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Visit the Small Town of Riebeek Kasteel for a Weekend of Art, Wine, and Local Food

Don’t miss out on this year’s Solo Studios taking place from Friday, 9 to Sunday, 11 August

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By House & Garden South Africa | July 22, 2024 | Travel Leisure

Forty six plus artists, five galleries, five live performances and a number of long table gourmet events: these and more can be enjoyed at Solo Studios 2024, taking place in Riebeek Kasteel on Women’s Day weekend, from Friday, 9 to Sunday, 11 August. Now in its eighth year, the annual intimate art encounter with a big draw to the picturesque Riebeek Valley (just 80km from Cape Town) will serve up even more of a feast for the senses: with sociable gourmet long table events and live music, theatre and poetry, along with the valley’s wealth and diversity of fine art.

Swartland based winery, Leeuwenkul will be present at Solo Studios. Image: Supplied.

“The greatest attraction to Solo Studios, besides the magnificent valley itself, is the intimate nature of the event,” says Ashley Stone, co-owner and co-project manager of Solo Studios. “By opening up artists’ studios, visitors can have an intimate art encounter with the artworks and the artists themselves in their own creative workspaces, and simply enjoy these inspiring connections or even return home with art investments at great prices that feel truly personal. It’s also a peek into the bottomless well of natural beauty, cultural heritage and creativity of this valley, along with the friendly community that is so supportive of the arts.”

The greatest attraction to Solo Studios, besides the magnificent valley itself, is the intimate nature of the event. Image: Supplied.

The thirty-three featured solo artists reflect the diversity of talent in the Riebeek Valley, from painters to mixed media artists to ceramicists and more. Some of this year’s participants include Sharon Bischoff, Wiehan de Jager, Ade Kipades, Solly Smook, André François van Vuuren, Riaan van Zyl and Emma Willemse.

Image: Supplied.

Palate & Palette: Art and Food Collide in Flavourful Masterpieces

This year’s Solo Studios will see an elevated number and range of culturally vibrant peripheral activities alongside the core art offering. For foodies and conversationalists alike, The Night of Long Tables will feature a number of long table food events curated by well-known Riebeek Kasteel resident: chef and stylist Isabella Niehaus. Enhanced with wine pairings from Swartland producers including Women in Wine on the Friday, the dinners will be a gastronomic celebration, marrying the wealth of local farm-fresh produce, the beauty of an exquisitely laid table, and the convivial act of community-building that takes place when sharing food over a long table.

Riebeek Kasteel resident, chef and stylist Isabella Niehaus who will curate The Night of Long Tables, a number of long table food events. Image: Supplied.

The Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra

Other performers include The Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra, whose concert will include, amongst other works, a performance of Saint-Saëns' Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor with the internationally acclaimed Eriel Huang as violin soloist; and singer songwriter Wren Hinds, a Cape Town-based artist who recently signed a full record deal with the iconic UK-based record label Bella Union.

The Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra. Image: Supplied.

“Due to the overwhelming response at last year’s Solo Studios, which attracted over 1200 visitors, we are already seeing great interest in this year’s event, with local hotels and guesthouses booking up, particularly as it is a public holiday weekend,” says Stone. “What better time to do a weekend or a day-trip to our beautiful valley of arts and culture, wine and olives, and tranquil vistas.”

Plan Your Visit

Solo Studios 2024 is taking place in Riebeek Valley on Women’s Day weekend, from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August.

Tickets are available and can be purchased via Solo Studios website at www.solostudios.co.za and Webtickets.