Eikendal Weintaufe Harvest Celebration

Enjoy a stomping great time at this annual grape stompfest in the Winelands!

Looking for something to do with the whole family in Stellenbosch over a weekend? Grab the little ones and don your wide-brimmed hat and comfy shoes for the merriment that is the Weintaufe Harvest Celebration at the Eikendal Wine Estate on Sunday, 6 March 2016.

What started out as a small intimate ceremonial blessing to celebrate the end of the grape harvest has evolved into an annual calendar highlight. Now more than three decades on, this yearly fiesta attracts connoisseurs and vino lovers of all ages with its promise of high jinks and its jam-packed programme of activities.

Aside from the main vino attraction, the famous Cucina di Giovanni restaurant – located at the Eikendal Wine Estate – will provide festival-goers with fresh, market-style food including mouth-watering gourmet pizzas, shwarmas and dreamy desserts.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2016 EIKENDAL WEINTAUFE HARVEST FESTIVAL

WINE, WINE, WONDERFUL WINE: Visitors are invited to sample the 2016 Chardonnay – the estate’s flagship vino as well as the first wine of the new vintage – straight from the barrel. Afterward, festival-goers can taste a range of the wine farm’s sterling pinks, whites and reds and even participate in some grape stomping to round off this day of wine-themed activities.

FUN FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES: Apart from the sipping and stomping, attendees can look forward to a host of activities for all ages, including tractor rides and golfing at the water’s edge. Plus, the winery’s Cheetah Outreach Programme invites visitors to check out the fast and furious cats of the wild, and there will also be lucky draws on the day. Little ones are also spoilt for choice with a range of things to do, including face painting, jungle gyms, jumping castles, a photobooth and much more. Not to mention, there will also be an ice cream stand complete with Chardonnay and MCC sorbets (for the parents, of course).

ENTERTAINMENT: In addition to all the wine-derful activities mentioned, Eikendal still has a couple more winning attractions up their sleeve in the form of Newton & Co and Higgo Jacobs. That’s right, not only will the acoustically driven band Newton & Co be performing on the day allowing guests to sip, swirl and sway to the sweet tunes of the talented musicians, but they will also be delighted to find Higgo Jacobs attending as the Godfather! For those not in the know, Higgo (certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers) consults to various establishments as well as judges wine competitions and contributes publications locally and abroad. A f(w)ine man for the occasion. 

A CHILLED OUT SUNDAY IN THE WINELANDS: Set at the water’s edge, this Stellenbosch wine farm encourages visitors to stay for a meal and make the most of the afternoon. For an alternative take on Sunday lunch, pack the picnic blankets (do note that food, drinks and wine brought from home are not allowed), pick a spot on the banks of the farm’s dams and indulge in homemade fare from the on-site eatery. Otherwise, there will be food stalls available, and local musicians will keep those feet tapping all day long.

TICKETS FOR THE 2016 EIKENDAL WEINTAUFE HARVEST FESTIVAL

Tickets will be available at the gate on the day at a cost of R50p/p; kids under 18 enter for free. Price includes a wine glass and tasting from the barrel.

For more information, contact the cellar on +27 (0) 21 855 1422 or counter@eikendal.co.za. 

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Read more about various things to do in the Stellenbosch Winelands. And, while you’re at it, take a squiz at our guide to annual March events to find out about morehot happenings taking place during the month. Check out our 2018 list of Harvest Festivals. 
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