There are moments that will forever echo in the collective mind of a nation, and Saturday the 2nd of November 2019 has officially earned a place among honour the days that have defined South Africa as a country. The moment that camera showed the engraver putting our name on the Web Ellis trophy, it was a done deal – Mzansi lost its collective marbles and channeled Faf du Toit in his rainbow-nation ontie, throwing all caution to the wind while leaping over cultural divides to celebrate as one.
There were braais and parties and shindigs going on all over sunny SA, but in the Swartland we were fortunate enough to have set ourselves up for a major double whammy – in a stroke of utterly beautiful serendipity, the 2019 World Cup Final coincided with the Swartland Street Party in Riebeek Kasteel – a major new benchmark for our region, as this event showed the first-ever collaboration between smaller independent producers and larger cellars. We are incredibly proud of how we are all starting to work together – all with one goal in mind: building the Swartland region’s brands and destination offerings. To add to our pride – and just in case you didn’t know – Riebeek Kasteel also happens to be the home town of none other than Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit!
The Swartland Independent Producers (SIP) are notorious for throwing some truly inspired parties, and this year they invited some of our region’s other producers into the fold to set the stage for a no-holds-barred festival of beautiful wine, exceptional food, and that singular Swartland vibe. Set up along the cobbled lane of Short Street, across the way from the legendary Royal Hotel, guests were invited to eat, drink and be merry and immerse themselves in the Swartland way of life.
Naturally, everything was put on ice while the entire South Africa gathered around projectors, TVs, tablets, and smartphones to watch as the Boks annihilated the English squad, but once that final whistle was blown, the party was back in full swing. Winemakers were pouring their prizes vintages; local eateries and pop-up vendors were dishing up pizza, samosas, falafels and smoked meaty goodness; and Basson Laubscher & The Violent Free Peace were adding a bluesy soundtrack to it all.
In short: sheer and utter magic. A marvelous, sun-drenched, joy-infused day was enjoyed by all and it could not have been a better opportunity to introduce our guests to the new, reimagined Swartland Wine- and Olive Route and everything we stand for.
Naturally, our overall chuffedness was only amplified when a local boy and Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit added a Player of the Year award to his Rugby World Cup medal, joining the leagues of Bryan Habana (2007) and
Schalk Burger (2004) who previously called this title their own. **Insert thundering applause and incoherent whooping!**
What a day, what a year, what a time to be alive. Come visit us in the Swartland soon so we can keep riding this wave of awesome – you know you want to!
We’ve collated some of our highlights in posts and pictures below. If you have images to share on the day, remember to tagg us and use #SwartlandSecrets or #SPSP so we can all share in the beautiful memories made for years to come!


Delicious in every way! Standing ovation!
It’s Faf de Klerk, not Faf du Toit. ?
“Mzansi lost its collective marbles and channeled Faf du Toit in his rainbow-nation ontie, “……. who is Faf Du Toit…?