New in Franschhoek: La Motte Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café

La Motte Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café is the latest addition to Franschhoek, brought to life through a collaboration between the owners and two culinary icons: Markus Färbinger, the brilliant baker and founder of Knysna’s Île de Pain, and Chris Erasmus, the renowned chef and forager formerly of Foliage. The café guarantees a laid-back dining experience with a menu that is both inviting and scrumptious.

The bakery-café is situated in the Jonkershuis, a historical building constructed in 1752, located within the wine estate. It is the estate’s inaugural permanent food establishment, while Jan’s cottage pop-up is currently a temporary setup. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking a charming garden, a verdant lawn, age-old oak trees, and a farm-style playground, all catering to the interests of the entire family.

Traditional croissants, freshly baked mosbolletjies (a South African sweet bun), sourdough bread, crustique and flatbreads are all on the menu. A sensory delight, the exclusive La Motte loaf wafts through the air, originating from the wood-fired oven.

In addition to freshly baked bread, which you can devour on the spot or at home (if you have the willpower to wait), you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or a coffee at the café. Anticipate dishes such as mieliepap (maize porridge), granola, a unique spin on eggs Benedict, open-faced sandwiches, summer salads, and plankie steak. Pastry chef Marisa Botes supplements the offerings with an array of delectable pastries and desserts.

For the past two years, the wine estate has undergone a significant transformation. The goal is to achieve a chilled atmosphere for the whole family. The estate’s renovations will persist until early next year, culminating in the unveiling of a completely reimagined flagship farm restaurant. Meanwhile, we can indulge in the culinary delights of the café bakery that opened on 22 February 2023.

Once you’ve had your fill, you can browse a skilfully curated selection of lifestyle items and gifts or opt for a wine-tasting experience in the Historic Cellar next door.

Bask in the ambience of La Motte’s historical red wine cellar, which has been transformed into a hospitable wine tasting room while the estate undergoes renovations. Knowledgeable wine ambassadors offer a wide range of La Motte’s award-winning creations for sampling and purchase.

Indulge in the beloved La Motte Sauvignon Blanc, Millennium, and Vin de Joie Rosé, or savour the sophistication of the chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah. The tasting also features exclusive releases like the La Motte MCC and Hanneli R, as well as the premium Pierneef Collection, which includes innovative blends and varietal wines.