The mill dates from between 1770 and 1782, and the estate says it is the only working mill of its kind in the valley. You can see it running on Wednesdays during the Historic Walk. La Motte has four provincial monuments: the mill, the Manor House from around 1758, the Jonkershuis from around 1752 and the historic cellar. The land was granted to Hans Hendrik Hattingh in 1695, and in 1709 the Huguenot Pierre Joubert bought it and named it after La Motte d'Aigues in Provence.
- bought by the Huguenot Pierre Joubert
- 1709
- provincial monuments on the estate
- 4
- tastings from, as of Sept 2026
- R80
- water mill in operation
- Wednesdays
Gabriël du Toit planted the first 4,000 vines in 1752. Anton Rupert bought the estate in 1970. The La Motte website names Hanneli Rupert as the owner today, while English Wikipedia, in its article on Leopard's Leap, says that its founder Hein Koegelenberg also owns La Motte.
Tastings run daily, with groups by reservation only and no more than eight people per tasting (as of September 2026). For food there is L'Ami Family Brasserie and Restaurant JAN Franschhoek, plus a bakery, a farm shop, a hiking trail and the Ateljee art space. Payment is cashless only. The Franschhoek Wine Tram does not stop at La Motte.
- Cost
- Classic R80, Pierneef R120, Reserve R160, varietal glass tasting R300, as of September 2026
- When
- daily 9am to 5pm, as of September 2026
Our tipCome on a Wednesday, when the mill runs during the Historic Walk. And plan how you get there: the Wine Tram does not serve La Motte, so you need a sober driver, a taxi or a transfer.
La Motte: frequently asked questions
Who owns La Motte in Franschhoek?
La Motte names Hanneli Rupert as its owner; Anton Rupert had bought the estate in 1970. English Wikipedia, however, says that Hein Koegelenberg, founder of Leopard's Leap, also owns La Motte.
Does the Franschhoek Wine Tram stop at La Motte?
No, La Motte is not on any Franschhoek Wine Tram line (as of September 2026). To visit you need a car with a sober driver, a taxi or a transfer.
When does the water mill at La Motte run?
The historic water mill at La Motte runs on Wednesdays during the Historic Walk. It dates from between 1770 and 1782 and, according to the estate, is the only working mill of its kind in the Franschhoek Valley.