Wine Festival Calendar

Bordeaux's signature wine festival transforms the UNESCO-listed Garonne riverfront into a four-day celebration of regional wines and gastronomy. Over 80 appellations set up pavilions along the quays, with masterclass tastings, live music, and fireworks. Held biennially in even years since 1998, it draws half a million visitors.

One of the world's largest international wine and spirits trade fairs, held at the Bordeaux Exhibition Centre. Industry professionals gather for business meetings, tastings, and trend showcases from producers across 30+ countries. A biennial event that alternates with Bordeaux Fête le Vin.

The world's most convivial marathon winds through 59 prestigious Médoc châteaux, with wine and food stations instead of energy gels. Runners dress in elaborate costumes and the route passes through some of Bordeaux's greatest vineyards. The atmosphere is more carnival than competition.

A centuries-old ceremonial harvest proclamation by the Jurade brotherhood, held from the top of the Tour du Roy in the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. The ceremony includes inductions of new members and a public proclamation of the harvest, followed by open-air tastings and festivities throughout the village.

The world's most famous charity wine auction, held annually since 1859 in the historic Hôtel-Dieu. Part of the three-day Les Trois Glorieuses celebrations across Beaune, Meursault, and Clos de Vougeot. Barrels from the Hospices' own vineyards fetch record prices at Christie's-managed auction.

Burgundy's beloved patron saint celebration rotates between villages each January. The host village decorates its streets, opens its cellars, and thousands of visitors taste wines from across the Côte d'Or. It's the best way to experience Burgundian village life and community spirit.

The Avenue de Champagne — home to Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and other prestigious houses — lights up for a spectacular winter festival. Light shows illuminate the grand facades while champagne flows freely from open-cellar tastings. The village of Hautvillers hosts parallel events at Dom Pérignon's abbey.

A major regional trade fair and public festival celebrating Champagne wines and local products of the Aube department. Combines large-scale exhibitions with champagne tastings from smaller grower-producers rarely found outside the region. A more local, less tourist-heavy alternative to Épernay events.

Paris's beloved grape harvest festival celebrates the tiny Clos Montmartre vineyard in the 18th arrondissement. Five days of parades, concerts, fireworks, and tastings transform the hilltop neighbourhood. Despite being in Paris, it's a genuine harvest celebration — they really do pick grapes from the 2,000 vines.

The largest wine fair in Alsace, running for 10 days at the Colmar Exhibition Centre. Over 300 Alsatian winemakers pour their Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and Crémants alongside live music, food stalls, and cooking demonstrations. It is the single best place to taste the breadth of Alsace wine in one visit.

The Loire Valley's premier professional wine fair brings together over 300 domaines from Muscadet to Sancerre under one roof. While primarily a trade event, the final day opens to the public. An unmatched opportunity to taste across all Loire appellations and meet winemakers directly.

A summer cultural festival in the medieval abbey town of Cluny, combining classical music performances with wine tastings from southern Burgundy producers. Concerts take place in the Romanesque abbey ruins, and vignerons from Mâconnais and Beaujolais pour during intervals.

Celebrating véraison — the moment grapes change colour — this medieval festival takes over the hilltop village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Costumed parades, street theatre, troubadours, and tastings from the village's famed domaines create an authentically Provençal atmosphere.

The official proclamation of the Côtes du Rhône harvest, held in Avignon's Palais des Papes. The ceremony includes a blessing of the grapes, barrel tastings of the new vintage, and a grand outdoor dinner in the papal courtyard. A formal but festive opening to the southern Rhône harvest season.

The charming seaside town of Bandol hosts this annual December celebration of the new vintage. Bandol AOC producers line the harbour promenade with tasting stands, and the festival coincides with a blessing of the wine and traditional Provençal Christmas market.

The world-famous release of the year's Beaujolais Nouveau at midnight on the third Thursday of November. While celebrated globally, the real party is in Beaujolais itself — Beaujeu, the historic capital, hosts the largest celebrations with fireworks, barrel rolling, and rivers of fresh Gamay.

Montpellier's celebration of Languedoc wine brings together producers from across France's largest wine region. Held on the Place de la Comédie, the festival showcases the extraordinary diversity of Languedoc terroirs — from coastal Picpoul to mountain Minervois — at remarkably affordable prices.

