Get set for Stellenbosch’s first big wine bash of the year, and a very big bash at that! 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 for a very important occasion. The year 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, a leader in wine tourism locally and internationally.
The Harvest Parade will reflect this journey to excellence, once again welcoming the year’s bounty from the vineyards. It features a colourful parade, floats, gaudy dress-up and plenty of lively music by local brass musicians in a procession through the streets of the historic town.
As such, it is part of an ancient tradition across the globe, where citizens of farming towns display their gratitude in anticipation of a fruitful season. In South Africa, however, winemaking has a richer context in that the country is the only one in the world with a record, thanks to a diary entry by its founders, of the exact date, 2 February 1659, its wine industry was founded.
In Stellenbosch, the Harvest Parade is a show of thanks to the farmers and workers – most of whom are among parade’s participants.
“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.
“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.”
The parade can be observed free of charge as it makes its way through town.
The occasion is elevated by the continued support of the Stellenbosch Municipality, a steadfast patron of the parade 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 gets underway 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 info@wineroute.co.za 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.