Mass and Blessings of the Vines for Wine Lovers

by Erin Carelse · January 23, 2018

The windows of St Anthony’s chapel on Nagenoeg farm near Stellenbosch, where the Mass before the Blessing of the Vines will take place. (Photo: Schalk Visser)

Winelovers in the Western Cape will again have the chance to celebrate their passion, with Mass, food and wine at both the Blessing of the Vines and the Vintners’ Mass this month.

Blessing of the Vines Mass

The 19th Annual St Vincent’s Day for the Blessing of the Vines will take place on Nagenoeg farm near Stellenbosch on Saturday, January 27. All are welcome. Mass will be said in the farm’s St Anthony’s chapel at 11:00 to pray for a good harvest and for all who work on the farm.

A collection will be held for the St Anthony’s Chapel Fund, to be used for upkeep of the chapel and to sponsor school fees, uniforms and other extras for farm children.

Mass is followed by a 30-minute ride through the vineyards for the actual blessing, in a procession of tractors with trailers, trucks, bakkies and even ordinary cars.

“We will drive through the vineyards at a slow speed and stop for photo opportunities and to admire the views,” said farm owner Schalk Visser. Guests can use their own vehicles but must be aware they will be driving on farm roads.

After the blessing, a picnic will be held under the trees.

“Due to the severe drought and water-saving efforts, the grass is not in a good condition and we therefore urge guests to bring their own tables, chairs, blankets or groundcovers, picnic baskets, refreshments and wine,” Mr Visser said.

“As this is a wine farm, please bring wine, not beer,” he added, reminding guests to appoint a designated driver who won’t drink.

Annual Vintner’s Mass

The 25th Annual Vintners’ Mass will be held on Thursday, January 25 at 11:00 at St Nicholas church in Stellenbosch, followed by lunch.

The collection at the Mass will go to Stellenbosch Hospice.

Most winemakers and distillers bring a bottle or more to the church to go into the offertory basket at the church entrance.

These donations will go up to the altar with the offertory procession, said coordinator Dave Hughes.

After the Mass, congregants will proceed to La Pineta restaurant on the R44. Guests may bring their own wine; no corkage will be charged on the day.

Mr Hughes is asking those who plan to lunch at La Pineta to let him know to help them cater for the numbers of guests. Meals and drinks will be for guests’ own account.

For queries and directions for the Blessing of the Vines contact Schalk Visser at or 021 855 5767. For the Vintners’ Mass and lunch contact Dave Hughes at or 021 865 2175.