Riebeek Valley

Riebeek Valley

Yesterday, Saturday the 17th of August 2019, we packed our bags and after giving instructions to the cat sitter, we were off to Riebeek West, a small town about 75 km north-east of Cape Town.  It is next to Riebeek Kasteel, another quaint little town in the Riebeek Valley, which we have visited before. We booked into the Riebeek Valley Country Retreat, where many guests were sitting in the huge garden, enjoying a glorious spring afternoon.  The hotel was fully booked, as there was a wedding in the valley.

Riebeek Valley Country Retreat

The Riebeek Valley is well-known for its wines, olives and wheat. There are renowned wine estates in the area, e.g. Allesverloren and Kloovenburg.  There is a market every first Saturday of the month in Riebeek West where you can buy fresh vegetables, home-baked pies, curries, clothing, jewellery and much more while you are listening to the Valley’s own Steel band showing off their musical skills.

Shops in Riebeek West

In Riebeek Kasteel, there are interesting shops where you can feast your eyes.  One of them is A la Maison, a French-style shop where you can buy décor for your home.  Next door you will find Aitsa, a wonderful shop that sells anything from homemade jams to cushions and jewellery.  Crystal and Twine is another interesting shop which sells décor, clothing, furniture and much more – it is like entering another world when you step into the shop.

Crystal and Twine

Funny Signage

A la Maison

The Dutch Reformed Church in Riebeeck Kasteel, built in 1913, is an impressive building which can be seen from most parts of the town.  The next time we visit the Riebeek Valley, I would love to see (and play) the church organ.

Dutch Reformed Church

After browsing through some shops in Riebeek Kasteel and having something to drink at Bayleaf and Thyme, a new eatery, we had to decide where we would have our evening meal.  There are many restaurants in Riebeek Kasteel, e.g. Eve’s Eatery.

Eve’s Eatery

Bay Leaf and Thyme

An Interesting Corner

We decided on Mama Cucina with its Italian Mediterranean influence.

Mama Cucina

It was a good choice, as both our meals were great.  I ordered Bolognaise with home-made Tagliatelle and Deon’s choice was Gemsbok, Baby Spinach and Blue Cheese Lasagne.  The restaurant was filled with locals and visitors and the atmosphere was cosy and welcoming.

Bolognaise

Gemsbok and Blue Cheese Lasagne

After breakfast on Sunday morning, joined by a huge fluffy cat and a friendly dog popping in and out of the breakfast room, we headed home – where a very angry black kitty was waiting for us.  It was a very short, but welcome break from our hectic city lives.  How fortunate we are to live in the city, but to be able to escape to the country every now and then.

This is Country Life