Did you know that you can treat yourself to a tourist harvest experience in some French vineyards? France.fr explains how to follow in the footsteps of a winemaker for a day… From the Loire Valley to Burgundy, discover the most beautiful French vineyards.
All about the harvest
Harvesting is organised from the end of August to the end of October and generally takes place for 8 to 15 days depending on the estates, the size of the vineyard, weather conditions and the technique used to harvest. Manual harvesting – carried out by hand – is used where the bunches need to be carefully selected to produce the best wines and naturally this takes longer than mechanical harvesting. Also, harvesting time is affected by regional conditions which can require earlier or later picking, depending on the maturity of the grapes. It isn’t the winegrowers who decide when the harvest begins. They must wait for an authorised harvest date from local prefects to begin harvesting their plots. This is called “le ban des vendanges”. The pickers celebrate the beginning and end of the harvest with festive parties!
Experience n°1: party at the Vendanges Musicales festival
A ticket to the Les Vendanges Musicales festival is the perfect way to combine wine and culture! Over the past ten years, this Vignobles et Découvertes-certified wine event, dedicated to pop-rock music, has become a not-to-be-missed event. Held in September in Charnay en Beaujolais, near Lyon, it brings together established artists from the French chanson scene as well as up-and-coming talents. A great way to perpetuate the festive tradition that surrounds the grape harvest!
Experience n°2: Culture at the Anjou Vine and Wine Museum
Discover all about the local terroir of the Anjou-Saumur wine region at the museum of the vine and wines of Anjou. Located in the heart of the region, here you can learn about the history and evolution of viticulture and discover the know-how of the winemaker's profession. Throughout the year, the museum offers many activities including a Harvest Weekend dedicated to the discovery of wine, held on the first weekend of October. Join guided walks or yoga sessions in the vineyards, wine-themed cooking workshops and guided tours of the museum. The visit ends with a tasting of freshly squeezed grape juice! Note: the museum is closed from November to April.
Experience n°3: Join an oenological course at the School of Champagne Wines
Discover how champagne is made! At the École des vins de Champagne, Villa Bissinger, join an oenological course to learn about the different grape varieties, appellations, and wine specificities. Discovery workshops from 90 minutes to a whole day are available for groups and pairs. The school is located in a former trading house, in the heart of the Champagne vineyards – a real bonus. This would make a great treat either for you or a loved one.
Experience n°5: Join a tourist harvest in the Loire Valley
The Château de Nitray in the Loire Valley offers the chance to experience the harvest life from September to November. Participate in the grape picking and pressing. While you enjoy a delicious lunch, an accordionist performs the most beautiful traditional French tunes. Afterwards, take a tour of the estate with the owner and visit the cellars and the tasting room. For just €42 per person for the day, you’ll learn about the art of harvesting and the richness of the French terroir on this friendly, gourmet tour. Pruning shears and boots are included!
Experience N°6: explore the Alsatian vineyards by little tourist train
Riesling, muscat, pinot gris and gewurztraminer – these are the kings at the end-of-year celebrations! Produced in Alsace, these sweet wines come from the late harvest. At the point when the traditional harvest has finished, Alsatian winegrowers start to harvest the grapes they leave on the vibes to ripen long after they have matured. Discover all about Alsatian vineyards with a ride on a little tourist gourmet train through the vineyards! Between Eguisheim and Rouffach, every Tuesday and Thursday (June to end of September), a small train crisscrosses the vineyards for a tour lasting 5 and a half hours. Included in the programme is a guided tour of the medieval village of Gueberschwihr, tasting in the vineyards and many other surprises that reveal the heritage and terroir of the area. You can choose from four routes and become an expert on the wines of Alsace and its late harvest!
Find out more about the late harvest in Alsace
By Sandy Pérolle
Epicurean and lifestyle specialist.
