Bastille Day or the French La Fête Nationale is celebrated on the 14th of July and serves as a celebration of a reunited France.
In Franschhoek with its rich French Huguenot history, French traditions have always been treasured and that is why each year we celebrate Bastille Day with a special festival. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Franschhoek Bastille Festival, which over the years has become a social calendar highlight and the weekend from 12 to 14 July promises to be an exceptional celebration of the valley’s French heritage and love for food and wine.
La Motte will participate in the weekend’s French Festivities with a stand in the Festival tent in the town square while on the estate the following will be on offer:
Friday, 12 July
Franschhoek Bastille Dinner
On Friday 12 July, eve of the Franschhoek Bastille Festival weekend, La Motte’s highly acclaimed restaurant, Pierneef à La Motte, will present a celebratory Franschhoek Bastille Dinner. This five-course French inspired dinner has been created by Chef Chris Erasmus. Each course will be paired with Franschhoek’s 2013 Five Star Platter wines. Wines from the following estates will be available: La Motte, Boekenhoutskloof, Boschendal, Cape Chamonix and Anthonij Rupert Wines.
To add to the French flavour of this event, the dinner will be preceded by a tasting of boutique French wines from the Rhône Valley, showcasing some of the smaller producers from Côte Rotie and Côtes du Rhone. These wines are not generally available in South Africa, and will be available to purchase at this tasting.
The pre-dinner wine tasting will start at 18:00 followed by the dinner at 19:00. Tickets to this premier event are limited, so booking is essential. Tickets will be sold at R650 per person. For bookings and more information visit www.webtickets.co.za.
Bastille Dinner Menu
Wild mushroom and black truffle soup with Cape Chamonix Chardonnay Reserve
Ravioli of langoustine, buttered cabbage and saffron nage with Boschendal Chardonnay Reserve or Cecil Rhodes Reserve (Red)
Confit of pork neck, ratatouille, beurre de tomate, and olive tapenade with La Motte Shiraz Viognier
French brie, brioche and preserved figs with Anthonij Rupert Optima
Assiette of French confectionary with Boekenhoutskloof Noble Late Harvest
Saturday, 13 July
- The La Motte Tasting Room will offer a tasting of the current La Motte vintages.
- Pierneef à la Motte offers a French-inspired menu for lunch and dinner. To make a reservation, please contact us at +27(0)21 876 8800 or pierneef@la-motte.co.za.
- Guests will be entertained by live French music.
- La Motte’s popular Classical Music Concert programme also offers a French flavour with soprano Zanne Stapelberg and pianist Francois du Toit performing in the Historical Cellar on the estate. The programme will include Je Veux Vivre from Roméo et Juliette by Gounod, Fantoches from Fête Galante and Nuit et Jour by Cole Porter, as well as selected piano works by Chopin. The programme will conclude on a lighter note with works by Jacques Brel and Edith Piaf. For more information, please visit https://www.la-motte.com/collections/classical-music-concerts and to book, contact Angela at +27(0)21 876 8000 or concerts@la-motte.co.za
- Also visit the La Motte Farm Shop for a variety of French-inspired confectionery, baguettes, croissants and beautiful French-inspired gift ideas.
Sunday, 14 July
- The La Motte Tasting Room will offer a tasting of the current La Motte vintages.
- Pierneef à la Motte offers a French-inspired menu for lunch and dinner. To make a reservation, please contact us at +27(0)21 876 8800 or pierneef@la-motte.co.za.
- Guests will be entertained by live French music.
- Also visit the La Motte Farm Shop for a variety of French-inspired confectionery, baguettes, croissants and beautiful French-inspired gift ideas.
#BastilleFestival
