Looking for something fabulous to do this long weekend? Well, my giddy aunt, it’s time for the annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival!
I blush at the thought that I lived in Cape Town for 15 years before I finally woke up and caught on that the small hamlet of Riebeek Kasteel (a mere hour’s drive from Cape Town – if I am behind the wheel) is a seriously awesome place to visit.
I love going there at any time. I browse in its charming small shops. I pig out at one of its many restaurants. And, when not a crumb is left, I retire to the stoep of the old hotel where I nurse a civilized post-indulgence G&T as I gaze out over acres of farmland and blue mountains in the distance.
Yup, it’s my kind of place. But this weekend it’s even more special, because Riebeek Kasteel and it’s nearby twin, Riebeek West, is throwing a bash.
Riebeek Valley Olive Festival: 2 & 3 May 2015.
Olive, in all its edible forms, will be on offer at the Olive Emporium located in the centre of Riebeek Kasteel. Throw in wines, artisanal beers and a gluttony of local food, and you have the makings of a pretty fabulous party. Like all good parties, there will be live entertainment too.
Loads of other venues around these two towns will also be participating with drinks, nibbles and all things olive. To get you there, catch one of the free shuttle or tractor rides.
An Olive Passport, valid for the entire weekend (2 & 3 May), gives you access to the participating wine farms, the Olive Emporium and the Olive Boutique. Get your passport for the seriously good-value price of just R70 per person at Webtickets. You can also buy it on the day at any of the participating venues. Tasting glasses and tasting coupons will be available to purchase throughout the weekend at all participating venues.
This is one of my favourite Cape festivals and I’m not alone. In 2013 Woolworths Taste magazine’s readers voted this one “The Unforgettable Festival”. So get on over there this weekend and discover a Swartland jewel.
where
Riebeek Kasteel & Riebeek West
when
2 & 3 May, 2015
time
10:00-17:00
tickets
R70
About this article: I only write about places and things I actually really like. Should I receive complimentary meals/tickets/diamonds, this will always be revealed. I’m not in the rubbishing business, so if something is not my cup of tea, I’ll simply not write about it (but I’ll keep the diamonds). Therefore this is not so much a review, as a personal recommendation of places and things I like. Living in Cape Town, I focus mainly on the Western Cape, and I can only cover so many places (there is that troublesome thing of trying to make a living, after all). This is where I need your help. Please share your favourite markets, festivals, restaurants and wine tasting experiences from all over the country with others by using the ‘COMMENTS’ section below.
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