Each November, the quiet village of Riebeek Kasteel in the Swartland bursts into life for one of the Western Cape’s most anticipated food and wine events - the Swartland Street Party. This lively celebration brings together the region’s top winemakers, artisanal food producers, and visitors from across South Africa for a weekend of pure Swartland charm. This year the party kicked off with pre-parties at six restaurants in Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West. Mura @ Eight Feet (featured wines from Kloovenburg, Mullineux, Rall and Yellowwood), The Barn (Leeuwenkuil, Pulpit Rock, Porseleinberg and FRAM), Kokos (Swerwer, Wightman & Son Co and Intellego), La Parilla (Org de Rac, David & Nadia and City on a Hill), The Royal Hotel (Great Heart, The Sadie Family, Klein Amoskuil and Hofstraat) and Marras (Thor, Mother Rock, Schenkfontein, Testalonga, Allesverloren and Marras). Set along the village’s intimate Short Street shopping complex, the festival transforms Riebeek Kasteel into an open-air tasting room. More than 25 Swartland Independent Producers showcased their wines - expressive, characterful vintages that reflect the area’s rugged terroir and minimal-intervention philosophy. Guests could stroll between stalls, tasting signature blends and chatting directly with the winemakers who crafted them. But the Swartland Street Party is about more than wine. It’s a full-bodied celebration of the region’s artisanal food and hospitality. Local chefs and food vendors serve everything from wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie to farm-fresh produce and traditional South African fare. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, and this year Da Sons of Selassi performed on a truck in the street, so that their music could be enjoyed all along the town’s main road. They kept the energy high as the sun sets over the surrounding wheat fields and vineyards. The G&Ts on The Royal Hotel’s stoep is always a highlight. What makes this event truly special is its community spirit. Residents opened their homes, guesthouses and shops to visitors, creating a warm, inclusive experience that captures the heart of the Swartland lifestyle - unpretentious, creative, and proudly local. Tickets to the Swartland Street Party typically sell out quickly, as numbers are limited to preserve its relaxed, intimate feel. The 2025 party hosted 580 festival goers. Words: Maryke Roberts Photos: Clifford Roberts