Harvest season is in full swing in the Cape Winelands and despite an extremely challenging year for the wine industry, quality expectations are high thanks to a phenomenal growing season. Shortly before the arrival of Covid-19 and the end of the world as we knew it in 2020, I had the pleasure of visiting La Motte for their Harvest Experience, and I’m thrilled to return again this year to enjoy the excitement of harvest-time.
Read my blog for a more detailed account of our fabulous Harvest Experience in 2020. There is so much to love about this WWF Conservation Champion wine estate in the scenic Franschhoek Valley. Enjoy a day out at lovely La Motte in a serene setting, dine on traditional (and delicious!) cuisine, surrounded by historic charm while sipping on their fine wines and learning more about what happens in the vineyard and cellar. I highly recommend this not-to-be-missed experience!
‘Harvest-time has arrived and as the most important time on a wine farm, it brings with it an infectious verve and positive energy – even in these difficult circumstances. After an outstanding growing season, quality expectations are high and we would like to invite you to join the La Motte Harvest Experience and share in the excitement of harvest-time in the Winelands.
Join one of the estate’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable wine tasting ambassadors for a celebration of unique harvest traditions.
- In the vineyard – enjoy an introduction to the various varietals, harvest processes and the estate’s biologic farming practices. Spot the differences between the various varieties and taste the sweetness of the ripe berries.
- In the cellar – experience the hand-sorting of grapes, crush, pump-overs and other cellar activities, concluded with a tasting of grape must (fermenting grape juice) from a fermentation tank.
- In the tasting room – sit down to a tasting of La Motte’s award-winning collection of wines – five wines from the La Motte Collection as well as the two wines from the estate’s renowned Pierneef Collection.
- In the shade of the age-old oaks – relax in the calm ambience of the estate gardens and enjoy Chef Eric Bulpitt’s special Harvest Plate – with a glass of wine of course!
The Harvest Experience at R120 per person includes the vineyard and cellar tour as well as wine tasting. It takes about 90 minutes and happens hourly from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 10:00 and 15:00 from 9 February to the end of March.
A Harvest Plate is additional and optional and is available at R185 per person. This nostalgic platter of Winelands favourites includes a moreish beef and onion pie, cured meats, boerenkaas, pickles, chutney, farm-baked bread, grapes and crudités.
The Harvest Experience takes place outside and in the spacious cellar and Tasting Room where social distancing as well as all other Covid protocol is in place. Please see protocol.
Reservations are recommended and can be made with the La Motte Tasting Room at T +27 (0)21 876 8820 or E tasting@la-motte.co.za
La Motte’s renowned harvest-time mosbolletjies are also available at the La Motte Farm Shop for the duration of harvest.’
- Press release and images – Hatch Communication
