Good food and great wine are some of life's greatest pleasures. This is evident in the number of fantastic restaurants and eateries in the Western Cape alone, as South Africa is recognised for having some of the best cuisine in the world. The Swartland Wine and Olive Route is a destination holiday that offers travellers a unique opportunity to relish the history of this beautiful region and all it has to offer.
What to expect from your trip: dive headfirst into the many delights
Spread across different vineyards and three incredible mountain ranges, the Swartland Wine and Olive Route is best described as an adventure. You are guaranteed to find something new to love (and to eat!) around every turn and corner. It stretches from Piketberg in the South to the Berg River in the North. Encompassing the towns of Piketberg, Riebeek West, Riebeek Kasteel and Malmesbury along the way, this route features a handpicked selection of top-notch wineries and olive producers.
While meandering through the Swartland's descriptive route, you will find yourself enjoying lunches in sunny, shaded courtyards, sipping on fine wines and browsing artisanal goods for you to purchase and cherish with fond memories when you're back home. Accommodation in the Swartland ranges from B&B options to farm cottages and luxury guesthouses and hotels. For larger families, farm cottages and guesthouses are ideal for that rustic, authentic village experience. For couples or solo trips, indulge in the extras and convenience of hotel living or relax in a cosy B&B with welcoming hosts.
Eat and drink your way through your stay: fresh food and good times
With an abundance of homegrown ingredients, the restaurants, cafes, deli shops, and stalls all have one thing in common: delicious options. Savour preserved olives, grass-fed steaks, light-as-air pastries, and crisp fruit and vegetables alongside a selection of cheeses and preserves. Many locals bottle and sell their own recipes, handed down over decades, that make the perfect gift or addition to your own pantry.
A sense of community: Swartland has an undeniable charm
With wine clubs and a full calendar of social events, you are bound to feel part of the family when visiting Swartland Wine and Olive Route. The region hosts events such as street parties, food markets and themed occasions alongside their usual wine and olive tours. As you make your way through the valleys and sample the different products and goods on offer, you are invited to pair unexpected combinations and join in exciting celebrations. One often gets the feeling of being in a festival town where things are always happening and unforgettable moments are a daily occurrence.
Keep up to date with Swartland Wine and Olive Route: follow the adventure
If you want to explore the mountains, the area offers hiking trails, farmlands and stunning nature reserves. You can also take in the sights from mountain biking trails before you take a breather and stock up on your olive oil and wines before waving goodbye to the Swartland and begin planning your next trip. Enjoy meeting new people and bonding over your shared love for the finer things in life, stay updated with Swartland Wine and Olive Route's social media to stay informed.
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07 Nov 2024
Author Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty