La Motte Wine Estate Unveils a Reimagined Guest Experience

The historic Franschhoek estate reopens with fresh offerings and a renewed identity

By Olivia Vergunst | February 14, 2025 | Category travel-leisure

The historic Franschhoek estate reopens with fresh offerings and a renewed identity, Image: Supplied

The renowned La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek, long celebrated for its history and French heritage, is welcoming guests back this December with a fresh look and a reimagined experience. The estate, set to officially relaunch in 2025, is showcasing a more accessible and elevated experience while remaining true to its origins.

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The L'Ami Family Brasserie, Image: Supplied

Embracing its roots, La Motte blends the past with the future by offering guests a variety of new spaces that evoke both the rich history of the farm and a modern sense of place. This transformation includes a refreshed tasting room, the family-friendly L'Ami brasserie, a curated farm shop, and an art hub known as the Ateljee, celebrating local craftsmanship and creativity.

A Farm Experience Like No Other

The La Motte experience has been carefully designed to offer something for everyone, from wine enthusiasts to families seeking a relaxed getaway. The estate is home to several exceptional new features, each capturing the estate’s devotion to quality, artistry, and community.

The La Motte Farm Shop, Image: Supplied

L'Ami Family Brasserie

The new L’Ami family brasserie brings warmth and elegance to farm dining, with an atmosphere perfect for sharing delicious meals with loved ones. This space merges French-inspired flavours with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, elevating the traditional family meal. L'Ami offers a relaxed yet refined setting where guests can indulge in à la carte lunch, or enjoy dinner on weekends. On Sundays, La Motte celebrates gathering with a communal meal prepared with care.

L'Ami Family Brasserie, Image: Supplied

Wine Experience at La Motte Tasting Room

For wine aficionados, the La Motte Tasting Room is an immersive experience. Overlooking a tranquil pond and surrounded by the estate gardens, this space encourages guests to slow down and savour the exceptional wines crafted with dedication. The Tasting Room will also offer seasonal experiences to celebrate the artistry of winemaking in a peaceful, elegant environment.

The La Motte Tasting Room is an immersive experience, Image: Supplied

The La Motte Farm Shop

The Farm Shop highlights the estate’s deep connection to South African design and craftsmanship. Curated by Berdine Swart of The Apiary Studio, the shop features a range of artisan goods, including handwoven linen, bespoke kitchenware, and locally crafted pottery. Each item reflects the estate’s commitment to exceptional quality and its dedication to supporting local talent.

The Farm Shop highlights the estate’s deep connection to South African design and craftsmanship, Image: Supplied

Ateljee: A Celebration of Local Art

Continuing La Motte’s passion for the arts, the Ateljee space serves as a creative hub. Guests can enjoy exhibitions, meet artists, and participate in workshops. The first season of the Ateljee will focus on themes of joy and connection through works of painting, ceramics, and textiles, with plans for engaging events and interactive experiences led by local creators.

The Ateljee space serves as a creative hub, Image: Supplied

La Motte’s Spens and Artisanal Bakery

For those craving simple farm-to-table delights, the Spens offers a charming selection of pantry essentials, from artisanal cheeses to seasonal produce. Visitors can also indulge in freshly-baked bread and pastries at the Artisanal Bakery, with a cozy café offering light meals and tempting treats in a picturesque setting.

La Motte’s Spens and Artisanal Bakery, Image: Supplied

JAN Franschhoek: Michelin-Star Dining

Food lovers can indulge in a culinary journey at JAN Franschhoek, where Michelin-star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen combines traditional South African flavours with modern culinary innovation. Located in a historic cottage surrounded by lavender fields, JAN offers an exclusive and unforgettable dining experience.

Hiking and Events for All

For outdoor enthusiasts, La Motte’s mountainside hiking trail provides a scenic escape. The estate will also announce a series of art, history, and cultural events, offering guests even more ways to connect with the region’s heritage.

The La Motte Tasting Room, Image: Supplied

Whether you're enjoying a glass of wine on the veranda, shopping for locally-made treasures, or sharing a meal with loved ones, La Motte offers a reimagined experience that honours both its history and its future. The gentle unveiling of this new chapter signals the estate’s commitment to preserving its storied past while welcoming guests to a space that is at once timeless and refreshingly contemporary.

For more information on bookings and opening times, visit the La Motte website.