The Annual Wine Harvest Parade in Stellenbosch

If you’re in Stellenbosch or planning a visit on Saturday, 1 February 2025, you won’t want to miss the annual Stellenbosch Harvest Parade. It’s a day filled with colour, music and Cape Town ‘gees’ in celebration of the wine industry in the Cape Winelands.

Here’s what makes this event a bucket list event…

A bit of Tradition

The Stellenbosch Harvest Parade has been part of Stellenbosch’s cultural roots for nearly 50 years. It’s one of the best ways to experience the heart and soul of the Cape wine industry—from the hardworking agri-workers to the stunning vineyards that stretch out across the valley. The parade has been in its current form since 2013, and each year, it gets bigger and better.

This year, you’ll get to watch a colourful procession of floats, local bands, and traditional performances. All are creatively conceptualised and produced by the local community - the people who make it all happen—from the vineyard workers to the winemakers. The best part? It’s completely free to join in the festivities!

The Parade Route: From Market Street to the Town Hall

The parade kicks off at 9:00 AM from the Toy and Miniature Museum in Market Street. From there, it winds its way along Alexander, Bird, Church, and Plein Streets, before stopping at the Stellenbosch Town Hall for a special harvest blessing ceremony at 9:30 AM.

The ceremony is a special moment, where the community gathers to bless the harvest and give thanks for the hard work that makes the Stellenbosch wine industry so unique. It’s not just about celebrating the wine, but the people behind it—the agri-workers and winemakers who work tirelessly year-round to bring those grapes to life.

Once the ceremony is done, the parade will loop back to Market Street, so you’ll get another chance to enjoy all the action as it makes its way back.

Why You Should Go: Wine, People, and Tradition

Elmarie Rabe, manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, sums it up perfectly: "The Harvest Parade is one of the most beautiful expressions of our wine culture and community spirit. It’s a day to celebrate not only the vineyards and the wines we are so proud of but also the incredible people behind the scenes who bring the magic to life."

And this year, the celebration feels even more special, with an optimistic outlook for the 2025 harvest. Early predictions say we’re in for a bigger and better harvest than last year, thanks to some good weather and healthy vineyards. So, it’s a great time to be in Stellenbosch and see everything come to life in front of your eyes.

What to Expect from the 2025 Harvest

If you’re a wine lover, here’s the scoop: the 2025 harvest is looking promising. Experts are predicting a larger yield and excellent quality. Louis Strydom, a top Stellenbosch winemaker from Ernie Els Wines, shared that cooler weather has been fantastic for the vineyards, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon, which should show some amazing flavours this year.

On top of that, Cavalli’s Rianie Strydom is excited about the small berry size of the grapes—signalling a high-quality harvest. With cooler conditions leading up to the harvest, the grapes are ripening perfectly. If last year’s wines set a high standard, this year’s batch might just raise the bar even higher!

Harvest Parade Details You Need to Know

• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

• Time: Parade starts at 9:00 AM; Harvest Blessing at 9:30 AM

• Route: Market Street → Alexander Street → Bird Street → Church Street → Plein Street → Stellenbosch Town Hall

• Cost: Free to attend

For any further info, you can email info@wineroute.co.za or give them a call on 021 886 4310.

More Reasons to Love Stellenbosch

Of course, the Harvest Parade is just one reason to visit Stellenbosch. The town is known for its rich history, incredible wine estates, and delicious food scene. If you’re sticking around, there’s plenty to explore—from wine tasting at award-winning estates to enjoying a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants.

For more details on what to do in Stellenbosch, visit:

• Stellenbosch Wine Routes: www.wineroute.co.za

• Visit Stellenbosch: www.visitstellenbosch.org
  And be sure to follow @stellwineroute on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.