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Franschhoek · Western Cape

La Motte

La Motte is a wine farm in Franschhoek, Western Cape. About 60 km from Cape Town.

60 km from Cape Town Restaurant
La Motte
Photograph from the farm website

La Motte Wine Estate: Classic Franschhoek Hospitality on the R45

La Motte is one of Franschhoek Wine Valley’s landmark estates: a Rupert family–linked property on the R45 Main Road where wine tasting, farm-to-table dining, art, bakery culture and a mountain hiking trail sit in one carefully curated visitor day. For travellers planning a Western Cape wine-route circuit from Cape Town or Stellenbosch, La Motte anchors the valley gateway with published Classic, Reserve, Pierneef, Flagship, Varietal Specific and Vinoteque flights—plus L’Ami Family Brasserie, the Bakery & Garden Café, seasonal JAN Franschhoek, Farm Shop, Spens pantry and Ateljee art space. The estate’s official position is elegant, classic winemaking with distinctive varietal character, presented by informed wine ambassadors in the cellar and barrel room or overlooking the gardens.

History & Setting: Huguenot Valley Landmark

La Motte occupies a historic Franschhoek farmstead landscape framed by Cape Dutch architecture and valley gardens. The estate today operates as a full experience destination rather than a single tasting counter: wine, cuisine, culture and outdoor walking are integrated under one address—La Motte Wine Estate (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 685, Franschhoek 7690—with central switchboard +27 (0)21 876 8000 and info@la-motte.co.za. GPS published by the estate is approximately 33° 53′ 0.91″ S, 19° 4′ 21.57″ E. That R45 location makes La Motte a natural first or last stop when entering or leaving Franschhoek village, often paired with neighbouring Leopard’s Leap or other Huguenot Road cellar doors.

Unlike boutique appointment-only labels elsewhere in the valley, La Motte publishes clear public programmes, cashless estate operations and a security check-in that requires photo ID. Groups are capped (maximum eight people per tasting on the wine-tastings page), so reservations matter for larger parties even when walk-up capacity exists for smaller visits. Christian religious holidays see closures across tasting and related venues—confirm before a festive-season itinerary.

Signature Wines & Verified Tasting Menu

Official wine-tastings content (verified 2026-10-01 on la-motte.com/pages/wine-tastings) lists the following priced flights:

  • Classic tasting — R80: La Famille Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Joie Rosé, Millennium Red.
  • Reserve tasting — R160: Cap Classique NV, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah.
  • Pierneef tasting — R120: Sauvignon Blanc, Atelier Syrah–Viognier.
  • Flagship tasting — R80: Hanneli R.
  • Varietal Specific tasting — R300: four wines in varietal-specific Riedel glasses in the Vinoteque at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:00.
  • Vinoteque Tasting — R320 per person: cellarmaster’s choice of older vintages or special Syrah styles; compare three vintage wines with current counterparts; strictly by appointment; minimum six / maximum eight guests; upfront payment; bookings close 24 hours ahead.

The broader portfolio highlighted on the tasting page spans popular La Famille Sauvignon Blanc, Millennium and Vin de Joie Rosé through Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, limited MCC and Hanneli R releases, and the premium Pierneef Collection’s varietal wines and innovative blends. Book tastings via tasting@la-motte.co.za or +27 (0)21 876 8820. Tasting Room hours: Monday–Sunday 09:00–17:00 (closed Christian religious holidays).

Dining, Bakery, Hiking & Culture

L’Ami Family Brasserie offers à la carte lunch Monday–Sunday, small plates Monday–Saturday, and dinner Friday–Saturday, with open-fire / farm-to-table cooking, children’s options and a wrap-around stoep. Reservations: lami.restaurant@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 9130. Typical published windows include lunch 11:30–15:00, small plates 14:30–16:30, dinner 18:00–21:00 (Fri–Sat).

JAN Franschhoek—a seasonal Michelin-star Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen food-and-wine experience at the Veepos cottage amid lavender—runs seasonally (Season V from 4 September 2026 on official pages; open Sep–Apr). Communal table seats about 20; not suitable under 12; published price ZAR 3,550 per person for tasting menu and wine pairing. Book online only; jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za / 021 876 9115. Dinner typically Wednesday–Saturday from 18:30 (arrive Manor House 18:00); Sunday lunch from 12:30 (arrive 12:00).

The Bakery & Garden Café serves breakfast until 11:30, kitchen closes 15:00, afternoon drinks until 16:00; farm-yard playground and milling/bread experiences are promoted. Contact bakery@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8825. Farm Shop and Spens run roughly 09:00–17:00 daily; Ateljee Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–17:00.

The Hiking Trail is a circular ~5 km Grade 1B walk (~2 hours) starting at the Tasting Room; map and water included. Self-guided R90 per person (max group 10); guided R450 per person (max 12, min 2). Closed in winter May–September and when temperatures exceed 35°C or in rain; not recommended under 10; no dogs or bikes. Prior online booking essential via tasting contacts. Self-guided starts from 09:00 (latest 14:00); guided hikes Tuesday–Friday 08:00 when offered.

