Every May, the quiet town of Tulbagh in the Western Cape bursts into life with the Tulbagh Olive Festival, a hands-on celebration of the region’s rich olive heritage. Set against the backdrop of the towering Witzenberg Mountains, this festival is more than just tasting fresh olive oils – it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a landscape fiercely molded by sun and soil.

The festival sprawls over multiple venues, including local farms, tasting rooms, and craft markets. Here, the olives tell their story – from the ripening groves where sunlight pushes through the leaves, coaxing the fruit to maturity, to the cold-press machines that reveal the oils’ green-gold depths. Expect to taste oils with grassy, peppery edges and hints of almond or artichoke, each bottle a raw, unfiltered whisper of the land.

Walking through the festival grounds, the air is thick with earthy scents, fresh herbs, and subtle smoke from wood-fired ovens turning olives into tantalizing bakes and spreads. Farmers share practical tips on harvesting and oil extraction, while sommeliers guide you through the tasting notes. This blend of education and experience makes it easy for novices and connoisseurs alike to appreciate the craft and care behind each drop.

Tulbagh’s terrain plays a quiet but persistent part in the festival. Olive groves slope gently across alluvial soil, urging visitors to explore the surrounding trails between tastings. The hikes offer encounters with wild fynbos that sway and bend, watching your progress with a patient coolness, while mountain breezes challenge your forward steps with sudden gusts. These trails vary from easy gentle hills to moderate climbs, all rewarding with panoramic views over the valley and distant vineyards.

For those planning the visit, practical preparations pay off. Wear sturdy footwear suited for uneven farm paths scattered with rocks and occasional mud. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable against the Western Cape sun that commands respect even in late autumn. Hydrating often helps when hopping between venues and stretching legs on the trails.

Arriving early in the day gives you breathing room to both savor the oils before the crowd thickens and enjoy the stillness of the orchards. Bring a reusable water bottle and a notebook to jot down favorite varieties and tasting notes. The festival’s rhythm pulses gently throughout the day—unhurried but insistent, like the growing olives themselves.

Whether you come for the food, the folklore, or the fresh air brushed with green aromas, the Tulbagh Olive Festival asserts a simple truth: connection to place through taste and terrain demands attention and respect. It offers no shortcuts, only moments for discovery and the satisfaction of engaging with a land that’s robust, alive, and fiercely itself.