One of the many joys of exploring the Western Cape region is discovering the myriad dorpies that still retain their country charm. It's become something of a vogue for high-rollers with disposable incomes to snap up a rustic weekend getaway and, over time, hideaways such as Greyton and Franschhoek have undergone a substantial transformation.
Urbanisation obviously comes with a price tag though; think the cost of real estate for one, as the ambience of remote towns are often irrevocably changed by city-slickers with a new agenda.
With this in mind, it's a treat to come upon a country destination like the Riebeek Valley. Located in the Swartland district, the Valley is about a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
In the past few years, the area has seen tremendous growth in the property market, and the launch of numerous guesthouses and restaurants.
There's no better time to experience this region than during the annual high point of its calendar, the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival which takes place on May 5 and 6.
One of the largest of its kind in southern Africa, this weekend event makes the perfect excuse to visit the area at its festive best.
The festival is hosted by the neighbouring villages of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, and it aims to highlight the region's prosperous olive industry, and offer visitors the opportunity to sample wines from neighbouring vineyards.
Highlights over the weekend include olive grove tours, olive and olive oil tastings, and cheese and wine tastings.
There will also be a farmers market with olive products, fresh produce and local delicacies, and olive-inspired menus at restaurants.
The first festival was conceived in 2001 by the Olive Boutique's Juliana Meredith. Since its outset, attendance has grown to around 12 000 visitors.
The event spans an area of almost seven kilometres, visitors are given a map, and a tractor transports them from farms to wine cellars.
Says Meredith, "It benefits everybody. I believe we make excellent olives in this valley."
Meredith hopes to promote the local olive industry, as opposed to consumer trends of buying Italian olives.
"Visitors will get first hand information about the industry and cultivars used. There's also an interest for people to preserve and make their own olives. So we offer two-kilogram buckets and a recipe as a starter kit. The festival is about a lifestyle, and also the meeting of people in the Valley.
"There are five producers of olives and olive products here, and people now associate good olive oil with the Riebeek Valley."
Riebeek Kasteel is by far the most appealing stopover. It's an easy stroll through the village streets, and as most of the shops are centrally situated, you can take your pick of pitstops for a coffee, or meal.
At the hub of the town is the Kasteelberg Country Inn & Bistro, which is situated in Fontein Street. Well known Cape Talk weekend host, Alan Barnard, co-owns the venue with partner, Julien Debray. It's a pub-cum-bistro, which suits day visitors and overnight guests.
Some of the best food you're guaranteed to find in Riebeek Kasteel is at Café Felix, which is on the main road that leads to Riebeek West. It's in a Cape Dutch-style building, and boasts staff trained by Kenneth McClarty of Kalk Bay's Olympia Deli fame.
Café Felix is also part of owners Salomé and Willem Gunter's Old Oak Manor, which has a wonderful French Provencal feel. An interior designer by trade, Salomé's eye for detail sees her using everything from antiques to collected rubbish.
Says Gunter: "I use anything, but in my heart I'm a Francophile. I love textiles. In one room I've used quilts that are over 200 years old. My vision was to create a weekend space for people who want to get out of the city. We are very unpretentious. It's something simple and has a nice honesty around it."
Old Oak Manor draws mostly Capetonians and overseas visitors. "We came innocently to the Valley, and I did my reading of country life. After we opened Café Felix, a shift happened in the Valley."
Just a 30-minute drive away, is Bartholomeus Klip. The homestead is a tranquil haven that offers a different experience to neighbouring towns. Located on a working wheat and sheep farm, Bartholomeus Klip is at its best during the cooler winter months, when landscape scenes of greens and yellows create a spectacular show, but even on a balmy day it is quality all-round.
A lunchtime meal (reservations essential), or a stay-over at this meticulously renovated Victorian farmhouse, is a definite highlight on a journey here. Manager Lesley Gillett is a welcoming hostess, while her twin sister/chef, Louise, makes magic with gourmet cuisine in the kitchen.
With the focus on maintaining a serene atmosphere for guests, unexpected day-trippers aren't encouraged, so the idea is to make a booking and indulge yourself in a stay at this graceful retreat.
Bartholomeus Klip offers superior hospitality. If you can't splash out on a sleepover, book for lunch and a game drive, as the venue borders on the 4 000-hectare Elandsberg Nature Reserve.
The reserve is home to over 500 head of game, and has unique Renosterveld vegetation. As one of the last habitats of the geometric tortoise, it has been declared a National Heritage Site. Over 160 species of birds can be seen, and the farm also hosts quagga and buffalo breeding projects.
Over the festival, the homestead will offer gourmet dinners and picnics on the farm for families.
Allesverloren Estate will also host a dinner/opera evening on May 5, and a buffet on May 6. Book before April 30 and win a gift pack.
- For more information, call 022 448 1584, or visit http://www.riebeekvalley.info.