Written by: Clifford Roberts; Photography: Johan Viljoen
Every November, Riebeek Kasteel fills with people who have come for one thing – to taste what the Swartland is doing. The Swartland Street Party is the reason most of them arrive on that particular weekend, but the qualities that draw them are present in every month of the year.
The region sits about an hour north of Cape Town, with a culture and wines with a clear sense of place. Most importantly, though, the region is also still changing.
The Swartland Street Party is one of the places that serves as a kind of milestone; the event when everyone is together, catching up on the buzz.
Evolution at pace
This year, you might have encountered news of Alan Cooke’s acquisition of Billy Hughes’s vineyards, for example. Or, Schenkfontein’s plans to start the build on its new tasting room at Kardoesie Farm Stall on the Piekenierskloof Pass next year. But also, the ebb and flow of wines and styles that may or may not signal what lies ahead. It’s this kind of change of this kind keeps the Swartland interesting for repeat visitors.
Alongside the region’s famous labels this year were some genuine curiosities. Riebeek Valley Wine Company poured Straatbrak, a red field blend. Klein Amoskuil offered a limited-release sherry in the Amontillado style – a rare sight in South Africa. Alecia Boshoff of Angels’ Share Wines presented the first vintage of her Hermitake Pétillant Naturel.
The programme began on Friday night, when six food-and-wine dinners hosted by winemakers took place at venues around Riebeek Kasteel and in Malmesbury.
Bokke!
Saturday brought some good-natured competition for attention. Many wine lovers drifted away from the street temporarily to watch the Springboks beat Italy by a wide margin, then came back to their glasses with the mood lifted.
Music this year came from the Kaapland Boereorkes, with the performance once again played in no-frills setting one might expect from the Swartland: from the back of a truck.
The weekend ended with a closing party at Marras featuring Jack Parow. It was not an official part of the festival, but it gave the night a fitting finish.
For anyone planning a trip, the lesson is practical. If you can’t make one of the many events hosted throughout the year, no bother. There’s always plenty to discover across the region.
• The Swartland Wine and Olive Route is a member organisation comprising the biggest representation producers of the Swartland region. If you’re planning farm visits, call ahead; many are open by appointment only.
