The Swartland Wine Route covers a truly magical area of the Western Cape. Rolling, soft hills fill the landscape, and the knowledge that you can taste some fantastic wine is the cherry on top.

The route meanders through the Riebeek Valley, Malmesbury, and up to the Berg River and the Paardeberg, and includes some 24 partners. Wine and olive farms make up the majority of what you will see, and what’s not to love about that?

Whilst it is totally worth popping out there for the day (it is close enough for a day trip) we can be a bit lazy here in the city, and so the Santam Swartland Wine and Olive Route does the most amazing and convenient thing for us: once a year they host the Swartland Country Market in Cape Town. It’s a day filled with flavour and taste. You can experience the notes and nose of so many wines, and nibble on delicious olives and fresh breads.

There is a little trick involved with having the market, though. Once we get a little taste, we will sooner rather than later be driving through to the Swartland. They’re luring us in with their beautifully tempting treats. Which is fair, as the region’s wines have just brought home awards at the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition. With four double-gold awards, eight gold awards and ten silver awards, we suggest you either get to the market or do the full wine route.

But back to the market… Think stocking fillers for Christmas: preserves and body products. Think tasty cheeses and home made biltong. Spend the day chatting with the winemakers and farmers, and get a real feel for the farmer’s lifestyle.

With more than 50 stalls bringing the Swartland to Cape Town, prepare for a day of country feasting and relaxation.

The Swartland Farmers Market will be at the Kirstenbosch Stone Cottages, from 10am until 4pm on 11 October 2014.

Read more about the Santam Swartland Wine and Olive Route here