Practical Tips for Visitors

  • Pre-book Varietal Specific, Vinoteque, JAN, guided hikes and larger tasting groups; Classic/Reserve/Pierneef still benefit from a call in peak season.
  • Estate is cashless; bring photo ID for security check-in.
  • Pair a Classic or Pierneef flight with Bakery breakfast or L’Ami lunch for a full half-day without rushing to Franschhoek village.
  • Confirm holiday closures and JAN seasonal dates on la-motte.com before travel.
  • Website: https://www.la-motte.com/ — use dedicated tasting and dining pages for live prices.

Why Visit La Motte

Choose La Motte when you want a verified, multi-tier Franschhoek tasting menu, serious Culinary and culture options, and a landscape walk without leaving one estate. It suits first-time valley visitors who need reliable published hours and prices, collectors booking Vinoteque appointments, and families who can split bakery time from adult tastings. For a quieter Semillon appointment farm or a Cap Classique specialist in the village, look elsewhere on this portal—but for classic Franschhoek hospitality at scale with current Classic (R80), Reserve (R160) and Pierneef (R120) flights confirmed, La Motte remains essential.

Things to do at La Motte

  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Classic tasting

    Official wine-tastings page: La Famille Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Joie Rosé, Millennium Red in cellar/barrel room or garden. Groups max 8; photo ID required for security check-in; cashless estate.

    Price R80

    Booking: tasting@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8820

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Reserve tasting

    Cap Classique NV, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah.

    Price R160

    Booking: tasting@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8820

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Pierneef tasting

    Sauvignon Blanc, Atelier Syrah Viognier.

    Price R120

    Booking: tasting@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8820

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Flagship tasting

    Hanneli R.

    Price R80

    Booking: tasting@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8820

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Varietal Specific tasting

    Four wines in varietal-specific Riedel glasses in the Vinoteque at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00 & 15:00.

    Price R300

    Booking: tasting@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8820

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Vinoteque Tasting

    Cellarmaster’s choice of older vintages or special Syrah styles; compare 3 vintage wines with current counterparts; strictly by appointment; min 6 / max 8; upfront payment; bookings close 24h ahead.

    Price R320pp

    Booking: tasting@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8820

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Restaurants & dining

    L'Ami Family Brasserie

    A la carte lunch Mon–Sun; small plates Mon–Sat; dinner Fri–Sat; open-fire / farm-to-table; children’s options; wrap-around stoep.

    Booking: lami.restaurant@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 9130; reservations recommended

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Places to stay

    JAN Franschhoek

    Seasonal Michelin-star Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen food-and-wine experience at the Veepos cottage amid lavender; communal table seats 20; not suitable under 12; Season V from 4 Sep 2026; open seasonally Sep–Apr.

    Price ZAR 3550pp tasting menu & wine pairing

    Booking: Online only; jan.franschhoek@la-motte.co.za / 021 876 9115

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Restaurants & dining

    Bakery & Garden Café

    Artisanal bakery / garden café; breakfast until 11:30; kitchen closes 15:00; afternoon drinks until 16:00; farm-yard playground; milling/bread-baking experiences noted.

    Booking: bakery@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8825

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine tasting & pairings

    Hiking Trail

    Circular ~5 km (Grade 1B, ~2 hours walking); starts at Tasting Room; map + water included; max group 10 self-guided / guided max 12 min 2; closed winter May–Sep and >35°C/rain; not recommended under 10; no dogs/bikes.

    Price Self-guided R90pp; Guided R450pp

    Booking: tasting@la-motte.co.za / +27 (0)21 876 8820; prior online booking essential

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Wine sales

    Farm Shop

    Farm shop, Spens farm pantry, and Ateljee art space listed on experience/contact pages.

    Booking: farm.shop@la-motte.co.za; pantry.spens@la-motte.co.za; curator.ateljee@la-motte.co.za

    Details on the farm website ↗
  • Other experiences

    Spens

  • Other experiences

    Ateljee

Browse all experience types

Notable wines

Chardonnay; Cabernet Sauvignon; Syrah; Pierneef Collection; MCC

Wines made here

Wine list from wine.co.za. The taste words are drawn from those notes, which are not reprinted here. Ask the cellar door what is pouring on the day.

Visiting with kids

L’Ami Family Brasserie children’s menu plus a farm-yard-inspired playground beside oak lawns and the Bakery & Garden Café.

With kids. About 53 min from Cape Town. Suited to toddlers, tweens.

Play areaKids menuPicnicLawnsCasual food

La Motte combines a polished estate setting with genuine space for children. The Bakery & Garden Café sits beside gardens, lawns, a pond and a farm-yard-inspired playground, and L’Ami Family Brasserie offers options for children on the menu. The Spens farm pantry stocks picnic-style foods for grazing on the lawns. It suits toddlers through tweens, and booking is advised for the brasserie. A few practical notes: the hiking trail isn’t recommended for under-10s, infants in backpacks aren’t allowed on it, and dogs aren’t permitted. Bring photo ID for the estate security check-in, and note that La Motte is cashless, so carry a card for the café and pantry.

