Last week I shared about our first morning in McGregor and today’s post is about what we got up to on the Saturday afternoon…
A visit to the country, especially in the Western Cape, isn’t really complete without a turn past a gorgeous farm or wine estate and so we did exactly that – well, we did BOTH!
For lunch we had been invited to join Annalien and her family at a little olive farm just 2km from the town centre… Rhebokskraal Olive Estate
We were made to feel very welcome when we were greeted at the gate by the owner, Annalien and an assortment of grandchildren, horses and dogs!
My kids instantly gravitated to getting to know the kids and animals while we were given a brief introduction to what to expect. The family had planned an amazing array of activities for us to get a sense of what they offer on the farm.
First up was a horse-ride for the kids and a walk down to the olive groves for us. We passed their quaint farm accommodation on the way and learnt more about how the family came to find themselves in this peaceful corner of the world almost 30 years ago. On the way back we stopped in at their little tortoise sanctuary too.
Annalien herself is an accomplished artist and musician, one of her favourite things to do is to is to teach kids (and adults) how to first look at things differently before starting to sketch. On arriving back from our walk we found a huge table set up with art supplies and we couldn’t hold the kids back.
Silence descended as they all set to work creating beautiful paintings with pastels and Annalien’s artistic secret. The therapeutic act of drawing in the peaceful surroundings seemed to work wonders for the kids and they all loved the experience… and even us moms joined in!!
While we “worked” Annalien told us more about the olive products they produce on the farm and sell in the shop on the McGregor main road. And then it was time for a delicious olive themed lunch under the oak tree while we were entertained with a few songs sung by Annalien and her granddaughters!
For a few hours we lounged around without a care in the world enjoying the peace of their beautiful farm. With abstract art to create followed by some fast friendships and fun, the kids were kept busy and the adults could unwind and enjoy the best of country life… at least for a few hours. We were all sorry to say goodbye!
If you’re heading out to McGregor for a weekend I highly recommend giving Annalien a call to see what she has to offer – from art and cooking classes to horserides and olive grove tours there is bound to be something to satisfy the whole family.
After a few blissful hours enjoying life at Rhebokskraal we moved on to do some wine-tasting at Lord’s Wines – located on the “road to nowhere”, about 10km outside of McGregor.
Here we moved our table to take advantage of the sinking sun and while the kids ran riot on the large lawns, us parents enjoyed a very civilised wine-tasting with a view followed by a brief cellar tour of this boutique winery, including tasting straight from the barrel!
Our drive back to town was the perfect time to reflect on the amazing day we had spent as a family – making new friends, discovering new places and enjoying country life in the McGregor valley….
Contact Rhebokskraal Olive Estate
Tel: +27 23 6251 95 (Farm) or +27 23 6251 787
(Shop)
Cell: +27 82 658 2379 (Corrie) or +27 82 896 0429 (Annalien)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rhebokskraalolives.co.za
Directions:
The shop is in Voortrekker Street, McGregor, on your right hand side just after the police station. To go to the farm, continue in Voortrekker street and turn left in Van Reenen Street. The street will make a T. Turn right in Buitekant Street. Follow the gravel road until you drive into Rhebokskraal Estate.
Contact Lords Winery
Tel: +27 23 625 1265+27 23 625 1265+27236251265+27236251265” data-isfreecall=”false” data-isrtl=”false” data-ismobile=”false”>+27 23 625 1265+27 23 625 1265
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.lordswinery.com
Images: Kathryn Rossiter
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