WeeklySA_AdminStellenbosch will usher in the 2026 wine season with its much-loved harvest parade on January 31, in a special edition celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
The free public event will feature a colourful street procession of floats, vibrant costumes and lively brass band music as the town honours the year’s grape harvest and the people behind the region’s vineyards and cellars.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Stellenbosch Harvest Parade back to our streets,” said Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe, describing the event as a tribute to workers and farmers whose efforts sustain jobs and economic growth in the region.
Stellenbosch Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser also encouraged residents and visitors to attend, calling the parade “a true celebration of togetherness” and a moment to give thanks for the new harvest.
The parade begins at 09:00 at the Toy and Miniature Museum in Market Street, moving through Alexander, Bird, Church and Plein Streets before arriving at the town hall at 09:30 for the official blessing of the harvest, then returning along the same route.
EVENTS
Cape Wine Auction
The 2026 Cape Wine Auction will be hosted at the historic Nederburg Farm in Paarl on February 7, promising a day of elegance, philanthropy and premium wine experiences.
The programme will follow its established format, with the morning dedicated to the prestigious Barrel Auction, featuring rare wines from leading South African producers.
This will be followed by the “Experience Auction & Luncheon”, where guests can bid on exclusive lots while enjoying a curated culinary offering.
New for 2026 is “The Celebration”, an open-access event designed for guests who want to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere without participating in formal bidding. It will feature gourmet food stations, curated wine stands, live entertainment and interactive experiences.
Tickets cost R650 and R3 150 per person available via Webtickets.
Agave Spirit Tasting
The South African Sommeliers Association (SASA), in collaboration with Inzalo Agave Spirits, will host a comparative agave spirit tasting at Tannin Wine Bar in Cape Town on January 19, aimed at deepening industry understanding of agave spirits and how they are made.
The guided session will explore why agave spirits—now increasingly featured on modern wine and spirits lists globally—remain widely misunderstood, and will unpack how factors such as ‘terroir, agave variety, cooking methods and production choices’ influence flavour, structure and style.
The tasting will include side-by-side comparisons of traditional Mexican agave styles, including tequila and mezcal, highlighting key aromatic markers and the role of cooking techniques.
It will also examine South African agave spirit expressions, focusing on local agave varieties and how domestic styles compare to international benchmarks.
In addition, the Inzalo team will showcase its new small-batch spirit made from a newly discovered species known as **Red Agave**.
Tickets cost R85 per person. Bookings can be made by emailing info@sommeliers.org.za.
SA Wine Harvest Gala
The historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate will host the SA Wine Harvest Commemorative Event on February 5, bringing together wine lovers and industry leaders for a black-tie gala dinner celebrating the origins and legacy of South African wine.
Held in the Constantia Wine Valley in Cape Town, the annual event honours the country’s unique wine heritage, which can be traced to an exact recorded date — 2 February 2 1659 — when a diary entry noted: “Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes.”
Initiated by the Board of Groot Constantia, the gala also recognises achievements across the sector and those inspiring new levels of excellence in the wine industry.
Bookings and ticket enquiries can be directed to event@sawineharvest.co.za
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Bubbly Picnic in Sandton
Picnic season is in full swing at The Maslow Sandton, with the hotel’s Sunday Society returning on 15 February 2026 for an elevated garden affair where chic fashion meets gourmet indulgence.
Set on the property’s manicured lawns, the event offers live entertainment, a picnic basket for two, a hot food selection, and a welcome glass of Graham Beck bubbly on arrival.
The Valentine’s edition invites guests to dress in styled white with a hint of red, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for couples, friends and stylish social circles.
Guests can also turn it into a weekend escape with an optional Saturday night stay for two, including breakfast at Lacuna Bistro before Sunday’s picnic.
The picnic spread includes popcorn, house-made crisps, churros, ginger cheesecake and red velvet opera cake, plus a Harvest Table of breads, dips, salads and cheeses.
Hot buffet highlights range from beef kebabs and panko prawns to lasagne, pork loin piccata and cheese arancini, with vegan options available.
The event starts 1pm. Tickets cost R1 750 per couple.
Van Ryn’s Jazzy Sessions
Van Ryn’s Distillery will host a night of rhythm, soul and infectious grooves with Don Vino in Stellenbosch on January 30.
Van Ryn and Brandy Cellar’s Jazzy Sundowner Sessions are presented in collaboration with the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Hailing from Elsies River, Vino has built a career spanning over two decades, performing locally with artists like Jonathan Butler and internationally in places like Europe and the USA.
Fans can expect smooth sax melodies, vibrant energy and Don Vino’s much-loved ‘SaxyVibes’ sound. His blend of jazz, gospel, and R&B influences creates the perfect feel-good sunset atmosphere.
The event starts at 6pm and lasts until 9pm.
A ticket costing R275 includes entry, live music, and a picnic per person. Beverages will be on sale, and the venue is fully cashless. The address is Van Ryn’s Distillery, Van Ryn Road.
Durbanville Hills’
Sundaze
Durbanville Hills’ Sundaze sessions, a summer music series taking place on Sundays, will feature DJ Stefanos on January 25.
Sundaze Summer Sessions unwind from 13h00 to 17h00 with award-winning wines, cocktails, craft beer, and delicious eats available for revellers who attend.
DJs will play cool tunes ranging from Deep House, RnB to HipHop as guests relax on the lawns overlooking Table Bay and Table Mountain with food served from the Olive Grove Bistro.
The winery’s vineyards are situated in one of the Cape’s coolest wine-producing regions, all located a mere 10km from the ocean and a 30 minutes’ drive from Cape Town.
Other dates for the forthcoming sessions are February 8; (DJ Tiny T); March 8 (Dags on Decks) and March 29 (DJ Tiny T).
Bring your picnic blanket, your besties, and your summer spirit. Durbanville Hills Winery, M13 Tygerberg Valley Road. Entry fee is R100. Sessions start at 14h00.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
