Western Cape wine harvest festivals for 2011

Posted by Sarah Keevy on 4 February 2011

Make the most of the Cape’s winelands during harvest season and visit as many of these festivals as you can – you are sure to be connoisseur and expert stomper by the end of the harvest!

De Krans Hanepoot Picking

Pick your own sweet Hanepoot grapes throughout the harvest season at De Krans in Calitzdorp. Once you’ve picked your supply, you weigh the grapes and pay for them at only R4,80/kg! In the area you are sure to find places to satisfy your appetite, and Vygieshof Home for the Aged is reputed to serve a mean braaivleis for visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but you must book. Wine tasting is also available at De Krans and you are welcome from Monday to Saturday until 5 March.

5 February – 5 March. De Krans, Calitzdorp, Tel – 044-213-33134, [email protected]

Grande Provence Harvest Festival

Enjoy a day of grape picking and stomping, tractor rides and live entertainment with Grande Provence. This festival is a day packed with activities, including a talk by award-winning wine-maker, Jaco Marais, and a lunchtime braai in the garden. Groups of 10 or more will receive special discounted rates.

19 February. Grande Provence, Franschhoek, Adults – R290 (incl. bottle of Angels’ Tears), children under 12 – R130, Tel – 021-876-8600, [email protected]

Hands on Harvest

For a real harvest experience, Hands on Harvest caters to small groups wishing to try their hand at grape picking, bunch sorting, grape stomping and, of course, wine tasting. Guests choose the participating winery they would like to visit and book directly through their offices. Robertson is home to 47,5 million vines and there are many attractions in the area including 55 wine estates and olive and cheese shops. Booking for this event is essential and is sure to keep your inner vintner happy.

25-27 February. Robertson area, Price is dependent on winery, Tel – 023-626-1054, [email protected]

Spier Harvest Festival

Enjoy harvest season with the whole fmaily at Spier. There will be wine tasting for grown ups, games for kids and food stalls for everyone to enjoy. There will be grape stomping, traditional French boulle and tractor rides for the children along with many more activities. Live music by Gerald Clarke and band will set the mood for a festive day.

26 February. Spier, Stellenbosch. Adults – R60 (incl. wine tasting) Children – R10 ride vouchers

Nederburg Harvest Day

Become a real wine fundi at Nederburg’s Harvest day as you learn how to pick perfect grapes and taste every stage of the fermenting process. You can enjoy a late brunch with your family on the lawn in front of the Manor House after a true wine making event.

26 February. Nederburg, Paarl, Adults – R185, Children – R55, (incl. welcome sparkling wine and lunch), Tel – 021-862-3104

Darling Cellars Crush Day

Enjoy the West Coast sun with Darling Cellars on their Crush Day. After breakfast you will have the chance to pick and crush your own grapes and even design your own wine label (you may even win the competition!). Your own special bottle will be available for you in 8-10 months. A West Coast-style lunch is included in the price and wine tasting is available.

27 February. Carling Cellars, R190 (incl. breakfast and lunch), Tel – 022-492-2276, [email protected]

Wellington Harvest Festival

Stretch out your grape season with the Wellington Harvest Festival. The festival includes all the Wellington Wine Route members, including the likes of Diemersfontein, Schalk Burger & Sons and Welgegund. Wend your way around Wellington at your own pace, paying for your weekend pass at your first stop or the Tourism office. Indulge at Bain’s Best Food and Wine Market at Kleinevalleij to keep your stomach lined.

19-21 March. Wellington area, Adults – R60 (Whole weekend), R30 (One day only). Children under 12 free, Tel – 021-873-4604, [email protected]

Feast of the Grape

Celebrate the end of the grape season at Durbanville’s Feast of the Grape. You can visit the 12 participating wine estates, including Durbanville Hills, Diemersdal and Ntida, crush grapes, taste wine and enjoy the local fine food at many of the wine farm restaurants or the Pampoenkraal farmers’ market. Kids will certainly enjoy getting messy at the Squish, Splat, Squirt activity.

21 March. Durbanville area, various prices, Tel – 083-310-1228, [email protected],

Franschhoek Oesfees

The Franschhoek Oesfees (translation: harvest festival) is a real celebration of the harvest and the hard work of those who have produced it. This is one festival that includes everyone from the farm workers to the viticulturists to give thanks to each other and the grapes. You will love the local vibe and legendary South African music, from the “Papier Familie Langarm Orkes” to Idols finalists. And the wine is good too!

26 March. Solms-Delta Wine Estate, Franschhoek, Adults – R160 (incl. R60 food voucher), children under 12 – R80, children under 6 free, Tel – 021-874-3937