We're celebrating the grape harvest: 3 events not to be missed!

October holds a special significance for winemakers as they celebrate the harvest, marking the end of several weeks of hard work.

Here are 3 celebrations worth experiencing!

On the Alsace Wine Route

First, take a detour to Barr for its traditional Harvest Festival. The capital of Alsace wines in the Bas-Rhin region, the birthplace of the first Gewurztraminer vine and a symbolic place where Alsace pioneers fought against phylloxera, lights up for a festive weekend. The program includes: tasting of new wines, a floral parade, flea market, gala concert, grand fireworks display, dances, and folk entertainment crowned by the election of the Harvest Queen!

Where? 1, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 67140 Barr

When? September 29 to October 1

Discover Catalan Traditions

Next, we invite you to the Catalan land, in the charming village of Banyuls-sur-Mer for its famous Harvest Festival. For this 22nd edition, 17 associations with over 50 volunteers offer five days of numerous festive and gourmet events: tastings of AOC Banyuls and Collioure wines paired with seafood, local market, shows and brass bands, vineyard discovery walk, tasting workshop, and not to forget the "grand déjeuner des colles" followed by the arrival of the harvest by sea with traditional Catalan boats.

Where? Banyuls-sur-Mer

When? October 4 to 8

The Montmartre Vineyard Shines

Finally, for those in the capital, don’t miss the Montmartre Harvest Festival on the heights of the butte, at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur. The third most popular event after Paris Plages and Nuit Blanche, this 18th edition "celebrates the lights" with renowned patrons: Hugues Aufray and Sarah Biasini. Portugal has been chosen as the guest country. The program includes: exhibitions, screenings, concerts, workshops, tastings of artisanal products, and a 100% Portuguese tasting trail. Enjoy vinho verde, leitão (suckling pig), chanfana (goat stew cooked in red wine), or pasteis de Tentugal (egg cream pastries). This year, residents and shopkeepers in the 18th arrondissement are invited to place a lantern or candleholder on their balconies, adding to the brilliance of this renowned festival!

Where? Montmartre, 75018 Paris

When? October 11 to 15

And for those who prefer to stay comfortably at home, we suggest celebrating the harvest with our selection of partners in AOC Banyuls and AOC Alsace available on Avenuedesvins.fr.

Have any other great tips to share? Feel free to let us know in the comments!

FAQ - Harvest festivals

When does the Barr Harvest Festival in Alsace take place?

The Barr Harvest Festival runs from September 29 to October 1, at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville (67140 Barr). As the capital of Bas-Rhin's Alsace wines, the town offers new-wine tastings, a floral parade, a fireworks display and the election of the Harvest Queen.

What can you do at the Banyuls-sur-Mer Harvest Festival?

In Banyuls-sur-Mer, the festival takes place from October 4 to 8. It features tastings of AOC Banyuls and Collioure wines paired with seafood, a local market, a vineyard walk and the arrival of the harvest by sea aboard traditional Catalan boats.

Where is the Montmartre Harvest Festival held?

It is held on the heights of the butte, at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris (75018), from October 11 to 15. Exhibitions, concerts, workshops and tastings animate this very popular Parisian event.

Which wines should you choose to celebrate the harvest at home?

To bring the atmosphere home, you can open a wine from the appellations featured during these festivals, especially AOC Banyuls and AOC Alsace. On Avenue des Vins, these cuvées come straight from the winegrower, at grower's prices.

Why do harvest festivals take place in October?

October marks the end of the harvest for many winegrowers, after several weeks of hard work. These festivals celebrate the crop and the new wine, which is why they are concentrated during this autumn period.