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The Riebeek Valley Olive Festival is an invitation into the cellars, hearts and homes of the people of this Swartland Valley. It is an immersive experience, and a celebration of the abundance of the land and all that is produced in the area.
A festival with a difference
The Riebeek Valley is ridiculously pretty. It is well known for its high-quality olives, wines and olive oils, but that is not all. It is home to artists, crafters, farmers, foodies, writers, ex city folks, creatives and characters. The festival is a weekend-long celebration of everything in the valley, so if wine and olives are not your thing, there is still plenty to do and see.
It’s a photographer’s heaven with compelling landscapes, varied architecture and astounding light.
Craft beer, a coffee roastery, gift shops, plants, walks, gorgeous locally produced clothing and gifts. Performing artists, art galleries, street musicians … must I go on?
Masterclasses
The masterclasses are an exciting new addition to the festival and offer an immersive, authentic experience. The prices range from R50 for an olive tree pruning demonstration to R550 for a harvest table feast.
For around R175 there are various wine tastings and pairings in the cellars and at other interesting venues. Think a selection of wines and truffles, canapes and MCC. Hosted by the winemakers themselves, these intimate events allow for questions, stories and conversations.
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What is EVOO?
EVOO is Extra Virgin Olive Oil and you can learn all about it from the award-winning experts in masterclasses for beginners and advanced users led by Linda Costa, a master blender and olive expert.
Taste the different styles, listen to an account of the skilled processes required to extract the oil, try some flavour-infused oils, get great recipes, and learn what is not EVOO so that you are able to make well-informed purchases, and know how to identify, buy and store the oil.
Did you know that EVOO has outstanding health benefits, and is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, considered to be the healthiest diet in the world?
Long-table harvest feasts
Foodies take note. Chef Coenie Kruger is hosting three harvest table feasts where only seasonal products from the farms and gardens in the area are used. On Friday night Coenie will be joined by winemaker Ryan Mostert from Smiley and Terracurra, and sommelier extraordinaire Samantha Suddons. Jasper Wickens of Swerver Wines will be on hand on Saturday night; and the Sunday lunch event will be co-hosted by a secret winemaker.
Wine blending
Learn how to blend your own wine from Alicia Boshoff, the talented winemaker of the Riebeek Valley Wine Co. After a short talk about blending, and a guided tasting experience, you are given the implements to experiment and blend your own wine. You are supplied with 750ml bottles and labels, and shown how to use the corking machine. Get creative with your blending, name your wine, decorate your label, and take your creation home. If it’s good, drink it yourself. If not, inflict it on your family and friends. Great value for money at R150.
The details
When: POSTPONED
What: A festival celebrating the abundance of the Riebeek Valley.
Where: The Riebeek Valley is about 80 kilometres from Cape Town and can be accessed via the N7 to Malmesbury, then on to the R45 and the R46. The festival will be spread across the towns of Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel. Allesverloren, Meerhof Winery, Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate, Riebeek Valley Wine Co. and the Olive Boutique are the main participating venues for the events of the festival.
General enquiries: Yvette Puchert • 083 441 2083 • riebeekvalleyolivefestival@gmail.com
Cost: The R150 Passport gives access to all participating venues, a branded wine glass, and three wine tastings. Booking is essential via Webtickets.
Extras: Masterclasses and long-table harvest feasts range from R50 to R550, and must be booked when you buy your ticket via Webtickets.
Packages that include accommodation are available.
It is an easy day drive, but staying over to experience all on offer is highly recommended. There are five hotels and over 50 B&Bs and self-catering accommodations listed in the area. http://www.riebeekvalley.info/riebeek-valley-accommodation/
