Harvest festivals have a long and illustrious tradition, driven by the natural cycle of the seasons. And, in the Cape Winelands, as the fruit of the vine delivers its bounty at the start of autumn, the time-honoured harvest tradition delights wine-lovers and fun-seeking festival-goers.

Nederburg Harvest at Dusk

This annual event at Nederburg’s Paarl Valley vineyards offers visitors a chance to experience the wine-making process first-hand – from vineyard to bottle. Festival-goers get to pick and stomp grapes, and learn about the wine-making process from the experts – while getting some inside knowledge on the current harvest.

Popular South African musician Mathew Gold will be on-hand to entertain guests, and there’ll be a bountiful feast accompanied by award-winning Nederburg wines.

The itinerary

• Guests receive a glass of Nederburg’s refreshing cuvée brut on arrival, served with a surprise snack.
• You’ll then be shown a selection of grape varieties, and you’ll have the chance to taste grape must (a freshly crushed fruit juice, usually grape juice, that still contains the skins, seeds and stems of the fruit) before it becomes wine.
• Then it’s time for grape-picking in the vineyards, followed by grape-stomping (the traditional wine-making method).
• Relax as Cape Town-born musician Mathew Gold serenades the crowds with scene-setting soul music.
• End off with a sumptuous feast prepared by chef Lisa Cilliers of The Red Table restaurant, with mezze platters, slow-roasted meats, farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, and a delicious dessert in the form of a korrelkonfyt (an upside-down peach cake served with vanilla ice cream).

It’s bound to be a harvest festival you won’t soon forget.

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Good to know

• Guests are advised to wear hats, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and shoes.
• A wide range of Nederburg wines will be available for purchase, along with soft drinks, mineral waters, coffee and tea.