Harvest in Stellenbosch is when things truly come alive. The vineyards are buzzing, cellar doors barely close, and everyone’s alarm clock is set a little or rather, a lot earlier than usual. It’s the moment when months of hard work pay off, and a brand-new vintage begins to take shape.

With centuries of winemaking behind it, Stellenbosch has perfected the art of delivering an exceptional harvest. No matter how long we’ve been doing this, the magic never fades. These few short weeks play a crucial role in shaping the character of the wines, keeping everyone on their toes.

Harvest usually kicks off in mid to late January and rolls through to March, depending on the season. Crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for Cap Classique are the early birds, while classic reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot like to take their time. Picking day is all about timing: too early and the flavours aren’t ready, too late and you lose that all-important freshness.

As D-day for harvest draws closer, the grapes get a lot of attention. They’re tested, tasted and talked about, and not just once a day. Sugar levels will determine alcohol, acidity keeps things fresh, and flavour tells us when it’s go-time. Hot summers can speed things up, while cooler conditions and a few drops of rain let the grapes build extra character along the way.

Stellenbosch’s landscape adds to the fun. Cool False Bay breezes take the edge off hot days, and a varied mix of soils means no two vineyards behave quite the same.

At Lanzerac, grapes are picked by hand, nice and early in the morning. Cooler temperatures help keep the fruit fresh, meaning only the best grapes make the trip to the press.

Once those grapes arrive, things move even faster.

From mid-January to the end of March, the cellar is buzzing with action. White grapes are pressed almost straight away, while reds get comfortable fermenting on their skins, soaking up the red and purple hues and flavour. The air is ripe with the smell of fermenting grapes, and there’s the steady hum of presses, pumps and chatter.

This is also when each vintage starts to show its personality. The years vary between bright and elegant, or bold and generous. Same vineyards, different seasons, completely different styles in the glass.

For wine club members, harvest is your behind-the-scenes pass. Every bottle captures a moment in time, shaped by the weather, the land and the people who guide it along the way.

As grapes move from vineyard to cellar and fermentation fills the air, the promise of the new vintage comes alive. A vintage we can’t wait to share with you, one glass at a time.