La Motte Wine Estate, known for its picturesque setting in the Franschhoek Valley and internationally award-winning wines, has opened an artisanal bakery and garden café.

Located on the estate, the new bakery and café is housed within the estate’s Jonkershuis, giving the interior space a mix of new and old as the Cape Dutch building has been fitted with glass and steel.

Led by acclaimed baker and founder of the iconic île de païn café, Markus Färbinger, the café focuses on paying homage to bread, offering a variety of freshly baked options.

Chef Chris Erasmus, the first chef at La Motte’s Pierneef restaurant stepped in to help conceptualise the breakfast and lunch menu at the new bakery and cafe.

Baked in the on-site wood-fired oven, the bakery will sell classics such as sourdough, La Motte’s iconic mosbolletjies and crustique, flatbreads and of course last but not least, ‘The Motte’ loaf, tailormade for the estate.

The range of breads baked at the café also forms the basis of the seasonal menu offering, with dishes such as open sandwiches with ample toppings and classics such as Eggs Benedict, cinnamon oats and mieliepap, and more.

From summer salads to plankie steaks, a light to hearty selection of lunch dishes is available. Sweet treats are of course centre stage with classics such as lemon meringue tart, melkert and a range of pastries available to order.

With ample outdoor and indoor seating, guests can look forward to dining under the giant old oaks and soaking in nature and the fresh air, as the wafts of freshly baked bread and the chirping of birds create a peaceful and charming atmosphere.

With a nearby farmyard-inspired playground, this spot is perfect for a family weekend outing.

La Motte Artisanal Bakery and Garden Café is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 4pm, with the kitchen closing at 3pm.

The new spot plans to launch curated bread and wine tastings in the future.