A celebration of Nice's tiny AOC Bellet appellation, one of France's most exclusive wine zones. Local vignerons pour their rosés, whites, and reds in the hillside village of Saint-Roman-de-Bellet above Nice. One of the few chances to taste these rare wines outside of Niçois restaurants.

The leading trade fair for Mediterranean wines, held biennially at the Montpellier Exhibition Centre. Over 1,500 exhibitors from 15 Mediterranean wine-producing countries showcase their wines. A professional event that also hosts the World Grenache Day celebrations.

The Muscadet wine region's annual celebration in the Italianate town of Clisson, near Nantes. Producers from the Sèvre et Maine, Côtes de Grandlieu, and Coteaux de la Loire pour their sur lie wines alongside local seafood. The picturesque riverside setting adds charm to this affordable, authentic festival.

The world's largest wine trade fair, held annually at Verona's Fiera since 1967. Over 4,000 exhibitors from across Italy and 30+ countries pour for 100,000+ visitors across four days. Vinitaly is where Italian wine business gets done, but the surrounding OperaWine and Vinitaly and the City events open to the public.

A grape harvest celebration in the heart of Piedmont's Barolo DOCG zone. The weekend features vineyard walks, open-cellar tastings at top producers, truffle hunts, and a grand palio-style procession through the hilltop village. An authentic, non-commercial experience in one of Italy's greatest wine villages.

While primarily a truffle fair, Alba's iconic autumn market is inseparable from Piedmont wine culture. Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, and Barbera tastings accompany the white truffle auction and market. Running since 1929, it draws chefs, foodies, and wine lovers from around the world to the Langhe hills.

Held in the central piazza of Greve in Chianti each September, this festival brings together Chianti Classico producers for an annual tasting showcase. Visitors taste wines from across the DOCG while enjoying the Tuscan hill-town atmosphere, local food, and live music. One of the most accessible ways to explore Chianti Classico.

The annual preview tasting of the new Vino Nobile vintage, held in the historic Fortezza di Montepulciano. Producers present their latest releases to press and public, offering a rare chance to taste the full range of this prestigious Sangiovese-based appellation in its stunning hilltop home.

The annual presentation of the new Brunello di Montalcino vintage. Held in Montalcino's medieval fortress, all consortium members present their wines for evaluation. The event includes a vintage assessment and press conferences on quality. A must for serious Brunello collectors and wine trade professionals.

Italy's national open-cellar weekend, when hundreds of wineries across all 20 regions throw open their doors for tastings, vineyard tours, and food pairings. Organised by the Movimento Turismo del Vino, it is the country's largest coordinated wine tourism event and a fantastic way to discover small producers.

An annual gathering of Etna wine producers in the medieval hilltop town of Castiglione di Sicilia. Vignerons present wines organised by contrada (vineyard district), allowing tasters to explore the extraordinary terroir diversity of Mount Etna's volcanic slopes. A serious, producer-driven event.

Panzano in Chianti's intimate September festival, where the village's legendary producers — including Dario Cecchini's famous butcher shop — host open tastings in their cellars and on the piazza. A deeply authentic, village-scale event that feels more like a neighbourhood party than a wine fair.

Thousands of people drench each other in red wine on the hillside of Riscos de Bilibio above Haro each June 29th. This centuries-old celebration honouring San Pedro and San Felices is Spain's messiest wine festival — participants arrive in white and leave dyed purple. A joyous, raucous tradition.

Logroño's week-long harvest festival in September includes the ceremonial grape treading, free wine distribution from the fountain in Paseo del Espolón, concerts, bullfights, and fireworks. The highlight is the grape-stomping contest and the blessing of the must at the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda.

The world's greatest concentration of centenary wineries, clustered around Haro's historic railway station, opens for a single weekend. López de Heredia, Muga, CVNE, Roda, Bodegas Bilbaínas, and La Rioja Alta pour their finest wines in their own cellars. An extraordinary, intimate tasting experience at iconic bodegas.

The annual showcase of Priorat wines in the small town of Falset, capital of the DOQ Priorat. Over 50 producers pour their powerful, mineral-driven wines from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena, making this one of the most concentrated tastings of a single DO anywhere in Spain. Paired with local food and cultural events.

