The Swartland Wine Route comes to Kirstenbosh

The varied Santam Swartland Wine and Olive Route will be at their now annual Country Market taking place at the Stone Cottages at Kirstenbosch on Saturday 6 October. The Country Market offers you a hint of what to expect on this remarkable Wine Tourism Route and introduces you to the amiable and colourful people of the area.

From Malmesbury to Piketberg in the North, the route includes the Paardeberg vineyards and the celebrated vineyards of the Riebeek Valley and encompasses 23 vineyards in total all with their own unique flair.

The market is a great destination for the whole family with not only wine being available, but olives and produce from the area as well. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the more interesting producers from the region and taste their exceptional wines. Entrance is free or R30 per person for a glass and tasting vouchers, for more information contact 022 487 1133/swartlandinfo@westc.co.za.

Riebeek Valley wines warmly received in Windhoek

The Valley’s very own Riebeek Cellars and Kloovenburg participated in the Namibia Expo recently in Windhoek. As could be expected wines from the region were very warmly received. Pictured below are Eric Saayman (Riebeek Cellars winner of last year’s General Smuts trophy for his Kasteelberg Viognier), Jolene Janse van Rensburg (Santam Swartland Wine- & Olive Route) and Stephan Basson (Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar).



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



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