Winter 2023 was one of the wettest and coldest the Cape Winelands have experienced in a long time! While rainy days are perfect for warming up in front of a fireplace, sipping on some of the Boland's renowned red wines, the extreme winter (lasting until late September!) not only caused extensive damage over the area, but also brought a general desire for sunny weather and the opportunity for outdoor activity - something that locals often take for granted. All hopes are now that October will bring us sunshiny joy!
La Motte would like to invite you to join us on the estate to make the most of sunny days. Despite the cold and wet start to Spring, the oak trees are bright green and the estate is in full bloom - both with fynbos on the mountain slopes and with pretty shrubs and flowers in the estate gardens.
Enjoy the Springtime splendour and join us for a wine tasting in the historic cellar or sip on your favourite La Motte wine in a sunny spot while the kids explore the historic werf. Order your daily bread from the La Motte Bakery and linger a little in the Garden Café with its seasonal breakfast and lunch menu and tempting array of delicate pâtisserie.
Really want to capitalize on the outdoor opportunity? Stretch your legs on La Motte's mountainside hiking trail. Because of the flooding, we are only opening the trail late October, but do book in advance! You can choose between a self-guided (with a detailed map) or guided hike, now available from Tuesday to Sunday! Join a well-informed and passionate guide who will indicate points of interest along the way while sharing information on the flora and fauna on the mountain slopes, the sustainably farmed vineyards, La Motte activities as well as the Franschhoek Valley. Hikers receive a hiking trail map, bottle of water and will be treated to light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the Lapa. Book here.
But even when you're not able to get out to the Franschhoek Valley, find joy in your own al fresco experience - even if it is on your own stoep or in your own garden!
During October we bring you the ultimate sunshine-sipper, our 2022 Vin de Joie Rosé. Inspired by the elegant and sophisticated pink wines from Provence, it will help you shrug off the winter blues. Buy 6 bottles during October from our tasting room or la-motte.com and pay 10% less!
Keen to move away from hearty soups and heavy stews to dishes that are lighter and brighter? Acclaimed recipe developer and passionate foodie, Georgia East, is just as keen to embrace summer flavours. Inspired by the Vin de Joie Rosé, her recipes will bring joy from lunch to supper and from solo indulgences to table-laden feasts with friends and family.
- Rosé-steamed mussels with sun-dried tomato and rosemary
- Rosé and pink peppercorn grilled prawns with paprika mayonnaise
- Red grape and rosemary focaccia
- Springtime roast chicken with fennel, leeks and asparagus
- Lemon and rosé possets
