Vines to be Blessed for a 20th Year

by Kilian SC · January 15, 2019

Nagenoeg wine farm at Stellenbosch, Western Cape, will host its 20th Blessing of the Vines on Saturday, January 19, and the annual Winemakers and Distillers Mass will be celebrated on January 24.

The Blessing of the Vines will be preceded by Mass 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.
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 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 that they will be driving on farm roads.

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

“Due to the severe drought, the grass is not in a good condition and we ask 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.

A collection will be held during the picnic for the St Anthony’s Chapel Fund, to be used for the upkeep of the chapel and also for sponsoring school clothes and school fees for the farm children, and other necessary expenses such as educational tours and extra courses.
“It is a fund that we created for the community,” Mr Visser.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a day picnicking on a farm with friends and family in a safe environment,” he said. “Even if we do not know you, you are most welcome.”

The Winemakers and Distillers Mass will be at St Nicholas Catholic church in Paul Kruger Street, Stellenbosch. on Thursday, January 24 at 11:00.
The annual Mass is traditionally held in the Thursday closest to the feast day of St Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of vintners.

“Most winemakers and distillers bring a bottle or more to go into the basket at the entrance to the church,” organiser Dave Hughes explained. “These donations will go up to the altar with the Offertory Procession. These bottles get shared with the clergy after Mass.

The Mass collection will go to the Stellenbosch Hospice.

The Mass will be followed by lunch at the Devon Valley Hotel.

For queries and directions for the Blessing of the Vines contact Schalk Visser at or 021 855 5767. For information on the Winemakers Mass, contact Dave Hughes at 072 775 2484 or