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The Stellenbosch Harvest Parade is back!

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The Stellenbosch Harvest Parade is set to bring colour, music, and joy to the historic streets of South Africa’s wine capital on 1 February, celebrating the grape harvest and the vibrant spirit of this cherished community tradition.

The historic town of Stellenbosch is gearing up for a vibrant celebration as the much-anticipated Stellenbosch Harvest Parade returns on Saturday, 1 February. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of the grape harvest season with a dazzling display of floats, music, and community spirit.

Having been part of Stellenbosch life for nearly half a century, the parade has solidified its place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. Since its revival in its current format in 2013, the Harvest Parade has become a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar.

This year, the procession will follow its traditional route, starting at the Toy and Miniature Museum in Market Street at 9am. It will weave through Alexander, Bird, Church, and Plein Streets, arriving at the Stellenbosch Town Hall at 9.30am for the ceremonial blessing of the harvest. This significant moment acknowledges the efforts of the agri-workers whose hard work underpins the success of the region’s wine industry.

“The Harvest Parade is one of the most beautiful expressions of our wine culture and community spirit,” says Elmarie Rabe, manager of Stellenbosch Wine Routes. “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.”

The Stellenbosch Municipality, along with the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Paul Roos Spar, and Aquasky Water, continues to champion this beloved event. Their support underscores the economic and cultural significance of agriculture and wine tourism in the region.

Adding a layer of historical richness, the parade coincides with a landmark date in South Africa’s wine industry: the anniversary of the Cape’s first wine production in 1659, celebrated on 2 February. This milestone, now 366 years old, reflects the enduring legacy of viticulture in the country.

A forecast of optimism
Early predictions for the 2025 grape harvest are encouraging. According to Vinpro and SAWIS, favorable weather conditions and minimal disruptions suggest a higher yield compared to 2024, which saw a significant drop due to challenging conditions.

Louis Strydom, winemaker at Ernie Els Wines, expressed optimism, noting the positive effects of spring rains and cooler weather on vineyard growth. “We’re looking at a larger harvest compared to last year. Cooler weather could delay the harvest slightly, but that’s beneficial for our Cabernet Sauvignons, allowing their flavours to fully develop,” he said.

Similarly, Rianie Strydom of Cavalli Estate highlighted the promising berry size and optimal ripening conditions. “Cooler conditions allow for excellent fruit development, and we’re hopeful for a high-quality harvest,” she shared.

A tradition of renewal
Despite challenges, including last year’s storm that uprooted many of the town’s iconic oak trees, the community’s resilience has shone through. A tree re-planting campaign initiated after the storm continues to progress, with exciting updates expected soon.

The Stellenbosch Harvest Parade is not just a celebration of agriculture but also a testament to the region’s unity, culture, and gratitude for nature’s abundance. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event is an invitation to experience the essence of Stellenbosch in its most festive and colourful form.

For more details, email info@wineroute.co.za or call 021 886 4310. Explore the magic of Stellenbosch at www.wineroute.co.za or www.visitstellenbosch.org.

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