The largest of its kind in South Africa, the festival is hosted by the picturesque sister towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, and is a celebration of olives, food, wine and art in a relaxing country atmosphere.
Just an hour's drive from Cape Town, the valley is nestled at the foot of the majestic Kasteelberg and is renowned for its fine olives, olive oils and wines - Kloovenburg garnering numerous top honours for its outstanding olive oils.
The Riebeek Valley Olive Festival has now become so popular that it was last year awarded the accolade stamp 'Cape Of Great Events', and was voted in the top 24 annual festivals (out of 350) hosted in the Western Cape by Western Cape Tourism, Cape Town Routes Unlimited.
Live events and activities are run throughout the festival to provide both the interested public and connoisseurs with information and expert advice on olives in every form.
Last year, about 15 000 visitors enjoyed sampling a selection of olive fare - from locally grown preserved olives with flavours as varied as calamata olives with fresh rosemary and garlic, green manzanillas in lime dressing and olives in blueberry dressing to olive choc salami; olive jams; smoked, lemon-flavoured and Shiraz-infused olives; chutneys and dessert toppings.
With over 23 pit stops on the specially designed festival route map, visitors had plenty of opportunity to learn the many secrets of this delectable delicacy.
Whilst the focus of the festival is undoubtedly on the hallowed olive, there is always loads more on offer, including a traditional South African food village with a variety of South African delicacies, local art exhibitions, live entertainment, and wine tasting from the many superb vineyards in the area.
There's also a play area to keep the kids entertained, while parents enjoy the fruits of the festival.
- The 2010 Riebeek Valley Olive Festival will be held from 30 April to 2 May 2010.
- For further information on the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival and opportunities for sponsorship, contact festival organiser Nichola Hodgson on 082 896 5022 / [email protected].
- Accommodation and restaurant information can be found at www.riebeekvalley.info.