Solo Studios Intimate Arts Encounters just wrapped, an annual multicultural showcase that sees colabs with chefs, sommeliers, galleries, community projects and street artists such as Cape Town graffiti star Falko One, whose site-specific wall murals in nearby Riebeek West were the wow factor this year. 

Things to look out for during the festive season are First Fridays, and the Christmas Market on December 19. For other event intel, visit Arts Town.

Shopping

Part with your plastic on Main Street, the straight-as-an-arrow artery that slices through town from the turn off at the top of the hill – where you’ll want to take a moment to snap that picturesque intro — all the way down to the landmark NG Kerk at the opposite end.

Browse the fancy interior store Crystal & Twine, shop for local art at The Gallery, stock up on established and emerging Swartland wine brands at The Wine Kollective and wander through Ancient Spirit for leisure wear and handcrafted fynbos botanicals by Still Pure, among other temptations. Meander down Short Street for a choice of eateries and watering holes like The Alchemist. Find out more on the Riebeek Valley Tourism website.

Olive tasting

One of the standout olive tasting rooms is at Kloovenburg Wine and Olive Estate. Conveniently, it’s right next to a spacious cellar and wine emporium, so once you’ve waded through tapenades, infused oils and bowls of marinated, smoked, pickled and sun-dried olives, you may as well bounce across the threshold and sample their vino.

In other news, the estate recently launched guided hikes through the vineyards that culminate in a picnic and wine tasting under ancient oaks.