Wine festivals happening right now and still to come this September, with dates, locations, and where to stay for each.
September is the biggest harvest month of all — grape-picking festivals and crush celebrations right across the northern hemisphere.
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57 festivals still on across wine country this September — biggest and soonest first.
Peso da Régua, Portugal
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Peso da RéguaFunchal, Portugal
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near FunchalPauillac, France
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near PauillacSighișoara, Romania
Held in the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, this festival showcases wines from the Târnave, Lechința, and Alba Iulia sub-regions of Transylvania. Over 40 local producers pour indigenous varieties like Fetească Albă and Fetească Regală alongside artisan foods. The UNESCO World Heritage setting makes it one of Romania's most atmospheric wine events.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near SighișoaraBatroun, Lebanon
The ancient Phoenician coastal town of Batroun hosts this celebration of its emerging wine district. Wineries like IXSIR, Atibaia, and Adyar pour wines grown in the limestone hills above the Mediterranean. The festival's seaside setting, fresh seafood, and blend of local and international visitors make it one of Lebanon's most relaxed wine events. Batroun is increasingly recognised as a serious wine terroir.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near BatrounBad Dürkheim, Germany
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Bad DürkheimLogroño, Spain
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near LogroñoSt. Catharines, Canada
Ontario's largest wine festival has been running since 1952, featuring a Grande Parade through downtown St. Catharines, 100+ events at wineries across the region, and the Discovery Pass for self-guided wine touring. The September timing coincides with the main harvest, making it ideal for vineyard visits.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near St. CatharinesGreve in Chianti, Italy
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Greve in ChiantiYinchuan, China
China's premier wine industry event, held annually at the Ningxia International Convention Center in Yinchuan. The expo brings together producers from the Helan Mountain appellation alongside international wineries, with large-scale tastings, trade sessions, and vineyard tours across the Helan Mountain East Foothills. It is the single most important showcase for China's rapidly developing wine scene.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near YinchuanAvignon, France
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near AvignonHeilbronn, Germany
Heilbronn's wine village transforms the city centre with 200+ wines from the Neckar Valley. Wurttemberg's Trollinger, Lemberger, and Schwarzriesling on full display.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near HeilbronnFreyburg, Germany
The harvest festival in Freyburg, the wine capital of Saale-Unstrut. Traditional wine pressing, vineyard walks above the Unstrut Valley, and cellar tastings.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near FreyburgBarolo, Italy
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near BaroloLaguardia, Spain
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near LaguardiaSaint-Émilion, France
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Saint-ÉmilionBento Gonçalves, Brazil
The professional wine trade fair of South America, held in Bento Gonçalves, the heart of Brazilian wine country. Over 300 exhibitors from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and international producers present to trade buyers. Technical seminars, winemaker panels, and innovation showcases focus on the future of South American wine. An essential event for understanding Brazil's wine industry beyond the tourist trail.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Bento GonçalvesZahlé, Lebanon
Lebanon's heartland wine region — the Bekaa Valley — celebrates its grape harvest with open-cellar days at major estates including Château Ksara, Château Kefraya, and Domaine des Tourelles. The Bekaa's unique terroir at 1,000m elevation, with 300 days of sunshine and cool nights, produces distinctive reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and indigenous varieties. Harvest picnics in the vineyards with panoramic views of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains are the highlight.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near ZahléPanzano in Chianti, Italy
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Panzano in ChiantiCotnari, Romania
In the hills of northeastern Romania, Cotnari celebrates a winemaking tradition stretching back to the 15th century. This harvest festival focuses on the famed Grasa de Cotnari dessert wine and the Tămâioasă Românească aromatic variety. Vineyard walks, traditional Moldavian cuisine, and folk performances make it a genuine rural wine experience.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near CotnariYoichi, Japan
Held in the Yoichi wine district outside Sapporo, this festival highlights Hokkaido's rapidly growing wine scene. Cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Kerner, and Zweigelt thrive in Hokkaido's terroir, often compared to Germany and Alsace. Local seafood pairings — uni, crab, and scallops — make this a unique gastronomic wine experience.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near YoichiMurfatlar, Romania
Dobrogea's largest wine harvest celebration at the historic Murfatlar vineyards near the Black Sea coast. Traditional grape stomping, folk dancing, and open-air tastings of the region's signature Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. The warm maritime climate makes for a reliable late-September celebration.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near MurfatlarPicton, Canada
