La Motte Wine Estate

One of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, Spier blends award-winning wines, sustainability, art, and culinary excellence in the heart of Stellenbosch.

Description

La Motte Wine Estate is a celebrated destination in Franschhoek Valley, known for its exceptional wines, art, and Cape Winelands hospitality. Visitors can enjoy curated tastings, dine at the elegant L’Ami Brasserie, stroll through serene gardens, or explore artisanal shops and a creative art space.

With its heritage architecture and breathtaking mountain views, La Motte offers an immersive cultural experience. The estate embraces sustainability and craft, making it a must-visit for lovers of wine, art, and scenic tranquillity.

Company Group

Rupert Family Estates

Additional Links

Email Address

General: info@la-motte.co.za
Bakery: bakery@la-motte.co.za
Tasting Room: tasting@la-motte.co.za
L’Ami Restaurant: lami.restaurant@la-motte.co.za
Spens Pantry: pantry.spens@la-motte.co.za

Phone Number

Social Media

Google Rating

4.5 ★ | 500+ Google reviews

Activities

Experiences

Sip & Savour: Enjoy a glass of La Motte Syrah beside the cellar fireplace as the aroma of oak and spice fills the air.

Art & Inspiration: Wander through the Ateljee, where local art and heritage blend with vineyard charm.

Taste of the Valley: Dine al fresco at L’Ami Brasserie, surrounded by mountain views and the scent of fynbos.

Nature & Tranquillity: Hike the scenic trail at sunrise and watch Franschhoek awaken in golden light.

Estimate Duration

1 – 5 Hours

Tasting Options

Classic Tasting | R80: Includes a selection of the estate’s current vintage wines — eg. La Famille Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Joie Rosé, and Millennium Red.

Reserve Tasting | R160: Includes Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah from the estate’s current vintages.

Varietal Specific Tasting | R300: Four wines served in varietal-specific Riedel glasses (each tailored to highlight the wine).

Vinoteque Tasting | R300: A premium or library‐style tasting of rare/older/mature vintages in a more private room.

Tasting Hours

Tasting Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 09h00 – 17h00

Vinoteque Tastings:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10h00 | 12h00 & 14h00 (by booking only).

Varietal-Specific Tastings:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10h00 | 11h00 | 14h00 & 15h00 (by booking only).

Dietary Options

Gluten-free | Vegetarian | Vegan | Dairy-free (upon request)

Dress Code

Smart casual

Tours

Guided Cellar Tour (by appointment only): Explore La Motte’s working cellar and gain insight into their meticulous winemaking process — from grape to glass.

Sculpture Walk (Tuesday – Sunday): Discover the estate’s tranquil gardens and a curated collection of female-themed bronze sculptures. A knowledgeable guide shares the inspiration behind each piece, finishing with a glass of La Motte Méthode Cap Classique.

Restaurants

L’Ami Family Brasserie: Modern farm-style dining with open-fire cooking, seasonal local flavours, and indoor-outdoor seating.

JAN Franschhoek: Contemporary tasting menu and special dining experiences showcasing local produce and seasonal flavours.

La Motte Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café: Freshly baked breads, light seasonal meals, and patisserie served in a tranquil garden setting.

Spens Pantry: Casual café-style meals, light snacks, and beverages in a relaxed setting.

Picnics

Guests can purchase bakery, charcuterie and picnic‑style items from the Spens pantry or Bakery & Garden Café and bring them to the lawns for an informal picnic. For special occasions (e.g., Valentine’s Day) a dedicated picnic box is offered.”

Child Friendly Policy

Child friendly: Children are excluded from wine tastings and must be supervised elsewhere on the estate.

What to Bring

Additional Information

Photography is allowed in gardens and public areas, but flash or tripods may be restricted during tastings.
Estate operates sustainably, including water-wise gardens and eco-friendly practices.
Photo identification is required for entry.
The estate is cashless.

Insider Guides

Arrive early on weekdays to enjoy quieter tasting rooms and gardens.
Combine a vineyard walk with a tasting to fully appreciate the estate’s scenery and wines.
Visit the Art Ateljee before lunchtime to see the exhibitions before the café gets busy.