Jerez's legendary horse fair is equally a sherry festival. The casetas (private party tents) flow with Fino, Manzanilla, and Amontillado, while Andalusian horses parade and flamenco fills the night. A week-long explosion of Andalusian culture where sherry is the essential social lubricant.

A global celebration of sherry coordinated from Jerez, with events in 30+ countries. In Jerez itself, the week features bodega open days, tapas routes, sherry cocktail competitions, and educational masterclasses. The best time of year to visit the sherry triangle's three towns: Jerez, El Puerto, and Sanlúcar.

The medieval walled town of Laguardia celebrates the Rioja Alavesa harvest with grape-stomping, traditional txalaparta music, wine tastings in the centuries-old underground cellars beneath the town, and a harvest-queen crowning. The stunning setting — perched on a ridge with vineyard views — makes this one of Spain's most photogenic harvest festivals.

The capital of Cava country celebrates its sparkling wine heritage with a weekend of tastings, vineyard tours, food pairings, and live music. Over 30 Cava houses open their doors, and the town's main square becomes an open-air tasting room. The best place to discover artisan Cava from small producers.

The birthplace of Albariño celebrates its star grape with Spain's oldest wine festival, running since 1953. Producers from across Rías Baixas pour their crisp whites alongside Galician seafood on the main square. Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, it is the definitive Albariño experience.

The Douro Valley's official harvest festival in Peso da Régua, celebrating the ancient grape-treading tradition in granite lagares. Visitors can join the treading, taste ports and Douro reds, cruise the river, and enjoy live fado music. The terraced vineyard scenery along the Douro River is spectacular.

Portugal's premier wine event, held in Porto's magnificent Palácio da Bolsa. Over 300 producers from all Portuguese wine regions pour their wines across four days, making it the most comprehensive tasting of Portuguese wine under one roof. Masterclasses, food pairings, and wine talks complement the grand-hall tastings.

A celebration of Portugal's iconic Vinho Verde in the beautiful medieval town of Ponte de Lima. Producers from across the Minho region pour their fresh, light wines alongside local cuisine. The festival highlights the astonishing diversity of Vinho Verde — from sparkling Loureiro to still Alvarinho.

The hilltop castle town of Palmela hosts the Setúbal Peninsula's biggest harvest celebration. Grape-stomping in the castle courtyard, wine tastings from Castelão-based producers, a harvest parade through cobbled streets, and fireworks make this one of the most atmospheric harvest festivals near Lisbon.

Évora's celebration of Alentejo wine takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. Producers from across this sunny southern region pour their rich reds and fresh whites, paired with Alentejano cuisine. The festival typically includes vineyard excursions to nearby estates as part of the programme.

Madeira's annual wine harvest festival takes over Funchal and the island's vineyards throughout September. Highlights include grape-treading at Câmara de Lobos, folkloric performances, live music on the waterfront, and tastings of Madeira's unique fortified wines. The backdrop of Atlantic ocean and volcanic mountains is unforgettable.

Porto's riotous midsummer festival is the city's biggest party, with the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia playing a central role. While officially a saints' day celebration, port wine flows freely along the Ribeira waterfront, and several lodges host special tastings and events. Fireworks over the Douro at midnight are legendary.

The world's most celebrated charity wine auction, held at Meadowood Napa Valley since 1981. Three days of exclusive barrel tastings, vintner-hosted dinners, and the signature live auction have raised over $200 million for community health and education. Attendance is limited and tickets sell out rapidly.

A five-day festival combining independent film screenings with Napa Valley wine tastings and culinary events. Films screen at venues across Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, with winemaker receptions and vintner-hosted dinners between screenings. A unique fusion of wine country and cinema culture.

Over 100 Sonoma County wineries open their barrel rooms for two weekends in March, offering tastes of wines still aging in barrel. Visitors get preview access to unreleased vintages and the chance to purchase barrel futures at discounted prices. One of the most popular wine events in California.

The world's premier Pinot Noir event, held on the campus of Linfield University in McMinnville since 1987. Three days of masterclasses, al fresco meals prepared by top chefs, and blind tastings featuring 70+ Pinot Noir producers from Oregon, Burgundy, and beyond. A bucket-list event for Pinot lovers.

