While spending time with family in Riebeek West over Christmas, we decided to embark on a wine tour and explore the verdant wine valley, on a scooter! We started our ‘trip less ordinary’ at Kloovenburg Wine Estate, where we also took part in an olive tasting and enjoyed their delicious wine on the verandah.
The valley has become famous for its delicious olives, olive oil and wine and we were excited at the prospect of taking part in tastings. We were treated to exquisite views made all the more enticing by the perfect, wind-free weather in the well-known Mediterranean climate of the Riebeek Valley.
From there we went to Riebeek Cellars, highly recommended for their outstanding wine. The cellars are situated in Riebeek Kasteel at the foot of the Bothma’s Kloof Pass. Riebeek Cellars wines are appreciated both locally and internationally and offer wine tastings and cellar tours at these times:
After our wonderful wine experience at Riebeek Cellars, we had lunch [a bottle of Kloovenburg Sauvignon and a giant platter of meats, bread, condiments and cheese] under a tree at the Royal Hotel, which also offers a wonderful view of the mountain. If you have lunch there you may also use the pool so we jumped in, enjoying a much-needed respite after the heat.
We cruised along hills, through valleys and vineyards in the quaint town of Riebeek West, drinking in the atmosphere and the beauty of the day. We ended off with a little stroll through the town, discovering quaint coffee shops and antique stores.
Riebeek Valley has become extremely popular in the past few years for their treasure trove of antique and vintage stores, wineries, restaurants and accommodation in Swartland and that indefinable ‘je ne sais quois’ that some places possess that make you fall in love with them. We even found a book store where you simply put whatever amount you think a book is worth into an ‘honesty box!’
After a truly unforgettable day of forging wonderful memories, we returned home after approximately 5/6 hours. We highly recommend a trip through the Riebeek Valley on a scooter or by bicycle.
Destination Info:
- Swartland Attractions
- Riebeek Kasteel Accommodation
- Things to Do in the Swartland
- Swartland Accommodation
- Western Cape Accommodation
Times & Dates:
Riebeek Cellars Wine Shop opening hours
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
Sunday 10:30 – 16:00
Kloovenberg Wine tastings, cellar tours and sales
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 16:30
Saturday 09:00 – 14:00
Open on public holidays. Closed on Christian holidays.
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Did you hire the scooter or travel to Riebeeck Kasteel by scooter?
Ii would certainly be an interesting trip on a scooter – we tend to cluster ourselves into an air-conditioned comfort of a car instead of experiencing the freedom of fresh air – especially fresh country air
New idea to add to the Must Do list for 2011