Riebeek Kasteel, a charming rural town, only a stone’s throw from Cape Town and nestled at the foot of the Kasteelberg Mountain, was waiting to welcome us for the day.
A few girl friends and I spent a wonderful day soaking up the autumn warmth and rural atmosphere of this charming little town. After meandering through the beautiful wheat fields of the Swartland countryside, we drove down the Bothmanskloof Pass and had our first glimpse of the valley, decorated with vineyards and olive groves. With this view stretching out before us I couldn’t help but think to myself that this must be South Africa’s very own little Tuscany.
As we started our descent into the valley we stopped at The Olive Boutique. What better way to start your day in Riebeek Kasteel than with an olive tasting to tantalise the taste buds, an activity the valley is famous for. We got to sample some unique combinations of olive mustards, tapenades, olives marinated in plum dressing and lime dressing, as well as in the traditional manner and finally completing the tasting with an olive chocolate. Even one of our friends, who is not an olive lover, found some of these products most enjoyable.
Our next stop took us to Kloovenburg, one of the original farms established in the valley. When Wilhelm van der Stel became governor in 1699 he wanted to grant more farmland to the landless people in the colony. He established an area called the Land of the Waveren which included Riebeek Valley and Tulbagh. The Huguenots were some of the first farmers in the area to establish vineyards among wheat fields and fruit orchards. Kloovenburg is one of these farms that are still in existence today.
At Kloovenburg we enjoyed a delightful wine tasting in the old manor house and experienced the warm hospitality of the valley first hand. Two lovely ladies, managing the wine tasting room, welcomed us warmly and soon we were chatting and laughing our way through the wines of the farm. We commenced our tasting with the Kloovenburg Blanc de Noir Brut to cleanse the pallet and thereafter got to sample each wine of the farm, which are well worth savouring.
After the wine tasting we couldn’t wait to see what the town had in store for us and so we headed down to the centre of town for lunch. You are truly spoilt for choice in Riebeek Kasteel and each coffee shop and restaurant looks more inviting than the next. We finally settled at a rustic Italian style bar and eatery called Auntie Pastie, tucked behind the Friendly Supermarket in a quiet courtyard.
With our tummy’s full of good olives, wine and food (and as we were a group of girls who were let out the house without our husbands and partners), we couldn’t resist taking to the streets and exploring the retail therapy opportunities the town has to offer.
Our eager legs and purses took us from home baked goodies and home-made crafts at Aitsa to stylish garments at Basic Style and Ancient Spirit. We indulged our senses at Still Pure, where 100% naturally made soaps and body products are produced using essential oils. We were delighted by home decor items at A La Maison, where we easily must have spent close to an hour exploring.
Riebeek Kasteel also boasts great local talent exhibited in the various art galleries and we admired beautiful artwork consisting of paintings, mosaics and sculptures.
This lovely valley has more to offer than one can imagine for an outing from the city. Although we did not partake in the following activities, those who like ambling around markets should make their way to Riebeek Kasteel on the last Saturday of every month for the Riebeek Valley Country Fair. They guaranteed us that one is sure to enjoy local food, arts and crafts, music and even car boot sales in true market style.
If one is feeling more active then one can hike up Kasteelberg to enjoy a 360° view over the Swartland and admire the valley Corporal Peter Cruythoff first laid eyes on when leading an expedition commandeered by Jan van Riebeek in the 17th century. On 3 February 1661, the expedition searching for the fabled city of gold called Monomatapa, gazed down upon the fertile valley that was named “Riebeeck’s Casteel” in honour of the Commander and hence, how the town got its name. After discovering the valley the expedition travelled further North but had to turn back due to a lack of supplies and of course without the gold.
However, the failed expedition was not a failure as the early explorers saw the great potential of this fertile land and the years following saw the arrival of settlers joined by wagon makers and other artisans, establishment of farms, the erection of The Royal Hotel and the building of the Oude Kerk in the 19th century. The early history of our country gave birth to this alluring town and it has continued to grow with charisma.
For whichever reason you find yourself in Riebeek Kasteel, you are certain you will be taking something home with you. It may be wine, olives or purchases you’ve made in town but one thing is certain, everyone will go home with a small piece of this town in their hearts with the desire to return.
On our drive home, car filled with our shopping bags, we took one last glance over the valley and bid Riebeek Kasteel farewell for the day but knew that we would make another trip back to the valley soon. My day in this little town left me feeling inspired and lucky to have experienced the serenity of this rural village. Give Riebeek Kasteel the chance to capture you too with its warm hospitality and unspoilt charm and I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
Such a great place to visit! I've only been once, but would love to go again.
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