🍷 Wine harvest festival

A wine harvest festival is an autumn celebration of the grape harvest in wine regions. It is held in Europe and in other regions where vines are grown. It usually takes place in September or October, when picking ends. Growers give thanks for the harvest, meet each other and taste young wine.

Each place has its own traditions. In Georgia it is rtveli, a big festival with singing, dancing and laid tables. In Switzerland the famous Fête des Vignerons is held in Vevey, but only very rarely. In other countries there are parades with bunches of grapes, a grape queen is chosen and fairs are held. In November many countries mark Saint Martin's Day, when the first young wine is tasted.

The festival is tied to the harvest, the main event of the wine year. It shows the importance of grapes for the culture and life of local people. Festivals attract tourists and help preserve traditions. There one can get to know local food, music and crafts. And wine is served everywhere in moderation, as part of a shared meal.