HEART- WARMING HARVEST FESTIVAL TIME

THERE are many ways to mark the passing of time and January might feel a little soon in the year to bring up the subject, but in the world of wine it indicates the imminence of the annual harvest which begins this month and continues until late March.

The occasion will be celebrated in Stellenbosch on Saturday, January 27, with the Harvest Parade featuring minstrels, drum majorettes, farm workers, brass marching bands and barrels of fun.

A highlight of the procession is a flotilla of bright and beautifully decorated tractors, trailers and farm trucks – all uniquely adorned by the workers.

The 2018 parade troupe will represent participating wineries including Simonsig, Lanzerac, Waterford, L’Avenir, Eikendal, Alto, Neethlingshof, Kleine Zalze Wines, Middelvlei and Delheim.

It begins at 9am so make sure you get there early to secure a good viewing spot along the route.

Besides the spectator value and being a fun day out, the Stellenbosch Harvest Parade pays homage to the real people behind this labour of love and especially the invaluable contribution of South Africa’s farm workers.

It’s not overly dramatic to say wine making involves blood, sweat and tears; just try spending a day in the vineyards picking facilities, as well as the official afterparty and two R50 betting vouchers.

For something more exclusive, there are various packages, ranging from the 184 picnic sites to grapes and you’ll immediately have respect and awe for the people who do this full time.

“Our Harvest Parade, a heart-warming tradition, is a great way of not only celebrating the work of thousands of men and women responsible for sustaining the wine industry in Stellenbosch, but also acknowledges them as an VIP venues with a shaded area (this will be at a premium and you’ll be forever grateful for it), food and drink, access to the afterparty and more.

Some of South Africa’s finest radio and club DJs, as well as the award-winning band, Mi Casa, are integral component of our industry,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe.

The parade will be followed by a harvest blessing and awards ceremony at the town hall in Plein Street at 10am.

● For more information, go to www.wineroute.co.za, call 021 886 8275, or email explore@ lined up for that party. There’ll be a fashion show as well, and a chance to be crowned the best dressed punter.

● Tickets are at Ticketpros.co.za. For more information, go to www. sunmet.co.za

A CHANCE TO SHINE, BET AND WIN: The Sun Met – where horse racing and high fashion meets.

DEVOTED: The event celebrates the thousands of men and women responsible for sustaining the wine industry.