The wine regions of France include Bordeaux, Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc, Beaujolais, and Provence. Each region is famous for its own kind of wine. Harvest season may start as early as August, but it peaks in the months of September and October and continues into mid-November (the season differs and depends on the region). Fall might not be the best for a wine tour as the cellars are going to be overcrowded. At the same time, this is a perfect season to have an authentic experience of the harvest process and attend one of the grape-picking festivals.
Grape Harvest Events
Grape Harvest Festival in Saumur, Loire Valley, opens the season in early September. The Grape Harvest Proclamation is held in Saint Emilion in mid-September. The third weekend of September is marked by The Wine Pressing Festival hosted by the village of Chenôve in the Côte d’Or region. In mid-October, you're invited to France's most famous Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival. Banyuls sur Mer Grape Harvest Festival is an alternative for the south-west. The Fete du Vin Bourru takes place in Nuits-Saint-Georges in late October.
Moreover, November has a nice celebration for the belated—you can celebrate new wine at Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Festival, held on the third Thursday of every November in the village of Beaujeu.
Grape Harvest Festival in Saumur (September 8, 2024)
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Grape Harvest Festival takes place at a magnificent Château de Saumur, a fortified stronghold of the past and a tourist attraction of the present. The structure has been surrounded by vineyards even back in the 14th century, increasing the historical significance of this celebration. Open from 10 am until 6 pm, the château is filled to the brim with entertainment for all ages and wine tastings. Admission is completely free.
Grape Harvest Proclamation in Saint Emilion (September 20-22, 2024)
The Grape Harvest Proclamation, also known as Ban des Vendanges, is a fascinating tradition, which marks the beginning of grape harvest. The Saint-Emilion's brotherhood, The Jurade, goes up on the King's tower and announces the harvest start. The custom dates back far back to the Roman rule, when the vineyard owners were prohibited from grape picking at their discretion and had to rely on the public's decision. This was done to ensure the quality of the harvest. Nowadays, the proclamation is more of a formality, with farmers choosing to start grape picking when they see fit.
Fete des Vendanges in Montmartre, Paris (October 9-13, 2024)
In the heart of hilly Montmartre, you'll find a charming historic vineyard, the Clos de Montmartre, hidden from the public eye and closed for most of the year. But during October, the Parisians celebrate the harvest of their city's only vinery by throwing a grandiose outdoor bash all over the streets of Montmartre. The district is bustling with street performances, music, vendors selling appetizers. You may encounter some peculiar French customs, such as couli dripping showcase or a Cérémonie de non-mariage, where couples can express their appreciation for not being married.
Fête du Vin Bourru in Nuits-Saint-Georges (October 19-20, 2024)
In the east of France, a commune of Nuits-Saint-Georges hosts a unique celebration of bourru wine, also known as rough wine. Somewhat in between grape juice and fully matured wine, the bourru wine still contains yeast and is quite cloudy due to an ongoing fermentation process. The festivities unfold at Les Halles de Nuits-Saint-Georges and feature grape pressing and an option to taste freshly pressed juice.
Wine producers from all over France gather at the festival to treat attendees to some of their best wine varieties. Apart from sampling this wonderful drink, you'll have a chance to listen to some local French music and browse the vendor section, where numerous art pieces and souvenirs are sold.