Before you go

  • Book ahead, especially on weekends and in school holidays.
Is there a playground?

Yes — a farm-yard-inspired playground near the Bakery & Garden Café lawns and pond.

Is there food for children?

Yes — L’Ami Family Brasserie offers options for children.

Can kids do the hiking trail?

It isn’t recommended for under-10s, and infants in backpacks aren’t allowed.

Nearby with children

  • Limietberg Nature Reserve – Tweede Tol — Walk or hike, Bainskloof Website
  • Huguenot Memorial Museum — Kids museum, Franschhoek · 6 km Website
  • Huguenot Monument & wild flower garden — Outing, Franschhoek · 6 km Website
  • Franschhoek Motor Museum — Kids museum, Groot Drakenstein · 7 km Website

Family notes checked 5 October 2026. Confirm on the farm’s website before you drive. Source. More family farms in Franschhoek. Things to do near this farm. Weddings on this farm.

Weddings here

Contact page links official list of locations for weddings and conferences; Parshuis function venue hosts bridal showers and celebrations

Limited weddings. Up to 100 seated. About 53 min from Cape Town. 54 min from the airport. From R5000 (Parshuis half-day venue fee).

In-house cateringSmall weddingIndoor

Parshuis (historic red wine cellar, up to 100); Syrah Studio (up to 20); L'Ami Brasserie for meals

Historic Franschhoek Valley estate; gardens and heritage buildings

La Motte is a historic Franschhoek Valley estate with gardens and heritage buildings. It is listed as a limited wedding venue: it's mainly a conference and function venue, and its contact page includes weddings in its list of locations, but there is no dedicated wedding package.

At a glance

  • Capacity: up to 100 in the Parshuis; the Syrah Studio takes up to 20
  • Spaces: the Parshuis (a historic red wine cellar), the Syrah Studio, and L'Ami Brasserie for meals
  • Setting: indoor
  • Accommodation: none on site
  • Catering: in-house, from the La Motte Bakery and L'Ami. Sister property Leopard's Leap can host larger groups
  • Coordinator: yes

The Parshuis also hosts bridal and baby showers, birthday parties and special celebrations, so it suits small weddings and receptions.

Price: venue fee from R5 000 (2026, as published by the venue) for a half day in the Parshuis, from the official 2026 Conference and Function Packages. Catering is charged on top (finger food is priced per person in the brochure).

Download the 2026 packages PDF from the official site, or email mm.farmshop@la-motte.co.za.

Last checked 5 October 2026 against the estate's official information. Confirm details directly before booking.

Before you enquire

  • In-house catering from La Motte Bakery / L'Ami; sister property Leopard's Leap for larger groups
  • Official Conference and Function Packages 2026: Parshuis venue fee R5000 half day / R7500 full day; Syrah Studio R2500; finger food from R275pp; half-day conference R600pp + venue fee; full-day R1400pp.
Can we have a wedding at La Motte?

The contact page lists locations for weddings, but La Motte is mainly a function venue with no dedicated wedding package. The Parshuis suits receptions and small celebrations.

How many guests fit in the Parshuis?

Up to 100 guests.

Is catering included?

Catering is in-house from the La Motte Bakery and L'Ami, and charged separately from the venue fee.

Is there accommodation?

No, there's no on-site accommodation.

Wedding notes checked 5 October 2026. Guest numbers and packages change. Ask the farm for the current offer. Enquire. Brochure. Source. More wedding farms in Franschhoek. With kids. Tours.

Tours that stop here

All wine tours

Questions before you go

Where is La Motte?

La Motte is at R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley. Most visitors drive there from Cape Town in 60–75 minutes.

When is La Motte open?

Open Sunday · 09:00 - 17:00. Hours change, so call +27 21 876 8000 before you drive.

How much is a wine tasting at La Motte?

From R80. Prices change, so confirm when you book.

Can I eat at La Motte?

Yes, there is a restaurant on the farm. Book ahead for weekend lunches.

Wine of Origin

Geographical unit: Western Cape → Coastal Region → Franschhoek

Franschhoek Valley is a compact, dramatic district: a cul-de-sac of vineyards between the Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek and Klein Drakenstein mountains.

Terroir snapshot

Elevation and soil figures are modelled at the pin, not a vineyard block survey. Use them to compare farms, not to quote a technical sheet.

Latitude
-33.88025
Longitude
19.0737
Elevation
215 m (Open-Meteo)
Soil pH
6.3 (SoilGrids 0–5 cm)
Clay
13% (SoilGrids)
Organic C
52.2 g/kg (SoilGrids)

Sources

  • OpenStreetMap node 12615389153
  • Phone, hours, and facilities: farm website
  • Wine route membership: association listing
  • Wine list: wine.co.za
  • Family notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Wedding notes: farm website, checked 5 October 2026
  • Tours: operator pages
  • Elevation: Open-Meteo
  • Soil: ISRIC SoilGrids

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