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The Western Cape is one of the leading wine-producing regions in the world, come grape harvesting time and the Cape Winelands are buzzing with energy and communities come together to celebrate the harvest each year. You get to enjoy quality wine, great food, music and participate in an endless list of activities at these wine festivals.
Here are the top annual wine festivals:
A two-day event created for the celebration of Hemel-en-Aarde regions pinot noir. Experience wine tasting, wine safaris and tasty locally sourced treats created by world-class chefs.
When: 24-25 January 2020, Nidderdale Farm, Hemel and Aarde Valley
Website: https://www.pinotnoircelebration.com/
Price: Full weekend ticket R2995
Popular annual wine harvest festival at Delheim Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. This family event offers grape picking and stomping, tractor rides, food and drinks at various stalls.
When: 25 January 2020
Website: https://www.delheim.com/
Price: R480pp and R280pp for children under 18
Enjoy a hot summer’s day at the Franschhoek Summer Wines garden party with a unique selection of wines that suit the hot summer weather. Compliment your wine with seasonal food carefully prepared by the chef and his team.
When: 1 February 2020, Leopards Leap Family Vineyards from 12-5pm
Website: https://franschhoek.org.za/event/franschhoek-summer-wines/
Price: R295pp
Get an authentic grape harvesting experience from picking to stomping and learning the wine making process. This is a cultural experience that will help you make better wine choices. You will come as an ameteur and leave as a wine connoisseur.
When: 8 February 2020 – Starting from 16h00 at Nederburg Wines
Website: https://nederburg.com/harvest-festival/
Price: From R650pp
Barrels of fun are the order of the day for the whole family at the Annual harvest day festival which includes activities such as tractor rides, followed by picking and stomping of grapes, wine tasting and a cellar tour.
When: 22 February 2020 ,Grande provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek.
Website: https://franschhoek.org.za/event/grande-provence-harvest-festival-2020/
Price: R1000 per couple and R400 for children
A prestigious outdoor wine event that has been hosted at the Buitenverwachting Wine estate for the last 10 years. Sip on the finest wines whilst South Africa’s top chefs prepare your meals.
When: 23 February 2020, Buitenverwachting Wine Estate
Website: http://www.constantiafresh.com/
Price: R600 (Includes wine, food, music, glass and fun!)
The event is between 2pm and 6pm.
Enjoy a 3 day annual autumn celebration in the Robertson Wine Valley. The event is a family-friendly event featuring 20 wineries,and estates in the towns of Ashton, Nonnievale, McGregor and Robertson. Events include grape picking and stomping, vineyard safaris, blending and tasting experiences and a host of other family activities.
When: From 28 February 2020 – 1 March 2020
Website: https://www.handsonharvest.com/
Price: Free entrance, separate price for activities
Celebrate the harvest with your family of one of the oldest wine regions in South Africa, the Paarl Wine Route. Wine farms from the region host activities such as tractor and trailer rides, grape stomping, guided cellar tours and barrel tasting.
When: 7 March 2020, 8am-6pm
Website: https://www.paarlharvestcelebration.co.za/
Price: R150
Enjoy a weekend good food, a wide selection of wine and some live music.
When: TBC (expect to be in the last week of September)
Website: https://www.hermanuswinetours.com/wine-festival.html#.Xh3EjxczZQI
Price: –
Explore the countryside on Route62 at the Robertson Wine Valley’s annual Slow Food and Wine Festival filled with lots of entertainment for the family. The festival takes place at various wineries and tourism establishments in the region.
When: TBC
Website: https://www.robertsonslow.com/
Price: TBC
Annual Spring festival in the Robertson wine valley. Winemakers, craftsmen, musicians and inspiring chefs come together on Route 62, to create a lively spring festival.
When: TBC (around October)
Website: https://www.wineonriver.com/
Price: R150-R750
These are family events so make sure you have a designated sober driver as drinking and driving is illegal and dangerous. Alternatively, you can use uber or hire a chauffeur-driven car.
Drive South Africa has a wide range of car rental options if you are visiting Cape Town.