Prince Edward County's premier food and wine event showcases this emerging Ontario wine region's cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay. Winery open houses, chef collaborations, and farm-to-table dinners highlight the region's artisan food scene. The charming county's limestone terroir is increasingly compared to Burgundy.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near PictonVarious (Istria), Croatia
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Various (Istria)Bad Dürkheim, Germany
The second weekend of the world's largest wine festival continues in Bad Durkheim. More Pfalz wine, more sausages, and the traditional Monday fireworks over the Bruch.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Bad DürkheimOberwesel, Germany
Oberwesel's wine market in the UNESCO Rhine Gorge. Local Mittelrhein producers pour Riesling and Spatburgunder in the medieval town centre beneath the Schonburg castle.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near OberweselBoppard, Germany
Boppard's Rhine-side wine festival at the Hamm bend. Steep-slope Riesling from some of the Rhine's most dramatic vineyards served with traditional food and river cruises.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near BoppardMeißen, Germany
Harvest festival in the porcelain city of Meissen on the Elbe. Sachsen wines from Germany's smallest wine region served in the old town below the Albrechtsburg castle.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near MeißenBad Dürkheim, Germany
Officially the world's largest wine festival, drawing over 700,000 visitors to this Palatinate spa town since 1417. Despite the name 'Sausage Market,' wine is the star — 300+ varieties from local growers flow across two weekends under massive festival tents. The Dürkheimer Riesenfass (world's largest wine barrel) alone is worth the trip.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Bad DürkheimBernkastel-Kues, Germany
Five days of Mosel Riesling celebration in Germany's most picturesque wine town, where the half-timbered Marktplatz sets a fairy-tale backdrop for three stages of live music and wines from 20+ top Mosel estates. The coronation of a new wine queen, a grand Sunday procession through the medieval alleyways, and floating wine boats on the Mosel make this the Mosel's most theatrical festival.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Bernkastel-KuesBudapest, Hungary
For 34 years, Hungary's premier wine showcase has gathered 200+ producers to pour 1,000+ wines inside Buda Castle — one of Europe's most dramatic festival settings. Overlooking the Danube and the Chain Bridge, it combines serious Hungarian wine discovery (Tokaj Aszú, Egri Bikavér, Villány reds) with theatrical cultural programming across the castle's baroque courtyards. The most important public wine event in Central Europe.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near BudapestTelavi, Georgia
Rtveli — the Georgian grape harvest — takes place across the Kakheti wine region (60km from Tbilisi) from September through October, offering immersive farm-stay experiences where visitors harvest Rkatsiteli and Saperavi grapes, tread them barefoot, and fill qvevri alongside winemaking families. This is less a festival and more a living cultural tradition — the harvest season is the most authentic way to experience Georgia's 8,000-year wine heritage.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near TelaviGrapevine, United States
The largest wine festival in the Southwest US, GrapeFest transforms Historic Main Street in Grapevine into a four-day celebration of Texas wine culture each September. The centerpiece is the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic — the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the Southwest — alongside an International Wine Experience, Rosé Rendezvous, and Champagne Terrace. With 200,000+ attendees, live entertainment on four stages, a carnival midway, and boutique shopping, it is a full family festival wrapped around serious wine culture.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near GrapevineLimassol, Cyprus
Cyprus's most beloved annual celebration and one of the Mediterranean's oldest public wine festivals — now in its 64th edition. Held each September in Limassol's leafy Municipal Gardens, all Cyprus wineries participate and tickets include unlimited wine tasting for the evening. Commandaria (the world's oldest named wine, referenced since 800 BC) is always poured here. Live music, traditional dancing, and local meze complete the experience.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near LimassolAtlanta, United States
Atlanta's signature festival of Southern food, wine, and community returns to The Home Depot Backyard for four days celebrating 200+ celebrated chefs alongside top sommeliers, mixologists, and spirits producers. The expanded Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods are the centerpiece, but intimate cooking demos and Smoke & South sessions with pit masters add distinctive Southern character. The definitive event for understanding the modern South's extraordinary food-and-beverage scene.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near AtlantaVienna, Austria
One of Europe's most original wine events: on one September weekend, Vienna's winemaking districts open their Heuriger (wine taverns) along four scenic hiking routes through the city's own vineyards. Route signs lead hikers through Neustift, Nussdorf, Stammersdorf, Ottakring, and Mauer — the only major European capital that produces wine within city limits. A perfect blend of outdoor Vienna and authentic local wine culture.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near ViennaEisenstadt, Austria
A cultural-culinary hybrid at the magnificent Esterházy Palace in Burgenland: 12 days in September combining classical, jazz, and Balkan Roma music with Burgenland wine tastings in the palace's baroque gardens. The historic Esterházy estate surrounds the venue, and Burgenland — Austria's sunniest wine region — produces powerful reds (Blaufränkisch) and luscious sweet wines (from the Neusiedlersee fog). A luxury wine-and-music experience for the discerning traveler.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near EisenstadtPrague, Czech Republic
