The La Motte wine estate in the Franschhoek Valley is preparing for a special harvest experience this year.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the unique harvest time traditions and practices on a guided tour presented by one of the estate’s Wine Ambassadors.
In the vineyard - enjoy an introduction to the various varietals, harvest processes and the estate’s biologic farming practices, and 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.
Back in the 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. As a special treat, enjoy harvest-inspired nibbles from the farm kitchen.
Mosbolletjies - the traditional South African sweet bun made from the yeast of partially fermented grape juice.
Must as a rising agent ensures a very light bake and characteristic aniseed is traditionally added.
According to Laurens van der Post: “It was mosbeskuit which introduced us to the French fashion of breaking our fast with a Cape form of petit-dejeuner: a cup of hot coffee and milk and a small plate of mosbeskuit usually brought to the bedside at daybreak.”
Must syrup - probably the first form of jam made by men and claimed to be found in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun, 1400 years B.C.! In essence, it is a reduction of sweet grape must or partially fermented grape juice.
Something Seasonal – A stone fruit, grape must and nut tartlet with a savoury matured Cheddar pastry representing the Winelands tradition of using seasonal ingredients and combining sweet and savoury flavours.
Something Savoury – A rustic and comforting roast chicken and red wine harvest pie.
Something Sweet – Short biscuit with grapes and raisins, combining fresh grapes with the concentrated sweetness of raisins.
The Harvest Experience costs R120, it's about 90 minutes and will be available hourly from Tuesdays to Fridays, between 10:00 and 15:00 from tomorrow, 6 February to 29 March 2018.
Reservations are essential and can be made with the La Motte Tasting Room at (021) 876 8820 or email: [email protected]