| A visit to the picturesque town of | | | | "the best home-made strawberry jam in the |
| Riebeek-Kasteel, north of Cape Town, will provide | | | | world".Opposite the enigmatic Cape Francolin, pop |
| you with a truly unique South African experience. | | | | in at the Olive Boutique where they promise the |
| Simply follow the N7 out of the city and once | | | | "Ultimate Olive Experience". A wide variety of |
| you've reached Malmesbury, follow the sign-posts | | | | olives, olive oils and pastes as well as cosmetic |
| to this quaint one-horse-town. Barely an hour's | | | | products, are available. Or watch the olive press |
| drive from the city, the village is situated against | | | | making real olive oil.Take a turn to the right, a |
| the slopes of the Kasteelberg (Castle Mountain), in | | | | couple of hundred metres down the road from |
| the heart of the Swartland region.Apart from the | | | | here, and you'll find yourself in the heart of the |
| natural beauty of the Riebeek valley and the | | | | village. Here you can relax for a cup of coffee at |
| dramatic surrounds of the Swartland mountains, | | | | Cafe Oppie Square where delicious breakfasts and |
| there are many attractions to visit in the area. | | | | other "country fare" like home-made bread, |
| The Swartland is well known for it's superb wines | | | | hearty soups, and confectionery is served. An |
| and olives and Riebeek-Kasteel and the | | | | enclosed garden makes it the perfect spot for |
| surrounding valley is a perfect example of its | | | | families with children. For a slightly more formal |
| fruitfulness.Situated right at the entrance to the | | | | atmosphere head to the beautiful Cape Victorian |
| village, is Kloovenburg - a beautiful Cape Dutch | | | | homestead of the Kasteelberg Inn. It's beautiful |
| estate with excellent wines and olive products. | | | | thick walls, wooden floors and fireplace makes it a |
| Park under the century-old oak trees and visit the | | | | perfect winter location.On the way to the |
| Kloovenburg cellar for a taste of their world-class | | | | neighbouring town of Riebeek Wes, Allesverloren |
| produce. Here, wine maker Pieter du Toit | | | | Wine Estate is famous for its full-bodied red wines |
| produces outstanding red wines and the estate is | | | | such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barocca, Shiraz |
| especially well-known for its first-rate Shiraz. Du | | | | and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estates also |
| Toit's wife, Annalene is the olive expert and is | | | | produces a legendary Port wine. On the other side |
| responsible for the estate's superlative olive oil | | | | of the village, heading towards the nearby hamlet |
| which recently won the "Migliore Olio Extravergine | | | | of Hermon, you'll find Riebeek Cellars where a |
| di Oliva - Fruttato Intenso" award in Italy for the | | | | wide variety of locally produced red and white |
| best certified quality olive oil in the world. Some of | | | | wines are available. Drawing on centuries of |
| her other superb olive products include olive | | | | Huguenot wine-making tradition, Riebeek cellars |
| tapenade, olive jam, delicious black olives in | | | | produce wines of exceptional quality, catering for |
| blue-berry vinegar and a range of olive beauty | | | | a wide market with their range of extremely |
| products.Around the corner from the legendary | | | | affordable wines.Back in the village, L'Attitude pub |
| Kloovenburg, en route to the center of town, | | | | and restaurant is the perfect location for a lazy |
| stop at the intriguing Cape Francolin Art Hotel. | | | | afternoon beer or late night drinks. If you stay |
| Here owner David Bellamy and his dog Clive, | | | | late enough you might just find yourself partying |
| present their hotel as a living work of art. The | | | | with a bunch of friendly, eccentric locals. For a |
| property is an eccentric mix of cosy | | | | quieter option, try the charming Victorian-style |
| accommodation, off-beat installations, various | | | | pub of The Travelers Rest. Another |
| found objects, serious art and formal exhibition | | | | Riebeek-Kasteel icon is the recently renovated |
| space, and the hotel's permanent collection even | | | | Royal Hotel. This 150-year old establishment now |
| include works by such esteemed international | | | | boasts a four star rating as well as a brand new |
| artists as Damien Hirst, Wolfgang Tillmans and | | | | restaurant, pub, conference center and |
| Jean Cocteau. Have a cup of tea in the old barn, | | | | amphitheater.Whether you're a discerning |
| beautifully restored as the "Stoep D'amour" or | | | | wine-lover or fanatical about olives, head to |
| witness artists-in-residence producing their work | | | | Riebeek-Kasteel for a relaxing weekend away |
| on site. Various artworks as well as lights, | | | | from the hustle and bustle of the city, or a day |
| wrought iron sculptures and ceramics are for sale. | | | | trip of wining, dining and true South African |
| The hotel also hosts a once-a-month, | | | | hospitality.To plan a hassle free trip to Cape |
| seven-course supper club influenced by the | | | | Town, use CityGuideSA - a comprehensive online |
| recipes of legendary South African writer and | | | | travel resource with up-to-date information on |
| cook, C. Louis Leipoldt. If you're not around for | | | | where to Eat, Stay and Play in Cape Town, |
| one of these special evenings, simply buy a jar of | | | | Johannesburg, Durban and the Garden Route. |