The Vineyard Year
Every Season Has a Story.
From spring's first green shoots to the excitement of the summer harvest, discover what happens in the Cape Winelands throughout the year — and find the perfect time for your wine country experience.
Currently in the Vineyards
Currently in the Vineyards
October
Rapid Vine Growth
Lush Green Vineyards
The Cape Winelands are bursting into life. Fresh green shoots are growing rapidly, vineyards are becoming lush, and flower clusters are beginning to form.
Why visit now? Enjoy beautiful green vineyards, pleasant spring weather and relaxed wine tastings before the summer rush. The Winelands at their freshest and most vibrant.
Estates for Every Season
Where to Go, When to Go
Each season brings a different side of the Winelands. These are the estates that shine brightest at each point in the vineyard year — with the reasons why.
Fresh green shoots, wildflowers along the rows and the first warm days. These estates are at their most photogenic in spring.
Babylonstoren
The famous gardens burst into spring colour, with fruit blossoms, wildflowers and new vine growth. One of the Cape's most photographed estates in September and October.
La Motte Wine Estate
Spring hikes through the Protea trails on the mountain above the estate, fresh green vines and an art gallery perfect for a cool spring morning.
Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards
High on the Helderberg slopes — the mountain vineyards wake first in spring, with panoramic views over False Bay and the first bud break visible from the tasting room.
Almenkerk Wine Estate
Cool-climate Elgin is the earliest region to green up. Spring picnics among the vines, wildflowers in the vineyard rows and crisp white wines to match the season.
Month by Month
Explore the Vineyard Year
Every month brings a different experience. Choose a month to discover what's happening in the vineyards, the cellar and the Cape Winelands.
October
Rapid Vine Growth
Lush Green Vineyards
The Cape Winelands are bursting into life. Fresh green shoots are growing rapidly, vineyards are becoming lush, and flower clusters are beginning to form.
In the Vineyards
Shoots grow rapidly. The canopy develops and leaves expand. Growers position and train young shoots. Flower clusters begin forming.
In the Cellar
Some white and rosé wines are bottled or released while reds continue maturing.
Typical Weather
Pleasant, warming spring weather.
Experiences This Month
Lush vineyards, scenic wine tours, relaxed tastings and estate lunches.
Why visit during October?
Enjoy beautiful green vineyards, pleasant spring weather and relaxed wine tastings before the summer rush. The Winelands at their freshest and most vibrant.
These are typical seasonal patterns. Exact timing varies by vineyard, grape variety, location and weather.
Read Full October GuideMonthly Guides
Explore All 12 Monthly Guides
Deep-dive into any month of the Cape vineyard year.
The Annual Rhythm
The Vineyard Cycle
The Cape vineyard year turns through four distinct periods, each with its own character and its own reason to visit.
Spring
September–November
Bud break, rapid growth and flowering.
Summer
December–February
Grape development, ripening and early harvest.
Autumn
March–May
Late harvest, leaf fall and preparation for dormancy.
Winter
June–August
Dormancy, pruning and vineyard preparation.
Plan Your Visit
Experience the Cape Winelands
Discover wine tours and experiences that let you enjoy the Cape Winelands throughout the year.
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