Get set for Stellenbosch’s first big wine bash of the year! It’s time for the much-loved Stellenbosch Harvest Parade.
This year, however, the stops on this annual celebration taking place on Saturday, January 31, are being pulled completely to make way for an important occasion. 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, a leader in wine tourism locally and internationally.
Welcoming the year’s bounty from the vineyards, the Harvest Parade will reflect its journey to excellence. It will feature a colourful parade, floats, gaudy dress-up and live music procession, played by local brass musicians, through the streets of historic Stellenbosch.
We are thrilled to welcome the Stellenbosch Harvest Parade back to our streets,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe. “The culture of wine is synonymous with Stellenbosch – it’s part of our identity, our heritage, and the rhythm of our community.
The Harvest Parade is a show of thanks to the farmers and workers, most of whom are among the parade’s participants. Winemaking in South Africa has a rich context, showcasing that it is the only country in the world with a record of the exact date its founders started wine cultivation – 2 February 1659.
This parade celebrates the people behind the vineyards and cellars, whose work sustains thousands of jobs and drives growth across the region. It’s a joyful reminder of how deeply wine is woven into the life and prosperity of Stellenbosch,” says Elmarie Rabe.
The parade is free of charge and can be admired throughout its journey in the streets of Stellenbosch. The occasion is elevated by the continual support by a steadfast patron, the Stellenbosch Municipality, whose backing acknowledges the vital role agriculture and wine tourism play in the region’s economy and heritage.
The annual Harvest Parade is always a highlight on our town’s calendar. It’s a special moment to give thanks for the new harvest and to celebrate the incredible work of our winemakers, farmers and farm workers. Their contribution to our local economy is immense, supporting jobs, families and the character of our community. With its colour, music and vibrant parade, the day is a true celebration of togetherness – and I encourage everyone to come along and be part of it.” Says Stellenbosch Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser.
Harvest Parade 2026 details
The parade starts at 09:00 from the town’s Toy and Miniature Museum in Market Street. It then makes its way along Alexander, Bird, Church and Plein Streets to arrive at the town hall at 09:30 for the official blessing of the harvest. Once completed, the procession then returns along its route to the starting point.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 021 886 4310.
Learn more about Stellenbosch’s reputation for food, wine, history and culture at www.wineroute.co.za or www.visitstellenbosch.org. Connect with @stellwineroute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Also See: Your guide to sustainable seafood: WWF-SASSI updates its list
Your guide to sustainable seafood: WWF-SASSI updates its list
Images provided.
