Who’s keen on some good news about sunny South Africa? If you like to look on the bright side of life, we’ve got a beautiful piece of Afro-optimism to share with you. Get this – if you want to enjoy the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, the very best thing you can do […]

Lammershoek is a beautiful Swartland farm with a long and illustrious history that spans many centuries and generations. Today the name is synonymous with a range of exceptional wines, as well as the visionary attitudes and guidance of the trio of well-known German businessmen and Abold family who took the helm in 2013. Andreas and […]

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending some time in the twin hamlets of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West in the Swartland, you’ll know that the olive culture in this verdant little valley is alive and kicking. There are very few other places in South Africa where you can enjoy such an amazing variety […]

Drizzled on dew-dappled salads, slathered in golden lashings on crusty ciabatta, whipped into a delicate aioli or doing its thing in a classic vinaigrette – there is no denying that olive oil is absolutely delicious and unbelievably versatile. Fortunately for all us oil snobs, it also happens to pack a mean nutritional punch.  Here are […]

Foodies, assemble! If you have a sincere and unbridled love for all things delectable and delicious, there is one Swartland destination that needs a space of honour at the top of your must-visit list. Please allow us to introduce Het Vlock Casteel  – a beautiful family farm in Riebeek Kasteel where you can revel in […]

The first weekend in May is always an immensely exciting one for the Swartland Wine- and Olive Route. This is when our region welcomes visitors from far and wide who come to eat, drink and be merry at the annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival.  Last year’s event was cancelled due to the impact of the […]

When the balmy days of summer start to give way to the lingering crispness of autumn in the Western Cape, there’s no more excuse – it’s time to put on a cap and a pair of takkies and make your way into one of the gorgeous landscapes that lie dotted around the Mother City. If […]

What is natural wine and is it really as amazing as its made out to be?  We met up with Jurgen Gouws from Intellego Wines in the Swartland of the Western Cape last week to chat about organic farming, natural wine and biodynamic farming principles in the dappled shade of an old oak tree next to his […]