Riebeek Kasteel's Crowning Glories

It’s one of the few South African dorpies where you’ll find a Banting burger, a guest house overflowing with racing cars, a group of award-winning renegade winemakers and an assortment of high-profile artists and veteran media celebrities. 

- Shellee-Kim Gold

When you see the sign ‘Welcome to Shiraz country’ near the western Cape’s Riebeek Kasteel, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the Swartland’s capital of Quirk.

Brightly-coloured Georgian-styled buildings in blues, greens and mustards are characteristically clustered around the central Short street.

More than a quaint place to catch your breath, the village, and its inhabitants display their innovation and artistry from many creative corners.

Such as the zany welcoming at Eve’s restaurant. Famous for its roasts and frequented by locals, a kugelled-up mannequin is strung up above the shop entrance. She basks horizontally across a bench.

Then there’s Sabu, who has a permanent home at the hub of village life on the square. She is a life-sized ‘teenaged’ elephant created by local artist, Mike Hillier - from a hedge.

A proliferation of restaurants, coffee shops, and speciality stores will titillate your every sense - including smell.

Such as the aromatic Still Pure. Local and authentic essential oils are their game, along with body products made from the same.