Celebrating the Harvest in Stellenbosch
March brings joyous harvest celebrations to Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands
Welcoming a New Season
The Harvest Parade is a longstanding tradition in Stellenbosch, created to ‘bless’ and give thanks for the beginning of a new harvest season.
Each participating farm brings its own spirit and creativity to the event, turning the streets into a lively celebration of agriculture, heritage, and community.
On Saturday, 31 January 2026, the annual parade once again filled Stellenbosch with colour and jubilation. For the fourth consecutive year, Lanzerac claimed the ‘BESTE VLOT’ trophy, a testament to the estate’s unity, mutual respect, dedication, and innovative ideas.
Every team member played a role in shaping this momentous success, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines the estate.
The parade not only celebrates creativity and community pride — it also symbolises the official start of the new harvest season. It honours the resilience of the farmers who work tirelessly in the fields, ensuring the bountiful crops that eventually grace dining tables across the country.
Harvest Season at Lanzerac
While the parade is vibrant and festive, following this, the Harvest Season is celebrated at Lanzerac in a quieter, gentler tone.
During March, the estate celebrated a bountiful harvest. Grateful for nature’s generosity, Lanzerac takes time to honour the hands that picked, the vines that flourished, and the land that abundantly provided.
Across the Winelands, each farm has its own way of marking the season — some host long tables in the vineyards, others gather for blessings or even a celebratory dance.
Lanzerac’s approach is quieter. Here, thanks is given gently and sincerely, acknowledging the land and the season with a sense of calm appreciation.
Together, the Harvest Parade and the Harvest Season capture the essence of Lanzerac: joyful celebration balanced with deep gratitude.
These traditions honour the estate’s heritage, the dedication of its people, and the enduring generosity of the land — reminding visitors and locals alike why harvest time remains one of the most meaningful periods in the Stellenbosch calendar.
Water, Wine and Wellness - it’s all happening in South Africa
We take a look at what’s been happening at Lanzerac, Sala Beach House and Fairlawns in the recent months.
Lanzerac introduces luxury water tasting experiences:
Lanzerac, already a favourite in South African wine, has teamed up with The Fine Water Company to introduce something completely different — The Library, South Africa’s first fine water tasting room.
Yes, you read that right - water tasting!
The Library at Lanzerac
Tucked inside an elegant corner of the estate, this space invites guests to slow down and savour what’s usually overlooked: water. Becoming a new, luxury experience throughout Europe and the US - we are pleased to introduce this unique activity that highlights something normally seen as a necessity - being given the unexcepted attention and appreciation of nature’s ultimate pure hydration.
Guided by Nico Pieterse—one of only two certified water sommeliers in the country — the tastings explore the unique characteristics of six premium waters from around the world. 3 Still water tastings and 3 sparkling water tastings. A few of the waters that guests can expect to taste include: Denmark’s ISKLD, the lightly carbonated Perlaghe from Poland, Peru’s volcanic Socosani, and Armenia’s bold and mineral-rich Jermuk.
Of course, South Africa is represented too, with the locally bottled Mountain Falls.
Exquisite cuisine
Wine and Waves at Sala Beach House:
In June, Sala Beach House hosted two standout wine-and-food evenings that showcased the depth of South African winemaking alongside coastal cuisine.
The first, held on 4 June, featured Klein Constantia, a winery known for its cool-climate elegance. Guests enjoyed four signature wines, including the Blanc de Blanc 2020 and Estate Red Blend 2021, carefully paired with dishes like burrata macarons and truffle short rib—each designed by Executive Chef Shanal Ramroop to highlight the wine’s profile.
On 27 June, Sala welcomed Blankbottle, an unconventional winery led by surfer and winemaker Pieter Walser. His eclectic selection, paired with bold flavours like saffron-truffle smoked salmon and lavender parsnip lamb, invited guests into a more experimental tasting experience.
Both events reflected Sala’s combination of the beauty of the Indian Ocean and perfect hospitality and cuisine for truly special evenings.
Wellness Weekend and Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa:
Healing Earth skincare blending
This July, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa partnered with Healing Earth to host a serene wellness retreat focused on holistic renewal and the elemental power of fire.
Over three days, guests immersed themselves in a carefully thought-out programme that blended luxury, self-care, and mindful experiences—ranging from sound healing and restorative yoga to bespoke spa treatments and breathwork rituals.
The weekend also featured interactive highlights like a sushi masterclass with Chef Song, skincare blending in the Healing Earth Beauty Kitchen, and a garden-side talk on gut health by Dr Nadine Haberfeld.
Set within the hotel’s tranquil courtyard and Balinese-style spa, the retreat offered guests a chance to recalibrate and reconnect—with themselves and the natural rhythm of wellness.