2013 Harvest Festivals
2013-02-01 07:26
Celebrate the end of the winelands' harvest season by getting knee-deep in grape juice at one of these fantastic festivals.
Hands-On-Harvest, Robertson Wine Valley
When: 22 - 24 February
What: This movable feast takes place at participating wine farms throughout the valley, and as the name suggests, will make you feel like you're part of the whole wine-making process. Help pick, sort and stomp on grapes and, when all the hard work is done, treat yourself to wine tasting and delicious treats. There will also be loads of entertainment for the kids and a wine blending experience.
Cost: Depends from farm to farm
More info: Visit the Hands-on-Harvest website for more details.
Muratie Harvest Festival
When: 23 February
What: Muratie's harvest festival takes the form of a celebratory family event, featuring good food, fine wine, great company, live music and lots of fun stomping the newly harvested grapes.
Cost: Entrance is free and visitors receive a complimentary glass of wine on arrival.
More info: Check out the Muratie website or call Thalia Alberts on: 021 865 2330
Grand Provence Harvest Festival
When: 23 February
What: If you're looking for an exclusive and classy harvest experience, head to Grand Provence. The day follows a jam-packed programme, starting with coffee and muffins at 9:00, followed by a tractor ride, a cellar tour, a talk by the winemaker, grape stomping and to end it all off a scrumptious braai under the old oak tree.
Cost: R295 per adult and R130 for children under 12. Included in the price, is one bottle of Angels Tears wine per adult, to be collected on your departure.
More info: contact Nicole on (021) 876- 8600 or reservations@grandeprovence.co.za (tip: book beforehand to avoid disappointment)
Darling Cellars Crush Day
When: 2 March, be there at 07:00 sharp
What: A full day of wine-related fun that is sure to leave you exhausted by the end of the. Beat the heat by getting there at 07:00 sharp (no grumbling now, you do get an amazing breakfast!), after which you will hop on a tractor to hand-harvest your own grapes, followed by some solid grape stomping in teams of two, a delicious lunch and of course a good deal of wine tasting.
Cost: R220 for adults, R150 for teens (13 - 17 years) and R80 for kids (12 years and younger) Booking is essential!
More info: Visit the Darling Cellars website
Feast of the Grape, Durbanville Valley
When: 2 & 3 March, 12:00 - 17:00
What: While grown-ups sample wines from the 11 different wineries on show, kids will be treated to fun on a jumping castle and face painting. Grape stomping, cow milking and a whole array of old fashioned games will serve to keep all generations well entertained.
Cost: R100 for adults and R50 for children
More info: Visit the Durbanville Wines website
Eikendal Weintaufe
When: 3 March, 10:00 - 16:00
What: Apart from energetic grape stomping and getting to taste the cellar's first wine of the 2013 harvest straight from the barrel, visitors can also look forward to loads of food stalls, crafts, lucky draws, tractor rides and fly fishing.
Cost: R60 per person. Kids under 12 get in free.
More info: Check out the Eikendal website
Paarl OmmiBerg festival
When: 9 March
What: Head to the estates in the Paarl valley for this full day of fun. Activities include grape stomping, eating, drinking wine, more eating, more wine drinking, live entertainment and loads of kiddies attractions - jumping castles and slip n slides, face painting and pony rides. There will be shuttles for those who won't have a designated driver.
Cost: R80 from www.computicket.com, or R100 at the gate. Included in the price is access to live bands, a commemorative wine tasting glass, part-fermented wine, and Zweibelküchen or onion tart where available from participating estates.
More info: Visit the ommiberg website
ATKV Franschhoek Oesfees, Solms-Delta Wine Estate
When: 23 March
What: The ATKV Franschhoek Oesfees at Solms-Delta Wine Estate, now in its sixth year, is one of the highlight events of the winelands. The festival gives thanks for the end of the wine harvest and celebrates the real music and culture of the Boland, with rural music, lekker Kaapsekos and good cheer. Artists who will be performing include Mango Groove's Claire Johnston, Emo Adams, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Radio Kalahari Orkes, Hot Water, Tribal Echo, Tidal Waves, Hannes Coetzee and Valiant Swart
Cost: Tickets cost R95 for early birds during January, R120 per person if pre-booked at the farm or online fromwww.ticketbreak.co.za or on Facebook.com/solmsdelta. Pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. A limited number of tickets will be available at the gate for R140. R20 for Children under 12 years.
More info: Visit the Solms-Delta website
Botriver Barrels and Beards, Anysbos
When: 20 April
What: Join the Botriver wine community in their celebration of the end of harvest season, the first taste of new wine and everyone involved in the process. While the barrels bit is quite self-explanatory, we're sure you're wondering about the beards. Well, at the end of February each of the valley's winemakers stops shaving, and on the day of the festival face a panel of judges to see whose beard inspires the most awe. Apart from that, there's loads of food, wine, music, dancing and kiddies fun.
Cost: R200 per person
More info: Visit the Botriver wines website
Photos:
Shutterstock
