It’s harvest season in the Cape Winelands and amidst the hard work, a festive spirit prevails. On 28 January the annual Stellenbosch Harvest Parade takes to the streets, filling the air with sounds of joyous celebration.
The oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch will host throngs of festive community members, united by cameraderie to parade on uniquely adorned ‘chariots’ on Saturday, January 28. The annual Harvest Parade comes to this prominent town of South African wine to usher in the grape harvest season with convivial cheer.
The memorable Stellenbosch Harvest Parade also pays homage to the people behind this labour of love and especially the invaluable contribution of South Africa’s farm workers. This proud Stellenbosch procession traditionally includes merry marching bands, Cape minstrels, drum majorettes and – the highlight of this harvest high jinks – a flotilla of bold and beautifully decorated tractors, trailer and trucks. The troupe represents participating wineries and will meander its way through the streets to bring unique Stellenbosch gees (spirit) to the season’s toil.
Sounds like fun? Of course it is!
“Our Harvest Parade recognises the work of thousands of men and women responsible for sustaining the wine industry in Stellenbosch,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes Manager Elmarie Rabe. “At the same time, it marks the start of the grape-picking season’s hustle-and-bustle that will again yield the award-winning wines responsible for making Stellenbosch world-renowned. Just to see the colourful convoy of big smiles and bright tractors gives one goose-bumps. And it makes me tremendously proud to be part of such a wonderful winemaking region and heart-warming tradition,” she adds.
The Stellenbosch Harvest Parade is a celebration of the very essence of a vibrant and eclectic “Stellies” and should not be missed. Among the participating wineries that will set out to paint the town red in their own unique way are Simonsig, Lanzerac, Waterford, L’Avenir, Eikendal, Alto, Neethlinghof, Kleine Zalze Wines, Hill & Dale and Delheim.
“Show me a product made by many people’s hard work, sweat and knowledge that can be enjoyed now or after a decade amongst friends and family, and still leave one amazed by the flavours and taste,” declares Delheim winemaker Altus Treurnicht.
“For me, the Harvest Parade highlights how the making of wine begins long before fruit arrives at the cellar and wine goes into the bottle. The occasion reflects the vibe and excitement for harvest and what the new vintage will bring us.”
Happy days!
The Stellenbosch Harvest Parade, presented in conjunction with the Stellenbosch Municipality, gets underway on 28 January from 9am. It will be followed by a harvest blessing ceremony at the town hall in Plein Street at 10am. It signals the start of the Stellenbosch Wine Festival presented by Pick ‘n Pay, which takes place at the Coetzenburg sports grounds from 24 to 26 February.
Don’t miss any of the wine festival action and buy tickets now at www.webtickets.co.za. For more information visit www.wineroute.co.za; contact Tel: 021 886 8275, or send an email to marketing@wineroute.co.za. Also follow @StellWineRoute on Twitter and Instagram (stellenboschwine).
