Come Sunday 11 April, Stellenboschs Eikendal Wine Estate (R44, midway between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, 021 855 1422) is celebrating the yield of its verdant vines during the annual Eikendal Weintaufe.

Modelled on the Austrian wine-harvest festivals, the Weintaufe (literally meaning “wine christening”) sees the first wine of Eikendals 2010 harvest, the flagship chardonnay, baptised with much pomp and pageantry. Wine-maker Nico Grobler will say a few words about the newborn and this years godmother, Cape Wine Master and Die Burger columnist Christine Rudman, will taste the wine and bestow a befitting name upon it. After the formalities, guests are free to taste the newly christened tipple straight from the barrel and enjoy the live music performances and vineyard tractor rides.

Since no self-respecting party would be considered complete without refreshments, therell also be ample lip-smacking country fare and wine to go around. It’s the perfect excuse to give Sunday lunch at home a skip and have a jovial picnic on the oak-shaded lawn.

Tickets are available at the estate and cost R60 per adult. They include a complimentary glass and barrel tasting. Under-18s get in for free. The gates open at 10am and the baptism of the new wine takes place at noon. For more info, contact the cellar on 021 855 1422 or e-mail info@eikendal.co.za.