February brings late-summer heat and somnolent days, perfect for picnics, both impromptu and planned. In the winelands the scents and sounds of harvesting dominate. Here long hours worked by vineyard teams are followed by anxious days and nights spent in the cellars as winemakers and their assistants monitor the crush.

It's almost that time when Britons and Germans abandon their frozen waterpipes and snowy shores and swoop south for sunshine, hospitality and fine wine. There's just time to avoid the crowds and treat ourselves to a cellarside picnic, luxurious or laidback, the choice is extensive.

Warwick estate outside Stellenbosch needs little introduction to winelovers who enjoy their award-winning range. Last month they launched their gourmet picnic which offers visitors a choice of four scenic sites, a "Big Five" safari, and of course, picnic boxes filled with makings of irresistible al fresco lunches.

The safari takes the adventurous on a game-drive vehicle to spot the red grape varietals in high vineyards, finishing at a mountaintop "penthouse" with magnificent views. There are also a number of "picnic pods" where up to 12 guests can sit in shaded comfort to relish their feast and a furnished courtyard for those who prefer to sit at tables.

Families may want to spread themselves on the lawns, under umbrellas, where a jungle gym is available for small visitors.

Warwick is rightly renowned for its reds, which range from the flagship Bordeaux-style blend Trilogy, along with a delicious, patrician cabernet franc; the popular Cape blend known as Three Cape Ladies; an affordable cabernet called The First Lady and an intriguing limited-release syrah dubbed Black Lady. But don't neglect the estate whites, a lean, minerally sauvignon blanc and a mouth-filling chardonnay, as possible picnic companions.

Make your choice to pair with gourmet salads, tabbouleh, humus, poached chicken breast with truffled mayo and local charcuterie. The picnic box also contains paté and camembert, chocolate brownies and watermelon preserve, plus traditional winegums.

Children's picnics cost R49 while the adult treat is R299, which serves two or three, depending on appetite. The optional safari is R50 a head, with children free. Warwick is the first Stellenbosch estate to be open for visitors every day of the year. To book, ring 021 884 3144.

If Franschhoek is your choice of destination, Rickety Bridge offers picnic baskets at R135 a head and blankets to spread on the lawns between their vines, from 10am to 5pm. When I was there the menu had a distinct Med theme. The new vintage chenin and rosé will make perfect partners.

Nederburg offers picnics every day except Mondays, and their charge of R140 a head gives diners a satisfying menu with vegetarian alternative, while children's fare costs R55.

The picnic basket from Buitenverwachting is a perennially popular choice, for which booking is essential.

It costs R110 for adults, R45 for children under 10 and is open every day except Sundays.

Those looking for a more affordable option can settle for one of the farms where visitors can bring their own feasts and buy wine and grape juice at the cellar - this is true of many a boutique cellar, so it's worth checking out facilities.

Devotees of hanepoot grapes can head to Calitzdorp in 10 days and pick their fill in the vineyards of De Krans daily except Sundays until the end of February. Your sweet harvest will cost you R4.50 a kilogram.

Make your excursion on a Wednesday or Saturday and you can enjoy a braaied brunch or lunch for R45 a head, prepared by the local seniors' home, washed down with one of the cellar's many enjoyable wines. Phone 044 213 3314 to book.

Talking of braais, cities in Europe, Britain, Scandinavia, Latin American and the Far East will make the venues for a series of midyear barbecues hosted by Wines of South Africa for key figures in our export markets.

South African chefs and winemakers will be invited to these televised events which will co-incide with big matches during the World Cup. There will be a permanent souvenir as well. A cookbook of braai recipes, al fresco delights created by Cape winemakers, is being assembled to complement their wines. The compilation will be available locally as well as abroad.