La Motte wine farm is the home of a rich history in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. It boasts a winemaking legacy intertwined with the region’s heritage. The farm’s origins date back to 1695, marking the beginning of its winemaking journey. Over the centuries, La Motte has passed through various hands, but its commitment to crafting exceptional wines has remained constant. Today, the estate is renowned for producing premium wines, particularly its Shiraz, which thrives in the region’s unique terroir.
Set against the backdrop of towering mountains and lush vineyards, the estate embodies both its storied past and its contemporary appeal.
The Ateljee houses a museum dedicated to the farm’s history and an art gallery showcasing South African talent. The tasting room, warm and inviting, offers guests the chance to sample La Motte’s acclaimed wines while gaining insight into the meticulous winemaking process. Beyond wine, the estate boasts a charming farm shop filled with artisanal goods and the Spens which is stocked with seasonal produce, making it an easy place to linger long after a tasting.
L’Ami review
At the heart of La Motte’s culinary offerings is L’Ami—an inviting space that embodies the estate’s ethos of hospitality and quality. The restaurant blends farm-style charm with contemporary elegance, creating a setting that is both elevated and welcoming. From the carefully curated menu to the thoughtfully designed interiors, every detail at L’Ami reflects a deep appreciation for the land and the people who bring its produce to life.
L’Ami, which translates to “The Friend” in French, is the latest culinary addition to La Motte, offering a fresh perspective on farm-style dining while respecting the region’s heritage. The restaurant embraces a menu that showcases locally sourced ingredients, many cultivated on the estate itself. Inspired by classic French techniques with a South African twist, the menu presents a unique blend of refinement and rusticity. With an open-coal grill at the heart of the kitchen, guests can expect dishes that celebrate bold flavours and carefully curated produce.
Visitors to L’Ami are first greeted by a breathtaking setting. The restaurant’s exterior is shaded by ancient oak trees, with tranquil water features creating a serene retreat. Inside, the décor perfectly balances contemporary elegance and rustic charm. Muted sage greens and raw wood enhance the farm-chic aesthetic, while walls adorned with South African artwork add a touch of vibrancy and cultural depth. This combination of elements creates an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying La Motte’s wines and seasonal dishes.
Upon arrival, my companion and I were warmly welcomed by the staff, instantly making us feel at home. Our server, Chrizanne, was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, ensuring we had the best experience possible. To start, we were treated to an excellent bread course: rustic, thick-cut sourdough, freshly baked and served with both salted and parsley butter. It was the perfect prelude to our meal, complemented by an impressive selection of cocktails. I opted for an Old Fashioned, while my companion chose an Aperol Spritz. A thoughtful addition to the menu is the range of non-alcoholic options, including the “Latest Fashion” mocktail, which mirrors the complexity of its classic counterpart.
We selected a few snacking plates for our first course: cheese croquettes, a farmer’s-style sausage, and West Coast oysters. The croquettes, made with Kleinrivier Gruyère, were perfectly crisp on the outside with a rich, gooey centre, complemented by crispy cauliflower and tangy mustard. The sausage, grilled over open coals, was smoky and served with a sweet grape chutney. But the standout dish was undoubtedly the oysters—some of the largest I’ve encountered from the West Coast—topped with Cape Rough lemon and delicate fish roe, delivering a burst of freshness and brininess.
As we took in the stunning surroundings, we enjoyed a second round of drinks—a classic vodka martini for me and a lavender spritz mocktail for my companion. Both were expertly crafted and refreshing. The menu offers a tempting range of mains, making it difficult to choose, but we eventually settled on the ribeye from the open-coal grill and a vibrant heirloom tomato salad.
The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and infused with just the right amount of smokiness from the coals. Paired with crispy salt-roasted Sandveld potatoes and a decadent coal-baked cauliflower gratin, it made for a deeply satisfying meal. The surprise standout for me was the rocket, parmesan, and truffle side salad—simple yet utterly delicious. My companion’s heirloom tomato salad was equally impressive, featuring sun-ripened tomatoes bursting with sweetness, pickled onion, young salad leaves, local heerenboon hummus, and farm olives. It was a beautifully balanced dish that showcased the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
One thing that stood out about our mains was the portion sizes. The value for money at L’Ami is exceptional, and there’s no chance you’ll leave still hungry. By the time we finished indulging in our mains and the mountain of sides, we were so full that we could only manage space for a single dessert between us.
It was a tough decision, but our pick of the Summer Peach Sorbet was one of the best desserts we’ve ever experienced. A wonderful peach and Cape brandy mousse, topped with fresh peaches and crisp pastry, created the perfect foundation for the delicious peach sorbet.
In conclusion, a visit to L’Ami at La Motte is more than just a meal—it’s an immersion into the estate’s rich history, breathtaking surroundings, and exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re indulging in a carefully crafted dish, sipping on a perfectly paired glass of wine, or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of the vineyards, La Motte delivers an experience that lingers long after you leave.
La Motte Wine Farm
Where: R45, Franschhoek
Phone: 021 876 8000
To visit L’Ami Restaurant book at Dineplan