The Riebeek Kasteel Wine Region nestles on the slopes of its own mountain, the dramatic Kasteelberg, the surrounds are wheatlands, vineyards and olive groves, creating a distinctive touch of the Mediterranean in Africa.

The Wines of the Riebeek Kasteel Wine Region.

Riebeekberg is a South African Wine of Origin ward that sits beneath Kasteelberg Mountain in the Swartland district of the Western Cape’s Coastal Region.

Encompassing the picturesque twin towns of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, the region is famous both for olives and the production of heavy, dense red wines made from Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, to which Riebeekberg’s hot, dry terroir is perfectly suited.

The white grapes Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay also do well, yielding rich, complex wines.

The region is only 90 kilometers to the northeast of Cape Town.

This means its winery cellar doors are well within reach of more adventurous Cape Town-based customers and tourists. (Source: https://www.wine-searcher.com/)

Riebeekberg has a long history of viticulture, rivaling only that of the more famous ward of Constantia in the south.

The neighboring towns of Riebeek West were established in the 1660s, and French Huguenots who arrived in the area began to plant vineyards.

A lot of the wineries that were started during this era are still active today.

The vineyards of Riebeekberg sit along the eastern slopes of the Kasteelberg Mountain.

The area is hot and dry in the summer, with cooling westerly breezes from the Atlantic Ocean helping to moderate the heat of the day.

The estates also benefit from the shade of the mountain in the late afternoon.

Cold winters give the vines a chance to rest and replenish their resources, while moderate rainfall tops up the water table.

This means that despite the heat of the summer, little irrigation is needed over the growing season.

The Malmesbury shale that is found on the slopes of the Kasteelberg Mountain has a unique vertical layering structure caused by tectonic shifts.

Water drains away almost instantly, causing vines to dig deeper for liquid nourishment.

As well as strengthening them, this results in lower yields and a higher concentration of flavor in the wine.

Things to do in the Riebeek Kasteel Wine Region.

The Riebeek Valley is well known for wine and olives.

Arts and crafts also play a big role and the village is a very weekend getaway destination for Capetonians.

Festivals and Events in the Riebeek Kasteel Wine Region.

For a small village, Riebeek Kasteel packs a punch when it comes to things to do and festivals and events.

• Snoek & Roosterkoek Braai
• Riebeek Valley Olive Festival
• Village Markets throughout the year
• Riebeek Bergmarathon
• MTB & Trail Run

We look forward to host you in Riebeek Kasteel soon.