Time to party and enjoy
There is now a festive atmosphere in the air throughout the wine regions. After weeks of hard work in the vineyard, the harvest is in, the cellar is full, and excitement is in the air. And it’s exactly at this moment that the gates open in many places: winegrowers invite friends, neighbours and wine lovers to celebrate together. Whether in the Moselle, the Palatinate or Tuscany – if you’re in the mood to raise a glass, you’ll find a festival almost every weekend. From small village celebrations to urban natural wine markets in the big city, autumn is full of opportunities and a time when wine is not only enjoyed, but truly lived.
Traditional wine festivals
Wine festivals are as old as viticulture itself. For thousands of years, people have marked the harvest with celebrations that honour the end of hard work in the vineyard. They bring together agriculture and joie de vivre, work and pleasure, tradition and community. It’s all about regional culture, music, dance – and of course, the first sip of the new vintage.
From Europe to overseas, these traditions take on many different forms: in France, for example, entire villages in Burgundy or Beaujolais are decked out in colourful decorations when the first Beaujolais Nouveau is poured. In Italy, the Vendemmia festivals have a long tradition (vendemmia is the Italian word for grape harvest) – from Tuscany to Sicily, the harvest is celebrated with processions, village fêtes and culinary markets. Well-known highlights include the Festa dell’Uva e del Vino in Bardolino on Lake Garda, the Festa dell’Uva in Impruneta, Tuscany, and the International Grape Festival in Mazzarrone, Sicily. In Germany, hardly any other duo is as synonymous with autumn as Federweißer – the palatable, still-fermenting young wine – and freshly baked onion tart. Whether in the Palatinate, Rheinhessen or Saxony, Federweißer festivals draw crowds to wineries, where long wooden tables are filled with people laughing, making music and savouring the flavours of autumn. Along the German Wine Route and the Moselle, one festival follows another – complete with parades and fireworks, wine queens and regional specialities.
In Germany, hardly any other duo is as synonymous with autumn as Federweißer – the palatable, still-fermenting young wine – and freshly baked onion tart.
In Portugal, the Vindouro Festival in São João da Pesqueira in the Douro Valley has a particularly traditional character: wine tastings, historical parades, music and great joy at the harvest season. In Greece, on Kefalonia, the Festival of the Grape Harvest and Moustalevria in Troianata combines grape picking with traditional pressing and the making of moustalevria – a sweet pudding made from grape must. And even in the New World, old customs are being revived: in California, winemakers invite guests to grape stomping and vineyard picnics during the so-called “Harvest Celebrations” – an umbrella term for various harvest and wine events.
Each festival bears the hallmarks of its region and conveys a strong sense of home. Yet as varied as they may be – whether Federweißer and onion tart in Germany, truffles and Vino Novello in Italy or a grape festival overseas – everywhere, in autumn, wine becomes a feast for the senses, deeply rooted in local culture.
Each festival bears the hallmarks of its region and conveys a strong sense of home. Yet as varied as they may be – whether Federweißer and onion tart in Germany, truffles and Vino Novello in Italy or a grape festival overseas – everywhere, in autumn, wine becomes a feast for the senses, deeply rooted in local culture.
Modern, young formats – where tradition meets innovation
Alongside the classic wine festivals, a fresh and unconventional scene has emerged in recent years – experimental, urban, and aimed at a younger generation of wine lovers. Across many regions, new formats invite people to experience wine in contemporary settings. Instead of traditional parades and brass bands, winemakers now host “wine & dine” evenings, concerts among the vines or open-air cinema nights in the vineyard.Natural wine markets:
In cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Vienna, young vintners showcase their natural and orange wines. The audience is young, curious and open-minded. Here it’s not just about tasting, but also about conversations on craftsmanship, sustainability and style. The atmosphere is relaxed and urban – almost like a street food festival, only with wine.Open cellar doors:
In autumn, many wineries invite guests behind the scenes. Visitors can taste fermenting must and watch the cellar master at work. Experiencing wine not only in the glass but also in its making is something truly special.Small-scale winegrower events:
Creative formats such as guided walks through colourful vineyards, intimate harvest parties, barn concerts or pop-up dinners between the vines are increasingly popular. They turn wine into an experience for all the senses and make autumn appealing to younger wine lovers who seek out new, non-traditional ways to enjoy wine.International examples:
In Spain’s Rioja region, culinary festivals pair top chefs with regional products – always accompanied by the right wine. In South Africa, wineries around Stellenbosch combine tastings with jazz and art installations. And in California, “wine walks” in cities like San Luis Obispo or Napa blend urban lifestyle with the charm of wine country.
These new concepts show just how versatile wine culture can be: it bridges generations and tastes while staying true to its roots. Wine can be as modern and urban as it is traditional.
Experience autumn actively
Whether traditional or modern, autumn is a paradise for wine lovers. Celebrating in the vineyard means far more than just wine tastings. Many regions invite visitors to enjoy colourful wine walks, where golden vineyards, fresh air and small culinary stops come together in perfect harmony. In some places, guests can even join in as harvest helpers or take part in traditional grape treading in Spain. And those drawn to more distant destinations will discover an unforgettable highlight at the grand harvest festival in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, where wine, music and Latin American joie de vivre unite. Autumn thus becomes not only a season of indulgence, but also of discovery, hiking and travel.
Are you in the mood to travel now? You can find even more inspiration in our article on autumn wine tours.
Discover autumn wine tours
Discover autumn wine tours
Experience wine as culture
Autumn wine is more than just a drink – it’s culture, community and joie de vivre. You can feel it at festivals, markets, open cellars and gatherings. Autumn invites you to experience this culture firsthand: with a glass of Federweißer in hand, chatting with the winemaker in the cellar, or discovering new flavours in the city. Anyone who joins in will quickly realise that a wine event in autumn is not just pleasurable, but a feast for the senses – and a celebration of life itself.
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