Riebeek Kasteel Olive Festival Weekend: 6 Places To Explore For Rolling Stoners
Writer: Andrew Macfarlane
The Olive Festival weekend in the Riebeek Valley takes place from 25 to 27 September.
“We’re not associated with the Olive Festival, but we’d love to help elevate tourism in the valley.” – Rolling Stoner / Andrew Macfarlane
Also, according to the ticketing website, there are still a few spots available for Capetonians willing to leave the Mother City, as well as visitors from further afield.
But if you’re gracing us with your presence, we (I’m a local) want you to explore the entire valley.
Please pop into every store, eatery and art gallery that catches your eye in Riebeek Kasteel and neighbouring Riebeek West.
For Rolling Stoner travellers, there is another layer to the journey.
The valley is also home to cannabis destinations including Dank Valley Collective and Dagga Farmacy Independent Branch, creating an interesting crossover between cannabis culture, agriculture, food, wine and small-town tourism.
So, if you’re heading to Riebeek Kasteel for Olive Festival weekend, here are six places worth adding to your itinerary.
Visit Dank Valley Collective
One of the most obvious Rolling Stoner stops in Riebeek Kasteel is the Dank Valley Collective.
This spot is all about delivering craft-level herb, where the terpenes are discussed before the high is mentioned.
After all, the valley is about flavours.
Please note: You will need to sign up to become a member of this private club, and anyone who appears overly intoxicated will not be allowed in.
You also don’t need to disappear halfway across the Swartland to find it.
Dank Valley is an easy walk from the festival area. According to Google, it’s about a 9-minute walk.
Please be respectful of local residents along the way.
Also More Than Herb This Weekend
For this special occasion, Dank Valley has infused locally sourced olive oil with some of South Africa’s finest craft cannabis.
Perfect for those looking to elevate their salads and more.
This is a limited run, so stock won’t last forever.
First come, first served.
But honestly, go for the herb experience.
Book An Appointment At The Dagga Farmacy
The Riebeek Valley’s cannabis story extends beyond private clubs.
For those already familiar with South Africa’s cannabis cultivation scene, Dagga Farmacy needs little introduction.
Now, the brand has expanded through DF Independent, a new concept that allows approved independent nursery operators to work with Dagga Farmacy genetics and standards.
The Riebeek-Kasteel outlet forms part of that network, but it is independently operated rather than being a conventional Dagga Farmacy nursery.
And to clear up a few things before you visit: there is no bud for sale, and the plants will have no flower.
The focus here is simple: plants.
You will need to make a booking with the independent outlet (Matt) via WhatsApp, after which the private collection location can be shared.
Usual nursery hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 4 pm
- Friday: 9 am to 3 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm
Please remember that this is an independent outlet operating from a private location, so visits need to be arranged in advance and opening times may be flexible.
However, this is an interesting, different branch of the Dagga Farmacy story.
Wander To The Wunderkamer
The Wunderkammer brings something considerably stranger to the journey.
There are currently two locations. The satellite store is just a few metres from the event venue, while the main showroom is further down the road on the way to Delico Farm.
Its name comes from the German term for a “cabinet of curiosities”, which gives you a fairly good idea of what to expect.
Inside, you’ll find a mixture of vintage furniture, decorative objects, artworks and unusual pieces that don’t necessarily fit neatly into conventional retail categories.
It is exactly the type of independent business that gives Riebeek Kasteel much of its personality.
You don’t really need a shopping list.
Go in and see what catches your attention.
Please note: Anyone who appears overly intoxicated, regardless of the substance involved, will be asked to leave.
Also, if you break it, you buy it.
Now to the western part of the valley.
Visit The Riebeek West Nursery With Its Baobab Tree
As a Rolling Stoner planning every Route 420 trip, I consider this a must-visit.
Riebeek Valley Garden Centre in Riebeek West is the kind of destination that stays with you, simply because of the visual beauty of the world created in the Boomhuis.
With its indoor mature baobab tree taking centre stage, you might be forgiven for missing the nesting barn owls and the ylang-ylang tree sharing the Boomhuis space.
There is a mind-boggling selection of indigenous plants, and two owners who are horticultural experts.
One of whom has even given an opening talk at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Also, do yourself a favour on this busy weekend and book breakfast at Cucina@Kremetart.
The coffee is excellent, so give the barista a little time to brew it properly rather than rushing.
Then, for those looking for something to eat after a long day, the next spot is a must.
Book A Table At Marras Wines
If you’re making the trip across to Riebeek West, do yourself a favour and book a table at Marras Wines.
This is not really a place to rush.
Marras combines Swartland wine with good food and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a natural lunch stop during a busy Olive Festival weekend.
The wines are rooted firmly in the region, while the food gives you another excuse to slow the pace and enjoy where you are rather than simply ticking off another stop.
With the valley likely to be busier than usual, booking ahead is a good idea.
Find a table, order something to eat, taste what the Swartland is producing and give yourself a little time before heading back out onto the road.
Some Route 420 stops are about getting somewhere.
Marras is about staying there for a while.
Book A Table At Marras Wines
Before heading home, make one last stop at Blacksmith Yard in Riebeek West.
Located a little further down the road, directly opposite the petrol station, the gallery is perfectly positioned for a quick browse.
Pull in, stretch your legs, have a look around and see what catches your eye before getting back on the road.
After a weekend of olive tastings, good food, wine, plants and exploring the valley, Blacksmith Yard gives you one final excuse not to leave quite yet.
Then it’s time to fill the tank, load up the car and head home with considerably more than you arrived with.
And plan for the next weekend away in the Ribeek Valley: Solo Studios.
Please Respect The Law And Local Businesses
The restaurants, nurseries, shops, galleries and other non-cannabis businesses mentioned in this guide are not cannabis consumption venues and should not be treated as such.
Cannabis use in South Africa is protected for adults in private settings, following the Constitutional Court’s recognition of adult private cannabis use. It is not a general right to consume cannabis wherever you choose.
Please respect the venues featured in this article, their staff, other customers and local residents. Do not consume cannabis on their premises unless you have explicit permission and the setting complies with applicable law.
The same applies to short-term accommodation. Staying at an Airbnb or other holiday rental does not automatically give you permission to consume cannabis there. Check the host’s rules and get permission where required.
For further legal context, the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024 sets out the framework for private adult cannabis use, while the Department of Justice provides updates on the implementation of the legislation.
If you want a simpler option, visit an appropriate private cannabis venue such as Dank Valley Collective, subject to its membership requirements and house rules.
In short: enjoy the valley, support its businesses and keep cannabis consumption where it legally and respectfully belongs.
Also, pop in to the Riebeek Valley tourism centre; loads of local products.
If you’d like to be featured in a Rolling Stoner village piece, please feel free to drop us an email.