La Motte is definitely the epitome of luxury wine country and fine dining. The food, wine and people are a combination that is definitely hard to beat. It looks like a quaint farm lodge when driving past from the main road but once you are inside, you are met by a luxurious magical paradise, something straight out of a fairytale. It is one of the more picturesque places in Franschhoek, and we all know nothing goes better with such charm than a sunset and glass of wine.

On my recent visit we were treated to a wine tasting of the La Motte Sauvignon Blanc, Millennium, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. We then ended the afternoon with a late light lunch at the Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant. The two wines that stood out the most for me which I have now added to my wine collection are the:

2016 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon – An elegant, typically South African style Cabernet Sauvignon, made to reflect varietal characteristics. The dark red colour and big extract reveal a great year for reds. Intense varietal nose with blackcurrant, violets, mint and slight plum. Heavy body, but rounded tannins and fleshy consistency.

2016 La Motte Millennium –  A dusty, earthy nose with raspberry and mulberry fruit, cinnamon spice and a hint of mint, promising a complex wine. The first touch on the palate is velvety and juicy. The mid-palate is firm, but medium-bodied and the finish mineral-dry and lingering.

For lunch we were treated to a 3 course dining experience from the À La Carte Lunch menu. For starters we tried the, Braised Octopus winter radish, Granny Smith apple and sea lettuce and the Roasted Wood Pigeon braised endive, wild mustard and Langkloof truffles. The wood pigeon was succulent had a subtle sweetness and a fresh earthiness taste to it, a great starter. For mains we tried the Line Fish kale, salmon trout roe and beurre blanc, Steak frites, pomme paillasson, bone marrow and sauce béarnaise, all cooked to perfection and full of versatile flavours. The best meal of the day for me was the dessert, the Organic Pecan Nut Tart, pecan micro-sponge, ginger-custard and nutmeg ice-cream. I am not a big pecan nut tart fan but this one blew me away and that ginger ice-cream WOW what a combination. Delicious on all levels. 

If you guys are ever in Franschhoek then a visit to La Motte is a definite must. Try the wine tasting which will cost you anything between R60 – R120, the tasting room is absolutely gorgeous, that cellar is a perfect backdrop for those beautiful Instagram selfies. Then treat yourself to a delicious lunch at Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant a 3 course lunch will cost you R425 excluding wine or R595 including wine, it may seem a bit expensive but trust me it is well worth it. Once you are done with lunch then make a stop by the La Motte Museum which offers a stimulating cultural-historical experience sharing the history of the estate as well as carefully curated art exhibitions. A perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the vineyards.