Wine Harvest Festivities 2026 in Cape Town

South Africa's wine is considered to be one of the best in the world, with its famous Constantia dating back to 1659. Many vineyards open their doors for a lot of wine-making activities during the wine harvest season. These can include everything—from picking the grapes and juicing them to finally making your barrel of wine and tasting others.

More About Constantia

Constantia, an affluent valley in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs, is renowned worldwide for its exceptional vineyards and wine estates, which are among the jewels of South African tourism. Nestled beneath the striking Constantiaberg, part of Table Mountain National Park, the valley is home to nine prestigious wine farms celebrated for their award-winning vintages.

One of these historic farms, Constantia Uitsig, was established by Simon van der Stel, and the valley has welcomed notable figures throughout history, including Napoleon Bonaparte and various celebrities. Constantia also boasts some of South Africa's top-rated restaurants, where locally sourced dishes are expertly paired with the finest wines from the region. As the oldest wine-producing area in South Africa, Constantia is steeped in rich history and unparalleled charm.

Activities

Visitors can look forward to vineyard tours, wine exhibitions, festivals, and much more. This is also a unique opportunity to meet and interact with the winemakers, learn about their craft, and sample the finest local produce alongside traditional dishes.

You can also visit the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl regions, located in the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape province, just 45 to 60 minutes' drive from Cape Town. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the harvest season with opportunities to participate in grape picking, enjoy cellar tours, and experience the traditional art of grape stomping. Beyond its historical significance, grape stomping is a lively and entertaining activity, offering plenty of laughs, a bit of exercise, and a delightful, messy adventure for all.

Best Time to Visit

The wine harvest season in Cape Town typically takes place from late January to March, during the warm summer months in the Southern Hemisphere. This is when vineyards across the Cape Winelands, including regions like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Constantia, come alive with activity as grapes are harvested at their peak ripeness.