Celebrating Father’s Day, a special note of reference to the father and daughter relationship of acclaimed South African landscape artist JH Pierneef and his daughter, Marita Pierneef-Bailey as per her letter published by PG Nel in JH Pierneef: His life and his work (1990), in which she shares some of her treasured memories of her...

There was a time when Chardonnay was almost the brand name for white wine, a time when a white wine drinker, was a Chardonnay drinker. Then it changed and for a while Chardonnay was not the go-to white, in fact when selecting a white wine, there was an ABC rule – Anything But Chardonnay. But...

In the days of the early Cape, meat was scarce and the ocean was big. We can therefore easily assume the fish dishes were often served. The Cape cooks improvised and adapted their fish soup recipes according to the availability of ingredients and the seasons. Snoek head soup is one such adaptation and today it...

With the promise of stormy winter weather in the Cape Winelands, we asked staff to contribute their recipes for warming one pot wonders. Brand Manager, Stephanie van Rensburg, shares her recipe for an easy, but hearty chicken curry: “I have a heavy hand with the Masala – it gives that extra bit of heat…. and...

With the Western Cape encountering the worst drought since 1904, we need a very wet winter. A Winelands winter is so underrated. Not only is it an extremely important time for the vines to be dormant and reservoirs to be replenished, this special season also has its own beauty. The bare branches of oak trees...

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 Bastille Day is celebrated with a special festival. This year the...

With the annual Bastille Festival soon to be held in the Valley, it is an appropriate time to celebrate our French heritage. Apart from associating closely with the French lifestyle in our enjoyment of food and wine, we can draw inspiration from the Huguenots’ steadfastness in their beliefs and their courage to leave their fatherland for a...

Winter in Franschhoek is romantic and inviting and at La Motte we would like to warm you up with award-winning wines, traditional cuisine, classical music and social fireplaces. See the winter programme and let us know when we can expect you! The La Motte Syrah Experience (22 June) Franschhoek Bastille Festival (15 & 16 July) French-inspired Classical...

Sauvignon Blanc is the fastest growing white variety and has become the most popular dry white wine in South Africa, for very good reasons. The drinker knows what to expect, the flavours are fresh and fruity and although there are area differences, at the everyday-drinking level the wines are generally not complicated, which means without...

The earthy flavours of rosemary, parsnip, roasted nuts and mushrooms combine in this delicious winter cake.  A dense and delightful cake that will add flavour and flair to any affair. Delicious as a side dish and perfect on its own, as long as you serve it with a glass of wine! Try it with the 2019 La...