riebeek kasteel, Riebeek Wes and hermon

Riebeek Kasteel reminds one of the south of France and Tuscany: the same landscape, colours, Van Gogh wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards and the same gastronomic highlights.

Lying about 45 min. drive from Cape Town the town is one of the little gems of the Western Cape. It nestles on the slopes of Kasteelberg surrounded by rolling wheat fields, olive trees and vineyards. Its unique charms include the stunning scenery, the climate (very hot, dry summers and fireplace weather in winter), the laid back atmosphere and interesting mix of friendly people together with a diverse selection of locally produced wine and port, olives, fresh fruit and meat.

Cute little shops and restaurants give the town a nice buzz and a visit to Garden Bleu with its fine French and Victorian garden furniture is compulsory. Be sure not to miss the little square next to Kasteelberg Bistro. Visit the little shops and drink a smoothie at the deli, Crisp. The Stoned Olive building is also worth a visit.

Riebeek Kasteel is a haven for artists, quilters, metal workers, beaders, candle makers, decoupagers, goldsmiths, jewellers and photographers. Some of the artists like Hannetjie de Clerq and Robin Mann, are known throughout South Africa. There is a permanent art exhibition in the Stoned Olive building and periodic exhibitions at Cape Francolin, the Art Orchard, De Oude Schuur and Orange Mill. Lovers of antiques, collectables and recycled junk will enjoy visiting Kasteelberg Trading Centre, Cape Francolin and Sacred Geometry.

Nearing this quaint little town, you will be enchanted by the Shiraz vineyards and olive groves.

Olive farming in the Valley was started by Springbok rugby legend, Piet Spiere du Toit at Kloovenburg. Over the years others (like Het Vlock Kasteel ) have followed his lead and today the Valley is known for its olives. The Olive Festival is every year in Autumn (normally the first weekend in May). Many folk in the village grow their own olives.

Some of the oldest wine farms in the country are found on the slopes of the Kasteelberg. A large proportion of the harvest is grown without irrigation. This produces low yield and high quality. The Valley is particularly well-known for world beating Shiraz, Chardonnay and Port. You can buy wine direct from Kloovenburg, Allesverloren, Riebeek Cellars, Pulpit Rock and Meerhoff.

You will fall in love with the Valley once you drive over Bothmas Pass with the Valley lying at your feet. Entering the town , you will get a few pleasant surprises, like the Springbokkies in the heart of town.

Those interested in history can trace the footsteps of Jan Smuts and DF Malan, two of our former Statesmen who were born here. In 1870 politician, field marshal and philosopher, Jan Smuts, was born on the farm, Ongegund. A barn on the farm was converted into a house when Jan Smuts' parents were married. This barn still exists but the farmhouse has gone. The site is now owned by PPC and the house is a museum open to the public. In 1874, South Africa's prime minister, DF Malan, was born at Allesverloren. The farm is still owned by the Malan family and is world known for its port.

The town itself has got an interesting history. Governor Jan van Riebeeck (note that the spelling is different from the name) firmly believed that Monomotapa, the city of gold, exists. The second expedition he sent out in search of gold were led by Pieter Cruythoff and Pieter Meerhoff (these two names exist today in the name of the farm, Meerhoff, and the name of a street and a champagne, Pieter Cruythoff). Pieter Meerhoff is also important for the history of the Afrikaners, as he was married to the Khoi woman, Eva Krotoa, and they are the ancestral parents of a substantial percentage of Afrikaners.

They did not find gold, but discovered the little gem today known as the Riebeek Valley. Meerhoff wrote in his diary: "? we came in the lovely valley east of the Riebeeck's Kasteel, where we rested. The same day we saw 13 horses (actually quagga), 5 rhinoceros and thousands of hartebeeste."

As recent as in 2006 leopards were still seen on Kasteelberg.

Riebeek West

In spring, the tranquil villages of the Riebeek Valley are covered in the softest hues of pink and white when the peach orchards are in bloom.

Riebeek West only 4 kms from Riebeek Kasteel has views that have had many a day tripper making rash decisions to relocate. Riebeek West might be regarded as the Cinderella of the two, but has its own draw cards - beautiful old Victorian houses, peace and quiet, and easy access to local vineyards.

It also boasts the oldest hotel in South Africa, The Royal, beautifully refurbished and upgraded

The town has become a mecca of artists, alternate life-stylers and young self-sufficients who work from home and commute to Cape Town, which is only an hour away. This is the scene of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields, where an annual olive festival and a vibrant community have added to the town’s appeal and predictably resulted in estate agents calling it ‘the new Franschhoek’.

The imposing mountain, after which the valley is named, was called Riebeek’s Kasteel way back in 1661, in honour of the then governor of the Cape. Huguenots settled here and inevitably planted vineyards in what is still a wine growing region today, whilst wealthier farmers retired in Riebeek Kasteel. Riebeek West is all about a laid-back way of life, bread, fruit, olives and, wine. A slightly bohemian atmosphere has only contributed to the valley’s appeal. That, and the tranquil existence that offers a unhurried pace and a place to get away; to slow down.

Hermon

Hermon is a small hamlet nestling on the edge of the Riebeek Valley about 24km from either Wellington & Malmesbury. It is a place where you'll soon unwind in the relaxed atmosphere as you revel in the beauty of the mountain backdrop, the rolling wheat fields, vineyards, etc.

Hermon is the perfect hamlet to choose as a jump off point to the many beautiful towns and scenery close by. In close proximity (within 100km) you will find the historic towns Gouda, Tulbagh, Wolseley and Ceres towards the North. Wellington and the scenic wine lands of Paarl, Franchhoek, Stellenbosch, Somerset West and the Swartland towards the South. Towards the west you will find the beauty of the West Coast with the towns Darling, Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Saldanhna, Velddrif and Paternoster which are all easily accessible from Hermon. To the east, the Hugenout tunnel also offers easy access to the Hex river valley with all its beauty. Fly fishing can be arranged at Du Toit's Kloof . Hermon has a fascinating history