I often find that the best weekend plans are the simplest ones, and after a one-year hiatus, our family finally made it back to Lourensford Estate for their annual Hanepoot Harvest. We spent Saturday, 14 February 2026, out in the vineyards of Somerset West, and while we missed the 2025 event, this year felt just as relaxing and well-coordinated as our first visit back in 2024.
When we arrived early on Saturday morning, it was clear that the harvest remains a major drawcard for the Helderberg community. The field had already been transformed into a massive parking lot, and despite the volume of cars, the entry process was smooth. Staff members were on hand to greet everyone, handing out scissors for picking, though many of the regulars seem to bring their own.
While the estate provides various box sizes for the grapes, our son insisted on bringing his own bucket. We ended up filling two 3kg boxes along with his bucket. The vines were heavy with large, sweet stems this year, and I found it nearly impossible to stop snacking on the grapes right there in the rows.
One of the highlights for the kids, and a few of the adults too, is the free tractor ride. You generally only have to wait about five minutes for the tractor to swing around and ferry you the short distance into the heart of the picking area. It is a small touch, but it adds to that farm-day atmosphere that you just do not get at a suburban shopping centre.
The crowd was a real mix of the Somerset West community, from young families and couples to older residents. We even had a slightly surreal moment when we ran into three local teachers. Our son was visibly shocked to see them out in the “real world” instead of behind a desk. He actually asked them why they were not at school teaching, which gave everyone a good laugh.
Once our boxes and bucket were topped up, we caught the tractor back to the main marquee tent. It is a great setup for a post-pick rest, with plenty of seating in the shade. The staff weighed our haul so we could pay, and we took a moment to just sit and soak it all in.
They had boerewors rolls, coffee, and wine available for purchase, which most people seemed to be taking advantage of. While it is obviously easier to grab a punnet of grapes from Woolworths or Food Lover’s Market, there is a distinct satisfaction in picking them yourself. It was a simple, beautiful day out, and it was great to see my son experiencing where his food actually comes from.
For those who missed out last weekend, I have just heard that Lourensford has added an additional harvest date for Saturday, 21 February 2026. We enjoyed it so much that we are already considering heading back for round two.
We returned for the additional harvest on Saturday, 21 February 2026, and if you’re curious whether the experience was just as enjoyable the second time around, you can read about it 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
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