Well worth a visit

The weather seems to be improving (I’m crossing my fingers as I type that) and the Swartland scenery is utterly spectacular at present with fields of golden canola in bloom and everything lush and green after the rains. It is a wonderful time to take a leisurely drive and explore some of the gems that the Riebeek Valley has achieved recognition for.

One such gem is Kloovenburg, stretching along the lower slopes of Kasteelberg (Castle Mountain). It is a wonderful place to start your foray into the Riebeek Valley, being the first farm on your left as you pass over the Bothmaskloof Pass before turning into Church Street – literally the gateway to the Valley.

Kloovenburg was planted with grapes in the 18^th century, but it wasn’t until 1998 that Pieter du Toit produced the first Shiraz on the farm. This was the first of many successful wines and later vintages have won numerous top awards.

A visit to the farm is a delight and you’ll be treated with warmth and hospitality. Kloovenburg is not only known for its wines but also a range of olive products ranging from oils and tapenades to body butters and shower gels.  Their annual Christmas Market Day has become fixture on the Cape Town Calendar and is well worth a visit to stock up on some delicious wines, olives and other homemade goodies for the festive season. For more information on opening and tasting times or the hiking trails please contact info@kloovenburg.com

Busy weekend ahead for Riebeek Valley

The weekend of 28 and 29 July promises to be an activity filled one in the Riebeek Valley.  First up we have the PPC Riebeeck Bergmarathon on Saturday 28 July, starting and finishing at the PPC Cement Plant in Riebeek West. The Riebeek Valley Country Fair will be held at the cement plant on that Saturday, so why not come and browse and support the runners at the same time? The Gallery in Riebeek Kasteel will be playing host to demonstrations by Mike Hillier’s cement sculpture students between 10 am and 3 pm, this is an absolute must see for anybody interested in art and sculpture.

Courtesy http://www.ppc.co.za/ Runners embark on the marathon



A cement sculpture by one of Mike Hillier's students



Courtesy of Groenrivier - Enjoying the market!

Sunday 29 sees the return, after a winter break, of the Groenrivier Slow Food Market. Taking place between 12pm and 4pm, the market includes kids’ entertainment, live music, loads of delicious things to buy, good local wine, handmade goods and an excellent opportunity to sit back and relax in a stunning setting for a few hours.



Courtesy of Groenrivier - Live entertainment



Courtesy of Groenrivier-Delicious things to try and buy

Courtesy of Groenrivier - a little bit of retail therapy 

The Wine Kollective

When visiting the Riebeek Valley make absolutely sure that you schedule a stop at The Wine Kollective, which is without a doubt one of the most interesting wine shops you’ll ever visit. Owned by Anton Espost, who opened the shop in 2008, it boasts a range of local (“within a two hour donkey ride of Riebeek Kasteel”) wines - some of which you’ve probably never heard of.

We are very fortunate in this area to be surrounded by some of the best vineyards in the country that have yielded wines which are innovative and receiving international recognition. You’ll find the well-known likes of Sadie Family Wines, Badenhorst Family Wines and Mullineux Family Wines in the shop and then some lesser known gems such as Nativo, Lammershoek, Nuweland and Dragonridge.  Wines are available at cellar door prices and can be delivered anywhere in the country. Wine tasting is free on weekends so it’s probably best to phone ahead to book a slot.

Courtesy http://www.thewinekollective.co.za/

Swartland Revolution 2012

Natural Light Photography

One of the most popular events on the local annual calendar is The Swartland Revolution. Now entering its third year it takes place this year on 9 and 10 November 2012. It seems a bit ridiculous to mention this so far in advance, however I’ve heard via the official Revolution Facebook page that tickets are already sold out for the main event which leaves the Swartland Independent Street Party on Saturday 10 November. Members of the public are able to meet the 16 Swartland Independent Winemakers and taste to their hearts content while enjoying the ambience of the Valley and the Revolution. For those who are looking for a spot of retail therapy there will be revolutionary merchandise available (I’m still bitter over missing out on the fabulous satchels last year), wine at cellar door prices and some delicious food. Music and an after party are apparently planned as well.  

Natural Light Photography

If you’re not in the mood for partying the night away there are a host of local restaurants to enjoy including Café Felix which received very favourable comments on Twitter from Cape Town social networker extraordinaire Dax Villanueva at last year’s Revolution.

Natural Light Photography