The 8th annual Riebeek Valley Olive Festival will take place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 2008 in the picturesque Riebeek Valley celebrating the award winning olive oils and wines from the Swartland region.

The largest of its kind in Southern Africa, the festival is hosted by the beautiful twin hamlets of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel. The festival highlights the region’s prosperous olive industry and is also an opportunity for visitors to sample the neighbouring wine farms.

The Riebeek Valley has established itself as the primary olive oil and olive producing region in South Africa. Riebeek Kasteel not only boasts four of the top olive producers in the country, it is also home to two Italian trained olive oil graders.

Named as one of the top 10 foods to eat to improve your skin’s complexion and with health benefits which have made Olive Oil a symbol of longevity the exceptional Olive Oil pressed in the Valley is being manufactured by local producers into cosmetics.

Says Juliana Meredith, spokesperson for the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival, “The festival is a celebration of all that the beautiful Swartland district has to offer giving Capetonians and out-of-towners an opportunity to meet the people of the valley, experience their country lifestyle and sample their local produce. This year we’re focusing on the farm community and the people that have helped to make the Riebeek Valley so popular and special”.

Highlights during the weekend include:

• Olive grove tours
• Olive and olive oil tastings
• Wine cellar tours and wine tastings
• Cheese tastings
• Farmers market offering local olive products, fresh produce and local delicacies
• Olive inspired menus at the participating restaurants
• Art exhibitions
• Performances by well-known musicians

Riebeek Valley Olive Festival 2008

Date: 3 – 4 May 2008
Location: Riebeek Vally


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