Our Family’s First Hanepoot Harvest at Lourensford Estate in Somerset West
First-time grape picking adventure!
First-time grape picking adventure!
I finally took the family through to Lourensford Wine Estate for their annual Hanepoot Harvest, and it was one of those rare mornings where the reality actually lived up to the local hype. It was our first time visiting the estate, and first time picking grapes, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect.
The first thing that strikes you as you arrive isn’t just the scale of the estate, but the sheer beauty of the setting. I found myself struggling to decide where to look first. You have these perfectly straight vine lanes stretching out, flanked by massive old trees, with a peaceful residential complex on one side and the jagged, majestic Helderberg mountains looming large in the background. It is a spectacular slice of Somerset West.
One of the biggest hits of the day, certainly for my son and quite a few of the adults too, was the tractor ride. It is a simple thing, but it sets the tone perfectly. We only had to wait for a few minutes for the tractor to swing around and ferry us the short distance from the parking area into the heart of the picking blocks. It adds a genuine farm-day atmosphere that you just do not get at a suburban shopping centre, and it made the experience feel like a proper outing from the moment we climbed aboard.
While the event’s promotional material had suggested we bring our own scissors and containers, we found that Lourensford actually provided both at the site. It meant the only real essentials were a thick layer of sunscreen and enough space in our tummies for the harvest.
The crowd was a fantastic mix of the local community. I saw everyone from young families with toddlers to couples and older residents all out in the sun together. My little one was initially more interested in running up and down between the vine lanes, but that changed the moment he tasted the grapes.
Once he discovered how sweet they were, he completely abandoned his tiny bucket. Instead of collecting them, he started loading the Hanepoots directly into his mouth. We eventually had to step in and help him fill his bucket so we actually had something to take home. Interestingly, when it came time to head to the scale, he was quite hesitant. He seemed convinced that if we took the bucket to the staff, they were going to take his grapes away for good.
After we topped up our boxes, we caught the tractor back to the main marquee tent. The setup there is well-thought-out for a post-pick rest, offering plenty of shaded seating which was a relief after time in the sun. The staff weighed our haul, and we ended up bringing home just over 10 kg of flavorful, seeded white grapes.
The marquee area was buzzing, with most people grabbing a boerewors roll, a coffee, or a glass of wine from the stalls. We sat there for a while just soaking in the environment. It was a simple, beautiful day, and there was something deeply satisfying about watching my son see exactly where his food comes from. Our menu at home has been “grapes, grapes, and more grapes” ever since, and we are already looking forward to doing it again next year.
Unfortunately we missed the 2025 Hanepoot Harvest, but we’re happy to say we made it back in 2026—take a look at our latest family experience and see what this year’s event was like here.
I’m a wife, mother and local publisher who traded Johannesburg and two years abroad for life in Somerset West. Through HelderbergStuff, I share lifestyle stories, local discoveries and noteworthy developments across Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. For media and collaboration enquiries: marina@helderbergstuff.co.za
Leave a Reply