Non-paying guests a problem

It is has recently come to our attention that a large number of “guests” are trying to escape paying by perching on the roof. We feel we need to warn other businesses in the area about these visitors who are known to frequent establishments with exceptional views!

Non-paying guests

PPC Cement Riebeeck Bergmarathon

July sees not one, but two sizeable sporting events taking place in the Valley. The Berg River Canoe Marathon takes place from the 11^th to the 14^th and the PPC Cement Riebeeck Bergmarathon taking place on the 28^th.

The marathon, known as one of the most picturesque marathons in the country, celebrates its 27^th anniversary this year. The event is a Comrade’s qualifier and offers something for everyone, whether you are a serious runner, a walking enthusiast or a keen spectator.

The marathon offers runners and their loved ones an amazing opportunity to enjoy a weekend away in a beautiful setting. We look forward to welcoming athletes from all over South Africa who can be guaranteed of warm local hospitality.



Picture courtesy of http://www.ppc.co.za/



Riebeek Kasteel represented at the London Olympics

Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio has been chosen for the South African Women's Road Cycling team that will be representing South Africa at the 2012 Olympics in London. Ashleigh will be lead rider in the race taking place on 29 July, to read more about her preparation visit www.ashleighcycling.com



Visuals courtesy Sue Pugh, Purple People Marketing



Another familiar sight on the town’s streets, Jan Nehro, together with his guide Duane Fortuin will also be jetting off soon to the Paralympics!

Visuals courtesy Sue Pugh, Purple People Marketing

Berg River Canoe Marathon around the corner

A few cars with canoes on their roofs have been spotted driving around town this weekend. One wonders whether they are here to prepare for the upcoming Berg River Marathon which has just achieved International Canoe Federation World Series status. According to those in the know the marathon is possibly the toughest competitive challenge in international paddling. Taking place over four days from the 11 to 14 July it is one of the most important events on the local calendar as the end of day one sees competitors being welcomed at Zonquasdrift for dinner (usually cooked by the parents of Riebeek Kasteel  Primary School) and a well-deserved nights rest. For more information or to see the route the marathon takes visit http://www.windhoekberg.co.za

Pictures courtesy of http://www.windhoekberg.co.za/

Day 2 route starting at Zonquasdrift

The Gallery

The shopping area in Riebeek Kasteel has a new addition; The Gallery which stocks an impressive selection of works by popular local artists such as Sol Smook, Claudia Gurwitz, Robin Mann and Estelle Kenyon, as well as a collection of photos by renowned photographer Alain Proust. The Gallery situated on Main Street, Riebeek Kasteel should definitely feature on any visitor’s “to see” list. For more information contact curator, Astrid McLeod, 083 653 3697 or visit www.galleryriebeek.co.za.

Lesley Charnock to host landscape oil painting workshop in Riebeek Kasteel “the town of 1000 paintings”

We are very pleased to confirm that after an overwhelming response, renowned Cape Town artist Lesley Charnock will be hosting a landscape oil painting workshop in our little village in September 2012. Lesley and her group of students are aiming to leave the city behind and capture the beautiful landscape in Spring and in case of bad weather there is a spacious indoor venue to work in.

The workshop is intended for more proficient artists and promises to be an amazing four day experience.  For more information about Lesley and her work please visit http://www.lesleycharnock.com/ or email lescharnock@telkomsa.net

Wedding season ends on high note

This weekend saw a very busy wedding season drawing to a close. We’ve been lucky enough to host a number of guests who are here to attend weddings at Café Felix and this weekend was no different.

Mandy and Daniel were married on Saturday, the reception held at Café Felix took place under a bedouin tent framed by fairy lights. Lots of candles, lots of wine and lots of dancing ensured that the long season ended on a successful note. I’m told that the DJ, John from Capricorn Music played some terrific music which had people dancing well into the wee hours.

Whole fillets of beef and whole Norwegian salmon complimented with lovely salads and fresh breads helped to soak up the exceptional wine, these were followed by a dark chocolate mousse and peppermint semi-freddo.

Even the weather played along; a beautiful, clear warm day mellowed into a still, starlit night. Wood braziers ensured that no one was chilly and added to the incredible atmosphere. Shiraz guests were woken to the delicious aroma of muffins baking on Sunday morning.

Proof of what was

All that remained of the decorations on Monday morning 

Fantastic guest comment

We love what we do, but it's always really amazing to know that guests are happy. We received this lovely mail from a satisfied visitor.

 

 

Hi there

 

Just wanted to say Thank you sooo much for a really money's worth stay, what a awesome place!! The fact that you come in late at night, and a beautiful fire is crackling away, you wake up to home made muffins being baked , wow well done!!  We felt like staying ...and will def be back. 

 

 

Antoinette Naude

Riebeek Cellars takes Gold

We’ve just heard that Riebeek Cellars, who are practically our neighbours, have won gold for their 2010 Kasteelberg Shiraz at the world renowned Decanter Awards. In addition to this they also took silver at the Syrah-du-monde in France. The grapes, from wines situated on the slopes of Kasteelberg, are hand selected and the wine is aged in oak barrels for 14 months before being bottled unfiltered. This is definitely something to be celebrated and just another excuse to visit the Riebeek Valley.