The usually sleepy villages of Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West are gearing up for the 10th annual Riebeeck Valley Olive Festival.

Set to take place between 30 April and 2 May, the event sees local wineries, restaurants and shops showcasing the regions abundant source of the biblical fruit in all its incarnations. Situated slap bang in the middle of the two towns, participating winery Allesverloren will be heading up the merry-making by hosting formal tastings of 20 of the valleys top wines, including its own syrah and port, as well as those of Le Bonheur, Tukulu and Org de Rac.

The estate’s lawns will be studded with stalls selling fresh produce, loaves straight from the oven and homemade preserves, while La Masseria will keep things countrified with hearty Italian fare and cheese-, bread- and pasta-making lessons. Local musos will get visitors grooving down at the Klipdrift tent. Visit the farm on Friday and Saturday between 9am and 7pm, and 9am and 4pm on Sunday. Entrance is free of charge. For more information, contact Allesverloren on 022 461 2320.