One of Central Europe's most atmospheric wine events: the annual harvest festival set in the Royal Garden of Prague Castle on the first weekend of September. Czech and Moravian producers from both Bohemia and Moravia pour their wines against the backdrop of one of the world's most complete medieval castle complexes. The 18th edition in 2025 combines wine discovery with free castle garden access and live cultural programming.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near PragueRhinebeck, United States
A beloved two-day outdoor festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck celebrating 25+ years of Hudson Valley wine, food, and craft beverages. With 200+ vendors spanning regional wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers, it captures the full breadth of the Hudson Valley's agricultural bounty. The riverside setting and autumn foliage make it one of the most scenic wine festivals in the Northeast.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near RhinebeckMontefalco, Italy
Montefalco's annual celebration of Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG — Italy's most tannic grape variety, produced in tiny quantities in the Umbrian hills. The village streets fill with producers pouring both Sagrantino Secco and the traditional Passito sweet version, alongside local olive oil and black truffle.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near MontefalcoKlosterneuburg, Austria
A two-day harvest celebration at one of the world's oldest and largest monastic wineries — Klosterneuburg Abbey, founded in 1114, operates 108 hectares of vineyards in the Danube wine country just 12km from Vienna. The Weingutsfest opens the historic monastery cellars for tastings of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and red blends, with cellar tours and abbey tours included. Intimate scale, extraordinary setting.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near KlosterneuburgNemea, Greece
Three days each September when around 30 Nemea wineries simultaneously open for visits and tastings of Agiorgitiko — Greece's most important red grape, producing wines that range from light rosé to profound, age-worthy reds. The opening symposium 'The Symposium of Angels' frames the weekend's explorations, and winery access normally unavailable to tourists becomes freely granted. A must for anyone discovering Greek wine.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near NemeaConstantia, South Africa
Constantia, South Africa's oldest wine estate region and Cape Town's backyard wine valley, hosts an annual September tasting event where six premium wineries — Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Steenberg, Eagles' Nest, and Constantia Glen — open their cellars simultaneously. The historical significance of Constantia wine (Napoleon's favourite Vin de Constance) adds depth to a beautiful setting.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near ConstantiaKeremeos, Canada
Canada's most organic wine valley — 80% of Similkameen producers farm organically or biodynamically — celebrates its harvest with an autumn cellar door weekend. Small family-owned wineries like Clos du Soleil, Orofino, and Eau Vivre open their doors to visitors who want a less commercial alternative to the Okanagan. The dramatic canyon landscape of the Similkameen River adds a rugged character.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near KeremeosHealdsburg, United States
Sonoma County Vintners' premium charity auction event, anchored by a Friday welcome reception and Saturday live auction at a prestigious Sonoma winery venue. Now evolved from the historic Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, this is the region's premier charity wine event, raising funds for Sonoma County nonprofits. The VIP access lots include private winery experiences rarely available to the public.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near HealdsburgChicago, United States
Chicago's premier food and wine festival occupies the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park each late September, drawing James Beard Award winners and top chefs for four days of themed culinary experiences. The centerpiece Grand Cru event pairs acclaimed cuisine with fine wines and spirits in ticketed afternoon and evening sessions, while other events include Hamburger Hop, Tacos & Tequila with Rick Bayless, and Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch. With the Bean and cloud gate as backdrop, it is as much a signature Chicago experience as a food festival.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near ChicagoAsti, Italy
Asti's annual wine competition and festival, one of Italy's oldest wine competitions dating to 1967. Over 300 Piedmontese wines judged by an expert panel; public tasting weekends in Asti's Palazzo del Michelerio let visitors discover award winners including Barbera d'Asti, Moscato, Barolo, and Gavi.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near AstiManduria, Italy
The Primitivo di Manduria DOC and DOCG zone celebrates its harvest with a festival in Manduria, the capital of the Primitivo zone in Puglia. Producers pour their powerful, sun-drenched Primitivo wines alongside traditional Puglian food — orecchiette, burrata, and lamb — in the historic centre of this Messapian city.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near ManduriaMudgee, Australia
Mudgee's spring wine festival showcases this underrated New South Wales region's Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet. Set in the historic gold rush town, the festival spans cellar door events, long lunches, and open vineyard days across 30+ wineries. Mudgee's 150-year wine history and heritage streetscapes give it a character unlike the Barossa or Hunter.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near MudgeeCape Town, South Africa