Weather Considerations

Ideal Weather: Clear | Sunny | Warm

Rain Alert: Light Rain (30–40%)

Weather Experience Note: Most experiences are outdoors and best in dry, sunny conditions. Light rain is manageable, but heavy rain can limit vineyard walks and outdoor tastings. Indoor tastings and the Vinoteque are unaffected.

Reservation Policies

Reservations essential for Vinoteque and Varietal-Specific tastings.
Reservations recommended for L’Ami Family Brasserie, JAN Franschhoek, and bakery/café during peak hours.
Group bookings (6+ guests) for tastings or tours should be reserved in advance.
Guided tours and Sculpture Walks require prior booking.
Walk-ins are accepted at the estate and café outside peak periods, but availability is not guaranteed.

Estimate Price Range

R200 – R300+ | RR

R80 – R300+ | Wine Tastings
R100 – R180+ | Bakery & Garden Café
R350 – R450+ | L’Ami Family Brasserie Lunch
R200 – R400+ | Guided Tours / Sculpture Walks

Pricing & Entry Fees

Entry | Free

Booking Methods

Dineplan | Email | Phone | Website

Must Tries

Vinoteque Tasting: Taste the exclusive Pierneef Collection in an intimate private setting, guided by knowledgeable wine ambassadors.

Bakery Breakfast: Savour freshly baked breads and seasonal treats while enjoying serene views of the oak-lined gardens.

Guided Vineyard Walk: Stroll through the scenic vineyards with an expert guide, discovering the estate’s unique terroir and winemaking secrets.

Highlights

Heritage Views: Wander the estate and soak in the rich history framed by sweeping mountain and vineyard vistas.

Art & Gardens: Explore the creative Ateljee and tranquil garden spaces, where art and nature combine for a peaceful experience.

Seasonal Events: Experience special estate events, from live music to art exhibitions, adding a vibrant cultural layer to your visit.

Art and sculpture exhibitions

Art gallery

Ateljee

Bakery & Garden Café

Child friendly

Farm shop

Garden seating

Hiking trail

Live music events

Museum

Parking

Picnic‑style lawn available

Playground

Restaurants & cafés

Restrooms

Scenic views

Spa (Spens)

Sustainable practices

Tasting room

Winemaking heritage

Wheelchair accessible

Wi‑Fi

Wine tastings

Not dog friendly

Features

Art and sculpture exhibitions
Art gallery
Ateljee
Bakery & Garden Café
Child friendly
Farm shop
Garden seating
Hiking trail
Live music events
Museum
Parking
Picnic‑style lawn available
Playground
Restaurants & cafés
Restrooms
Scenic views
Spa (Spens)
Sustainable practices
Tasting room
Winemaking heritage
Wheelchair accessible
Wi‑Fi
Wine tastings
Not dog friendly

Must Tries

Vinoteque Tasting: Taste the exclusive Pierneef Collection in an intimate private setting, guided by knowledgeable wine ambassadors.

Bakery Breakfast: Savour freshly baked breads and seasonal treats while enjoying serene views of the oak-lined gardens.

Guided Vineyard Walk: Stroll through the scenic vineyards with an expert guide, discovering the estate’s unique terroir and winemaking secrets.

Highlights

Heritage Views: Wander the estate and soak in the rich history framed by sweeping mountain and vineyard vistas.

Art & Gardens: Explore the creative Ateljee and tranquil garden spaces, where art and nature combine for a peaceful experience.

Seasonal Events: Experience special estate events, from live music to art exhibitions, adding a vibrant cultural layer to your visit.

Address

R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley

Parking: Free parking available on-site

Opening Hours

Wine Tasting
Tuesday – Sunday	09h00 – 17h00
Restaurant – L’Ami Family Brasserie
Wednesday – Sunday	11h30 – 15h00 (Lunch)
Friday & Saturday	18h00 – 21h00 (Dinner)
Bakery & Garden Café
Wednesday – Sunday	08h00 – 16h00
Small Plates
Wednesday – Saturday	14h30 – 16h30
Outlets & Experiences
Christian religious holidays	Closed