February is a magical month in Cape Town. The wind dies down, the intensity of January heat mellows out into warmth, and all around, people soak up the summer swansong.
It is also during this time of year that our grapes ripen to their sweetest and wine farms everywhere host fabulous harvest festivals to celebrate their bounties. Join in these family-friendly soirees and take part in everything from stomping contests to tractor rides, picnics and of course, plenty of vino.
1. Grand Provence Harvest Festival 2020
Celebrate the 2020 grape harvest with Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek on Saturday, 22 February, when barrels of fun will be the order of the day.
The annual harvest day festival promises a full day of entertainment, kicking off with a tractor ride, followed by grape picking, stomping, wine tasting and a cellar tour. There will be plenty of action for the little ones and a harvest table heavily laden with delicious fare in the vineyards to end off a day of festivities.
When: 22 February 2020
Where: Grand Provence, Franschhoek
Cost: R1000 per couple which includes a bottle of wine and water and R400 for children under 10.
Email events@grandeprovence.co.za or call Tel: + 27 21 876 8600 for tickets.
2. Constantia Fresh Wine Festival 2020
Set in the heart of Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine region, the Constantia Fresh Wine Festival showcases the finest local and international wines with the freshest and most creative food our most celebrated local chefs can offer. A jamboree of flavour and set in the peaceful and uncluttered grounds of Buitenverwachting, the day is one of relaxation and a taste sensation that will leave body, mind, and spirit invigorated.
When: 23 February 2020
Where: Buitenverwachting Wine Farm, Constantia
Costs: R600 per person (inclusive of food, wine, live music, and fun)
3. Robertson Hands-On Harvest Festival 2020
With more than 20 wineries, estates and other establishments taking part, this food and wine affair spoils visitors for choice with a wide variety of tailor-made activities. Explore a full range of fun experiences, from tasting fine wine and delicious deli products at the various wine estates in the Robertson Valley as well as harvest and blending experiences with some of the country’s best cellar masters. Along with open-air concerts, picnics, nature walks, kids entertainment and even a fun ‘amazing race’.
When: From 28 February 2020 – 1 March 2020
Where: Robertson Wine Valley, Robertson
Costs: Vary depending on the chosen event.
Explore the full programme and purchase tickets online.
4. Cape Point Vineyards Harvest Festival and Seafood Braai
Cape Point Vineyards is known for their beautiful 360-degree vistas of sea, mountains, vineyards, and fynbos – particularly stunning at sunset when the sun dips into the Atlantic Ocean.
This March, they invite all to join them as they celebrate their 20th harvest on their unique seaside soils, celebrating their heritage with a traditional South African Fish Braai (barbeque).
Join winemaker Riandri – recently named the “Siren of Sauvignon” by Wine Magazine – in the vineyards surrounding their restaurant to experience the hands-on harvest. Thereafter, make your way down to the Courtyard and join their traditional long table for fresh seafood and all the accompaniments cooked on an open fire.
When? 1 March 2020
Where? Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek
Cost: R550 per person including the harvest feast
5. Jordan Wine Farm 2020 Harvest Celebration
Join in for a picnic under the Stellenbosch night sky at the full moon and celebrate the 2020 harvest! Enjoy a picnic basket filled to the brim with freshly baked bread, snacks and more with a full range of Jordan wines available to purchase all night. As the sun sets, a fire show courtesy of The Psychedelic Theatre will keep you entertained.
When: 8th March 2020
Where: Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Price: R 425 per person, based on 2 people sharing
6. Ambeloui Harvest Festival
For the last 20 years, the Christodoulou family, tucked away deep in the Hout Bay valley of Cape Town have been producing a boutique, hand-made and highly sought after Methode Cap Classique sparkling wine. This year, they’re celebrating their harvest with cold bubbly by the bottle and by the glass, hot Greek food straight off the coals and delicious Greek delicacies to enjoy at the festival or take home ready for your dinner party.
When: 14 March 2020
Where: Ambeloui Wine Farm, Hout Bay
7. Spier Harvest of the Arts
Spier Hotel & Wine Farm will be hosting a magical evening of music, song and dance in celebration of their annual grape harvest. Showcasing a wide range of the Cape’s top talents. The family-friendly celebration will take place on the lawns of the Spier Werf at the historic Stellenbosch farm from the late afternoon into the evening. Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy a wine tasting and a picnic on the lawns before the diverse array of performances start.
When:27 March 2020
Where: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
Price: R650 Admission & picnic for two, R220 Admission & Farm Cafe burger, R140 General Admission, Free for Children under 12.
Best of the Best at Cape Grace
Harvest Festivals, Sports Events, Music, Culture, and everything in between. Cape Town plays host to some of the greatest events in the world.
Celebrate historic events with a stay at Cape Grace, receive a 15% discount off the nightly room rate and we will treat you to a complimentary 50-minute massage.
To complete the perfect experience, enjoy tapas on us at our iconic Bascule Bar poised on the edge of Cape Town’s most glamorous marina at the V&A Waterfront as well as a 50 minute Spa Massage.
Blog post by Tarah Darge