The largest wine festival in the eastern United States, held at Watkins Glen International raceway. Over 80 Finger Lakes wineries pour their Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and cool-climate reds, alongside food vendors, live music, and craft vendors. Camping on-site is available for a full weekend experience.

Paso Robles' flagship wine event features a grand tasting in the downtown City Park with over 100 wineries. The weekend also includes winery open houses, vineyard concerts, and food pairings. Known for its Rhône varieties and Zinfandel, Paso Robles has become one of California's most exciting wine regions.

Over 120 Walla Walla Valley wineries release their newest vintages simultaneously during this popular spring weekend. Visitors explore the downtown tasting rooms and countryside estates, sampling newly bottled wines alongside food pairings and live music. The valley's intimate, walkable scale makes it a uniquely accessible event.

Australia's longest-running wine festival, held biennially since 1947. A week of vineyard events, open cellar tastings, food experiences, and community celebrations across the Barossa Valley. The festival preserves the valley's German-Silesian heritage with traditional foods, brass bands, and barrel-rolling competitions.

Three days of food and wine experiences at 40+ Barossa Valley wineries. Each winery pairs a signature dish with their wines, prepared by local chefs. The format encourages leisurely exploration of the valley, with each stop offering a unique culinary and wine pairing. One of Australia's top food and wine weekends.

A month-long celebration of Hunter Valley wine and food throughout May and June. Events range from opera in the vines and long-table lunches to blending workshops and cheese-and-wine pairings. As Australia's oldest wine region (since 1828), the Hunter offers a unique mix of tradition and modern wine tourism.

A February food and wine trail across 30+ Yarra Valley wineries, each offering a small plate paired with a wine for a single ticket price. The format creates a grazing trail through Melbourne's backyard wine region, with live music at each stop. A relaxed, accessible introduction to the Yarra Valley.

New Zealand's longest-running wine festival, held annually among the vines at Brancott Estate since 1985. Over 40 Marlborough wineries and local food producers set up in the vineyard, with live music and cooking demonstrations. The definitive celebration of the world's Sauvignon Blanc capital.

A weekend of food and wine events across 30+ Hawke's Bay wineries and restaurants. Each venue creates a unique event — from long-table lunches in barrel halls to seafood picnics in the vines. The region's Art Deco heritage and Mediterranean climate add a distinctive character unlike any other NZ wine event.

A three-day celebration of Central Otago Pinot Noir in the stunning Queenstown Lakes district. Masterclasses, vineyard lunches, and a grand tasting showcase wines from the world's southernmost wine region. The spectacular alpine scenery and adventure tourism make this a wine-and-adventure combination unlike any other.

Western Australia's premier food and wine festival, featuring international celebrity chefs, beachside dinners, and vineyard tastings across the Margaret River region. Events range from intimate winemaker dinners to large-scale beach barbecues. The combination of world-class wine, surf coast scenery, and culinary excellence is unique.

Argentina's greatest harvest festival and the largest wine celebration in the Americas. A week of parades, concerts, and cultural events culminates in the spectacular Acto Central — an outdoor theatre performance with thousands of performers, fireworks, and the crowning of the Harvest Queen. Over half a million people attend.

Mendoza's annual open-cellar event where 80+ wineries across Maipú, Luján de Cuyo, and the Uco Valley open their doors for special tastings, asado barbecues, and live music. Winery-to-winery transport is organised, making it easy to explore multiple bodegas in a single day. Malbec takes centre stage.

Chile's most prestigious harvest festival, centred on the town of Santa Cruz in the Colchagua Valley. The three-day celebration includes grape-stomping, cueca dancing, open-air barbecues, and tastings from top Colchagua producers including Montes, Casa Lapostolle, and Viu Manent. Chile's answer to Mendoza's Vendimia.

The Maipo Valley's annual harvest celebration south of Santiago, featuring grape-treading, traditional rodeo, Chilean folk music, and tastings from established Maipo producers like Concha y Toro and Santa Rita. Easy to reach as a day trip from the capital, making it one of Chile's most accessible harvest festivals.

Casablanca Valley's harvest festival celebrates Chile's premier cool-climate wine region. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir take centre stage, alongside artisan food producers and live music. Located halfway between Santiago and Valparaíso, the festival is easily combined with a visit to either city.

