Riebeek Kasteel & Riebeek West Wine Valley

The Riebeek Wine Valley has a long history tracing back to the Huguenots. The early settlers arrived in the 1700's, establishing many prominent wine farms still in production today. A more recent crop that has brought visitors to the area is the olive, an industry only about 13 years old. While olive groves are plentiful, they were not tended to and the fruit was left to drop to the ground. In the late 90's 6 gentlemen, previously city dwellers and immigrants, traveled to Italy to be schooled in olive farming.

We visited one of the oldest wineries, Kloovenberg, which is as well-known for its wine as it is for its olives, olive oils and skin care products made with the rich emollient fruit. The Olive Boutique supplied a tasty variety of dried olives and olive chocolate (mixed with dried fruits and brandy) and the Goedgedacht charitable trust provides services to take rural children out of poverty and a community development center focused on climate change education.

Unlike the more established Stellenbosch or the quaint Franschhoek, the Riebeek Valley is still a bit more "mom and pop," making for an easy 1/2 day trip. The highlights were the olive tastings, the Royal Hotel (one of the oldest hotels in South Africa, recently refurbished to the highest standards) and Cafe Felix (an upmarket restaurant and cafe with a gorgeous menu).