Almost every other region in Chile boasts its own grape variety and fall harvest marks vendimias season stretching from late February up to early May. The festivals offer an endless variety of the best wines highly praised all over the world at quite a low cost. Some generous vendors may not even charge you. Ladies will be weighed on a balance against wine bottles to choose the Grape Harvest Queen, and whoever is not afraid of getting dirty is welcome to partake in a grape stomping competition.
Two teams will be given 20 kg of grapes and 10 minutes to trample them into juice. The most popular vendimias take place around the vineyards of Valle de Colchagua, Curico Valley, Casablanca Valley, Pirque, and many more.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Chile for the vendimias?
Chile's vendimias season occurs from late February to early May. Vendimias are grape harvest festivals that take place in almost every region in Chile, featuring different grape varieties. It's the perfect time for visitors to experience Chile's wine culture and enjoy events like the Grape Harvest Queen competition. The beauty of Chile's vineyards, combined with its national celebration of wine, makes for a remarkable and authentic experience. Show more
Where are the popular vendimias festivals located?
Valle de Colchagua, Curico Valley, Casablanca Valley, Pirque, and many other regions in Chile are home to popular vendimias festivals. Visitors can taste exquisite wines from all over the globe at affordable prices while witnessing the production processes. Some vendors even offer limited wine tastings without charge, making it a must-visit for wine lovers looking to indulge in Chile's highly praised wine culture. Show more
What type of grape varieties are specific to certain regions in Chile?
Each wine-growing region in Chile produces its grape variety. For instance, Casablanca Valley is famous for its chardonnays and sauvignon blancs, while pinot noir grows well in the Leyda and Lo Abarca districts. Curico produces carmenere, a full-bodied wine that exudes flavors of chocolate and tobacco. Other regions boast a diversity of grape varieties, adding to Chile's worldwide reputation as a premium wine destination. Show more
Can visitors participate in grape stomping competitions?
Visitors who don't mind getting dirty can join in the grape stomping competitions held at vendimias festivals in Chile. Two teams are given 20 kg of grapes and ten minutes to stomp them into juice. Teams try to produce the maximum amount of juice within this set period competitively. Grape stomping events are both entertaining and informative, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Chile's wine culture firsthand. Show more
How is the Grape Harvest Queen chosen, and what does she win?
During the vendimias festivals, a Grape Harvest Queen is chosen in Chile. Candidates are weighed on a balance against wine bottles, and the one who weighs the most is declared the winner. The Grape Harvest Queen is usually crowned during the festival's closing ceremony and receives massive exposure, representing the country in national and international wine-related events. She is also honored with the privilege of launching a bottle of wine under her name. Show more
