next-level experience to match its internationally acclaimed wines. This thoughtful new incarnation under the same majestic oak trees is also consciously family-friendly, curated but informal, with space to gather, linger and simply enjoy life with family and friends of all ages.
Lunch at L’Ami Family Brasserie
The welcoming ambience here is all about feasting with friends, as the name L’Ami (French for friend) suggests. Immensely chic but with an informal farm vibe, the long wraparound stoep opens onto the grassy central lawns, and there’s an accessible à la carte menu inspired by seasonal farm ingredients and open-fire cooking. Expect a Mediterranean-meets-South-Africa combination of flavours, with a simple but spectacular result: perfectly prepared fresh cob with a seriously addictive vin blanc sauce; beef tartare on superb sourdough from the estate bakery; beetroot and fig salad; plus steaks, lamb and venison cooked on the Spanish open-coal grill.
Good to know There’s also a small plates menu available in the afternoons, after the lunch service until 4.30pm. Plus there’s a children’s menu.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 11.30am – 3pm
Friday + Saturday, 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm
Book through DinePlan
Breakfast and breads at the Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café
Alongside the historic Jonkershuis, with glass walls opening onto a terrace looking over shaded lawns, ancient oaks and an enchanting farmyard-inspired playground, the bakery-café appeals to the whole family. Baker extraordinaire Markus Farbinger (founder of Knysna’s Île de Pain) and resident baker Ricardo Slawers have devised a stunning wood-fired bread offering using carefully sourced flours, slow-fermented doughs and old-school artisanal methods. Shop for beautifully chewy ciabatta, crusty sourdough loaves, crustique, rye bread and the fabulous “Motte” organic sourdough (plus divine mosbolletjies in harvest season). Or settle in for an all-day breakfast and light lunch menu (including generous open sandwiches) that is approachable and delicious. And don’t forget the heavenly selection of patisserie, boulangerie and Viennoisserie to take home with you.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm (kitchen closes 3pm)
Book through DinePlan
An immersive dining experience at Jan Franschhoek
A coveted highlight of summer in the Cape… To experience the multi-course menu and wine pairing at this sublime seasonal pop-up is to surrender to a culinary magician. SA-born chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen (of Michelin-starred Jan in Nice, France) conjures up a magical long-table feast in an 1800s cottage amid the lavender fields of the estate. He describes the experience as an “unfolding journey that transports you out of the here and now,” with a sumptuous menu (paired with the estate’s award-winning wines) that reinterprets nostalgic family meals and regional cuisine, and a candlelit kaas en konfyt (cheese and preserves) cornucopia reminiscent of a Van Dyck still life.
Good to know The current season runs until 30 April 2025. Reservations essential. The experience kicks off at The Manor House 30 minutes before moving on to the Veepos Cottage for lunch or dinner.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 6.30pm for 7pm
Sunday, 12pm for 12.30pm
Book through DinePlan
Wine-tasting and experiences
A wooden bridge over a landscaped pond leads to the wide tasting verandah, where you can sit outside under an umbrella and enjoy the serene garden views. Or head inside to the vaulted tasting room itself set against the background of the maturation cellar. Enjoy wine-tastings or book one of a variety of seasonal wine experiences (such as the special harvest one; only until end-March) that celebrate the art of winemaking.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
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Exhibitions and workshops at the Ateljee
Art has always been a passion project for the La Motte family. The new Ateljee brings a series of regularly changing, themed exhibitions of painting, design, ceramic and textile art. Wander, peruse and soak up the beauty as you explore. Through a connecting door there’s an interactive space, where you can paint your own artwork to add to the collective art-wall exhibition (or take it straight home) as you sip a glass of wine. Or join a half-day workshop to learn botanical watercolour painting or leatherwork among other special events.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
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Covetable craftsmanship at the Farm Shop
The name doesn’t begin to convey the beautiful celebration of craftsmanship and inspiration that intrigues the eye the minute you walk inside. High-beamed ceilings and dramatic botanical prints frame a bountiful selection to browse: hand-woven trug baskets, and gardening artefacts, gorgeously glazed ceramics, handwoven linen and bespoke kitchenware… it’s a treasure trove of gifts and impulse buys that will find a special place in any home.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Food shopping at Spens
An old-fashioned farm pantry, the Spens is where to shop for farm produce from La Motte and surrounding farms and artisanal producers. Stock up with local cheeses, charcuterie, pickles and preserves, and a loaf of bread for a spontaneous picnic, or shop for free-range beef and Karoo-certified lamb and fresh vegetables for your evening meal.
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Nature and views on the hiking trails
For an active adventure take to the mountainside hiking trail that starts from the wine centre. A wealth of indigenous flora and fauna, abundant birdlife and breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Valley are your reward on the 5km circular route, which takes you through protea gardens, sustainably farmed vineyards and up onto the mountainside above the estate. The hike takes 2-3 hours depending on your pace.
Good to know Booking essential. Not suitable for children under 10 (or babies in backpacks). No dogs or mountain bikes. During rainy weather or when temperatures exceed 35C the trail is closed for safety reasons.
Cost R90 (self-guided)
R200 (guided with light refreshments)
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 2pm (starting time)
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An entrancing place of heritage, creativity and beauty, rooted in the Franschhoek Valley
Good to know The Artisanal Bakery will close 16 June – 9 July 2025 and L’Ami Family Brasserie will close 30 June – 23 July 2025 for their annual winter breaks. The Tasting Room and shops remain open.
Pet-friendly? No
Contact 021 876 8000, info@lamotte.co.za
Where to find it La Motte Wine Estate, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek
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