South Africa's most important wine trade fair, held biennially at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Leading Cape producers exhibit to international buyers, sommeliers, and journalists — but also open to wine enthusiasts on the final day. Considered the showcase event for tracking trends in South African Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Pinotage.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Cape TownPezinok, Slovakia
The highlight of the Slovak wine calendar: a three-day September harvest festival in Pezinok, gateway to the Small Carpathian wine region, where local producers present their wines in the medieval town centre. The Small Carpathian Wine Route — one of Europe's oldest — passes through Pezinok, Modra, and Svätý Jur, producing Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Blaufränkisch in a landscape reminiscent of Burgundy. An underrated Central European wine destination.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near PezinokGavi, Italy
The annual celebration of Gavi DOCG — Piedmont's finest white wine, made from Cortese grapes around the medieval hilltop town of Gavi. The event includes cellar open days across the consorzio members, a grand tasting in the Forte di Gavi fortress, and food pairings with Piedmontese cuisine.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near GaviPalisade, United States
America's highest-altitude wine festival, held at Riverbend Park in Palisade against the dramatic backdrop of the Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument. The 35th annual edition in 2026 is going intentionally smaller — under 2,000 attendees — creating an intimate festival format with Colorado's best mountain wineries. The Grand Junction/Palisade valley produces surprisingly serious wines from Cabernet Franc and Riesling.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near PalisadeLivermore, United States
An intimate outdoor garden party and charity auction raising funds for local Livermore Valley nonprofits, held at Wente Family Vineyards — California's oldest continuously operating family winery. The afternoon format (2-5pm) features live and silent auctions of rare wines and exclusive winery experiences. A well-kept secret compared to Napa, with excellent producer access and a welcoming atmosphere.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near LivermoreNapa, United States
A uniquely mobile harvest wine experience aboard the historic Napa Valley Wine Train, pairing a moving vineyard panorama through peak-harvest Napa Valley with gourmet food and tastings from select Napa wineries. The train route from Napa to St. Helena passes through the valley's most scenic vine blocks while guests dine in restored 1917 Pullman cars. An accessible, curated alternative to the standard winery circuit.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near NapaCedarburg, United States
One of Wisconsin's longest-running harvest celebrations, this free two-day September event transforms the National Register of Historic Places district of downtown Cedarburg into an open-air wine and harvest fair. The 51st edition in 2025 featured live music, grape stomp competitions, pumpkin boat races, a giant pumpkin weigh-off, farmer's market, artisan vendors, and a wine and beer garden — all free to attend. Set in one of Wisconsin's most charming 19th-century stone mill towns, it doubles as a fall foliage weekend.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near CedarburgRose Hill, United States
A harvest celebration dedicated to North Carolina's indigenous Muscadine grape — the cornerstone of Southeastern wine culture since colonial times. The annual September festival invites visitors to discover this distinct native grape variety through tastings from NC Muscadine wine producers, paired with traditional Southern food. An authentic, culturally rooted wine event unlike anything found in mainstream wine tourism.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Rose HillPlan ahead — these festivals are next on the calendar. Book accommodation early; festival hotels fill up months in advance.
Alba, Italy
The world's most prestigious truffle market held every weekend in October-November in Alba. White Alba truffles (Tuber magnatum pico) auctioned and sold alongside Barolo and Barbaresco from 50+ producers; truffle hunters, cooking demos, wine pairings. Running since 1929, it draws chefs, sommeliers, and food lovers from across the world to the Langhe hills.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near AlbaAlba, Italy
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near AlbaChișinău, Moldova
Moldova's biggest annual celebration of its winemaking heritage takes over central Chișinău for two days. Over 70 wineries set up tasting pavilions, with folk music, traditional food, and grape-treading contests. The event highlights Moldova's 5,000-year winemaking tradition and its massive underground cellars at Mileștii Mici and Cricova.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near ChișinăuZurich, Switzerland
One of Europe's largest public wine tastings, held aboard twelve ships moored on Lake Zurich. Over 4,000 wines from 180 exhibitors across Switzerland and the world are available for tasting in the unique floating venue. Running since 1954, it has become a Zurich institution every November.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near ZurichKelowna, Canada
Western Canada's largest wine celebration transforms the Okanagan Valley into a 10-day tasting extravaganza. Over 170 events across 100+ wineries include vineyard dinners, grape stomps, barrel tastings, and the famous Burrowing Owl concert. The harvest-season timing means freshly crushed juice is flowing alongside finished wines.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near KelownaSant Sadurní d'Anoia, Spain
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.
Festival detailsWhere to stay near Sant Sadurní d'AnoiaBrowse every wine festival by country and month, or jump straight to a specific month's line-up.