What European experience combines exuberant fun, music, hard work and stomping grapes? (OK, that was a big hint.) The wine harvest festival is an important part of the winemaking tradition across the continent - some events have been taking place for centuries. If you’re an oenophile seeking an authentic, wine-focused vacation, consider incorporating one of these lively festivals into your fall Europe trip (most occur in September). You’ll learn about vineyards, grape treading and the appeal of a particular wine region - and savor copious amounts of wine, of course!
St. Emilon, France
If you’re a fan of the Bordeaux region wines, make your way to this medieval village in the Nouvelle Aquitane region that hosts one of Europe’s best harvest celebrations. Members of the local winemaking guild don scarlet robes (in honor of the St. Emilon, whose successors were excellent winemakers) and process through the village, then climbing to the pinnacle of St. Emilon’s church and declaring the date the harvest may begin. Join local vignerons and other wine enthusiasts at a village restaurant, then make your way outside for the fireworks.
La Rioja, Spain
The grape harvest in the Rioja region starts with the lively Feria de San Mateo in the administrative capital of Logrono. There’s barely a soul in town who isn’t in attendance at this traditional event that dates back more than 900 years. The festival takes place on September 21st, St. Matthew’s Day, on the city’s Espolon square, then continues for a week with live music, bullfights, fireworks, grape treading, colorful parades and more. And, of course, there’s free-flowing Rioja wines.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Here’s an event for the festival-lovers out there? Not only celebrating wine, the Douro Film Harvest raises a glass to film and fine cuisine, as well. It all comes together each September with engaging events, interesting presentations, art-house film screenings and competitions, wine tastings, a gala dinner and more. Join the likes of Sophia Loren and Andie McDowell who have enjoyed Douro’s wine and cultural treasures in the past.
Tuscany, Italy
Marvel at larger-than-life buckets bursting with faux grapes as parade floats glide past you in the stunning Chianti Classico zone of Impruneta in Tuscany (wine has been made here, between Florence and Sienna, for some 3,000 years). On the last Sunday of September each year, the historic village turns out for the Festa dell’Uva, which dates back to 1926. Four different Impruneta districts enter the lavish parade, after which everyone takes part in dancing, street performances, food and wine tastings and more.
Jerez, Spain
In Spain’s Andalusia region, the three-week Jerez de la Frontera kicks off on the first Saturday of September. Expect flamenco, riotously colorful parades, concerts, bullfighting, tapas and sherry. Don’t miss the opening Queen of Sherry parade, who tosses the first bunch of grapes into the press to start the year’s harvest. The local sherry is known as fino or manzanilla and it’s available to taste on tours any time of year, if you can’t make it in September.
Feeling like a glass of wine? Me, too! Let’s chat about your plans for a trip to Europe and how we can include one of these traditional winemaking festivals, so emblematic of the regions in which they occur. I look forward to hearing from you! You can sign up to schedule a consultation or sign up for my weekly newsletter for more inspiration.