Saint-Émilion Grape Harvest Festival
Saint-Émilion is a commune in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in Southwestern France. It's in a region of wine hills steeped in wine making history that is still relevant today. Saint-Émilion is one of those stunning medieval cities that France is well known for and it's conveniently located at the crossroads of Bordeaux, Saintonge and Périgord. I mean, how more perfect could the town's location be for those of us that like to explore the very best of France! Saint-Émilion is also a UNESCO World Heritage.
Today we're sharing some information about Saint-Émilion and its famous grape harvest festival, Fête des Vendanges, which is currently on right now.
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Saint Émilion - in Gironde
Beautiful Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion has lots to see including a medieval church, small picturesque cobblestone streets and the ruins of its castle.
The Autumn festival in Saint-Émilion celebrates the local wine and ancient heritage of the city. There is even an ancient brotherhood of wine called the 'Jurade' who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
The Jurade Brotherhood of Saint-Émilion
The brotherhood was revived in 1948 and now the Jurade are ambassadors of the wines of Saint-Émilion and promote the regions' wines with organised tastings all over the world. They also pronounce the "Jugement du Vin Nouveau" on the third Sunday in June (which is a celebration signalling the beginning of the grape harvest), and are an important part of the "Fête des Vendanges" (vintages) which is held in late September or October each year. During festivals the brotherhood climbs the 13th century Tour du Roy to announce the new vintage.
Saint Émilion - Tour du Roi or Kings Tower
Finding small festivals and unique experiences to share with you all is something I love to do. I know you enjoy reading about wonderful experiences and iconic tourist spots in major cities throughout France, but sometimes it's the home-grown or local events that can surprise and entrance you. Specific to a region or town, if your itinerary allows the extra time, you may find that smaller events shared with locals will be your most memorial experiences.
During the Fête des Vendanges, there are processions, wine tastings, workshops on wine making, local arts crafts and produce on display and for sale, château tours and elegant lunches in the grounds of privately owned châteaux. Tickets can be purchased from the Saint-Émilion Office of Tourisme.
Saint Émilion - in Gironde
Celebrating the grape harvest is a cause for celebration and ceremony at many French vineyards when towns and villages come alive with events to mark the occasion. Over the remaining weeks of October, harvest celebrations will continue across France including in the Montmartre district of Paris and at Clos de Montmartre.
- Can you believe there are more vineyards that remain in Paris? Here's all you need to know about them - https://www.afrenchcollection.com/paris-vineyards-the-remaining-vineyards-of-paris/
- You can find out more about events around the vineyards in Saint-Émilion here - https://www.vins-saint-emilion.com
- Get information on Montmartre vineyard events here - https://fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com
