Celebrate the Stellenbosch harvest season: Parades and street soirées await

The start of the harvest season will be marked by a series of food, wine and music events across the Cape Winelands, beginning with the annual Stellenbosch Harvest Parade on Saturday, January 31.

The parade will move through the historic town centre, starting at 9am from the Toy and Miniature Museum in Market Street and proceeding along Alexander, Bird, Church and Plein Streets before reaching the Stellenbosch Town Hall at around 9.30am for the official blessing of the harvest.

Featuring brass bands, floats and festive dress, the family-friendly procession gives thanks for the new vintage while honouring the farmers, cellar teams and winemakers behind the region’s wine industry. The event is free and open to the public.

"The culture of wine is synonymous with Stellenbosch - it’s part of our identity, our heritage, and the rhythm of our community. This parade celebrates the people behind the vineyards and cellars, whose work sustains thousands of jobs and drives growth across the region," said Elmarie Rabe, the manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes.

Extending the harvest celebrations, the popular Stellenbosch Street Soirées will run throughout the season, offering relaxed early-evening gatherings beneath the town’s oak trees. Held in Drostdy Street from 6pm to 8pm, the Soirées combine wine tastings, street food and live music. Upcoming dates include February 11 and 25, and March 11 and 25, 2026.

Further afield, Wellington will host The Wake-Up Call at Dunstone Country Estate on February 28, while Riebeek Kasteel will welcome the return of NashVegas at The Barn on March 13, featuring an intimate live music experience celebrating American roots music.

Together, these events highlight the diversity of harvest-season celebrations across the winelands.

For more information, email info@wineroute.co.za or call 021 886 4310.

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