A week-long folk music festival in the high-altitude wine town of Cafayate, celebrating the Torrontés grape and Salta's folk traditions. Top Argentine folk musicians perform nightly in the main plaza, while bodegas offer tastings of their aromatic whites and Malbecs. The desert-mountain scenery at 1,700m altitude is breathtaking.

The Middle Mosel's largest wine festival, set in the picture-postcard half-timbered town of Bernkastel-Kues. For five days each September, the town's medieval market square transforms into an open-air wine bar, with over 40 Mosel Riesling producers pouring. Fireworks over the river and a festival parade are highlights.

Ten days of Rheingau wine in the elegant spa city of Wiesbaden, where over 100 Rheingau producers set up stands along the Wilhelmstraße promenade. The festival celebrates the Rheingau's world-class Rieslings and Spätburgunders, with live music stages, food vendors, and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

The world's largest wine festival, despite its misleading name ('sausage market'). Held annually since 1417, the Wurstmarkt draws over 600,000 visitors to this Pfalz town for nine days of wine drinking from the giant Dürkheimer Fass (world's largest wine barrel) and dozens of wine stands. Pure German Gemütlichkeit.

A five-day celebration pairing Wachau wines with international guest chefs in the UNESCO-listed Danube valley. Events take place at vineyards, historic abbeys, and restaurants along the Wachau, with Grüner Veltliner and Riesling the stars. The festival combines Austrian culinary precision with breathtaking Danube scenery.

The annual presentation of the Vinea Wachau producers' association, held in the baroque Stift Dürnstein on the Danube. Over 200 wines from the Wachau's top producers are available for tasting, categorised into Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd quality tiers. A focused, quality-driven tasting in a stunning riverside setting.

Stellenbosch's flagship wine event, held over three days in the historic town centre. Over 60 Stellenbosch wine estates pour their Cabernet Sauvignons, Chenin Blancs, and Bordeaux blends, accompanied by local food, live music, and art exhibitions. A sophisticated showcase of South Africa's premier wine region.

Georgia's ancient grape harvest (rtveli) is a communal family tradition in the Kakheti wine region. Families and guests participate in picking, treading grapes in traditional qvevri (clay vessels), and feasting at supra banquets with polyphonic singing. An 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition made accessible to visitors.

A summer tasting event at the Santo Wines cooperative, perched on the Santorini caldera rim with views of the volcano and sunset. Santorini's volcanic Assyrtiko wines are the star, paired with Greek meze and live music as the sun sets over the Aegean. One of the most spectacular wine tasting settings on Earth.

The historic town of Tokaj celebrates the harvest of its legendary sweet wine grapes with a weekend of folk music, traditional grape-treading, open cellars, and a harvest parade. Tokaji Aszú, once called 'the wine of kings,' is the star, alongside dry Furmint wines that are rapidly gaining international acclaim.

A running event through Istria's vineyards with wine and food stations along the route, combining sport with Croatian wine tourism. The route passes through olive groves and vineyards, with stops at family wineries for Malvazija and Teran tastings. Shorter walk options make it accessible to non-runners.

Manduria's celebration of its signature Primitivo grape in the heart of Puglia's sun-drenched wine country. Local producers pour rich, fruit-forward Primitivo di Manduria DOC alongside traditional Puglian street food. The festival highlights the renaissance of southern Italian winemaking and the ancient vine heritage of Salento.

Aranda de Duero's harvest festival celebrates the Tempranillo grape in Spain's other great red wine region. Grape-treading contests, tastings in the medieval underground bodegas beneath the town, roast lamb from the famous wood ovens, and a harvest queen parade. The underground cellars are a unique and atmospheric tasting venue.

The Dão wine region's annual showcase in the historic city of Viseu, featuring tastings from 50+ producers of Touriga Nacional and Encruzado wines. The festival takes place in the atmospheric old town, with live music and regional gastronomy. An excellent introduction to one of Portugal's most underrated wine regions.

Virginia declares October its official wine month, with 300+ wineries across the state hosting special events, tastings, and harvest celebrations. The concentration around Charlottesville and Monticello wine trail is particularly strong, with open houses, food pairings, and live music at estates in the Blue Ridge foothills.