Grape harvest festivals are a true celebration of the character and traditions deeply rooted in the world of wine. These festivities, which mark the end of the grape harvest, are celebrated with great enthusiasm in numerous locations throughout Spain. Each region brings its own special touch, offering a rich variety of events and activities that reflect the area's passion and winemaking history.
One of the most emblematic events is the traditional grape treading. This festive experience connects participants to ancient winemaking practices. This act, besides being a fun tradition, symbolises the beginning of the process of transforming grapes into wine. Another highlight is the tasting of the first must, which allows attendees to enjoy the first tastes of the wine of the harvest. Harvest festivals also include a wide range of activities related to oenology, with many wineries opening their doors to the public, offering guided tours and special events that allow visitors to learn more about the winemaking process.
Here are some of the most important harvest festivals that are a must. Each offers a unique insight into the vibrant world of wine.
A magical encounter with tradition and flavour
Portugal, a land of age-old traditions, finds in wine the purest expression of its culture and landscape. As in Spain, in September, they allow visitors and wine lovers to immerse themselves in the Portuguese wine culture during September, allowing them to participate in the entire process, from the harvesting of the grapes to their traditional treading in wine presses.
You can enjoy all this just 70 kilometres away from the Spanish border at our only Parador outside the national territory, the Parador Casa da Ínsua, which organises a day of grape harvesting in a getaway where you can enjoy the whole process and, in addition, delight in the best traditional gastronomy.
It is the ideal destination for lovers of good wine and good food. Not only that, the history of this sunny baroque-style house, built in the second half of the 18th century, has as its most characteristic image its imposing facade and its magnificent gardens in English and French style.
Converted into a Parador, it allows you to enjoy moments of leisure or unforgettable events, such as the grape harvest, with a wine cellar with its wine production. This museum traces the life and history of its founders, and other activities, such as tasting cheeses made on the estate.
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A Sensory Journey to the Wine Tradition
The grape harvest festival in Montilla, located on the Montilla-Moriles Wine Route, has been declared of tourist interest for its rich tradition and vibrant atmosphere. In the district of El Gran Capitán, the emblematic grape treading is held, an event in which the first grape juice of the year is extracted and presented to the Virgen de las Viñas in a ceremony charged with meaning. During this festivity, the town also hosts the Flamenco Tasting, the Wine and Tapas Festival, the Craftsmanship Competition, equestrian exhibitions, the fiesta’s opening speech and various musical performances, creating a unique festive and cultural environment.
For those who wish to combine the experience of the grape harvest with quality accommodation, the Parador de Córdoba is an exceptional choice. Set in a historic setting and surrounded by well-kept gardens, this parador offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. In addition, its strategic location in Cordoba allows you to easily explore the Montilla-Moriles Wine Route and other nearby wine regions. With spacious and elegant rooms, a restaurant offering the best of local cuisine, and a swimming pool to relax after a day of exploring, the Parador de Córdoba provides a perfect base to enjoy the grape harvest festivities and explore the region's rich wine heritage.
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The essence of wine in every sip
Another grape harvest festival that takes visitors back in time and revives traditions is the celebration in Toro, Zamora, an essential stop on the Wine Route. During October, around the feast of the Virgen del Pilar, the city is transformed into an authentic journey back in time. At the Fiesta de la Vendimia, the traditional artisan methods of winemaking are revived, offering a unique immersion in the region’s wine culture.
The event is notable for its parade of traditional wagons, loaded with grapes and decorated with care as in the olden days. Both children and adults dress up in the clothes of farmers and peasants, taking part in a celebration that recalls the agricultural past of the area. In addition, the festivities include a medieval market full of craft and food stalls, medieval jousting in the Bullring, and various activities that enrich the festive experience.
For those looking to combine this fascinating grape harvest experience with memorable accommodation, the Parador de Zamora is the ideal choice. Housed in a historic building that combines Renaissance and medieval architectural elements, the Parador offers an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. Its impressive facade and carefully restored interior perfectly complement the authenticity of the Fiesta de la Vendimia.
The heart of wine in Castilla y León
Rueda is synonymous with high-quality white wine, especially that made from the Verdejo grape. This charming town has earned a prominent place among wine enthusiasts thanks to its rich winemaking tradition. During the grape harvest season, Rueda becomes a bustling scene of activity and celebration. Local wineries offer tours that allow you to learn about traditional and modern winemaking methods, as well as tasting wines straight from the barrel. At the same time, the town’s streets fill with festive and colourful celebrations.
The grape harvest in the Rueda DO begins at the end of August and runs through September. Its distinctive feature is the night-time, mechanised harvest, which takes advantage of the low temperatures to minimise the oxidation of the grapes.
In terms of popular festivities, Serrada celebrates its Grape Harvest Festival on the third weekend in September. The grape treading and the tasting of the first must of the year stand out.
To complete your experience in Rueda, we recommend the Parador de Tordesillas. Housed in an imposing 16th-century building that was once a monastery, the Parador, set in historic surroundings with Renaissance architecture and elegantly restored rooms, provides a perfect base for exploring the wine region and enjoying the grape harvest festivities. Its spacious and elegant rooms, together with its restaurant serving local dishes made with fresh local ingredients, ensure a memorable stay.
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The Magic of Wine in Every Glass
From 20 to 26 September, Logroño celebrates the Fiesta de la Vendimia Riojana, an event of national tourist interest that coincides with the festivities of San Mateo. This vibrant festival marks the start of the grape harvest, with the traditional offering of the must, from the first pressing to the Virgen de Valvanera, patron saint of La Rioja. The festivities include a lively mix of tastings, parades, concerts and craft markets that attract thousands of visitors each year. During September and October, several wineries in La Rioja offer immersive experiences related to the grape harvest.
To enjoy the full experience and not miss anything, what better way to do so than to stay in one of the Paradors in the area? The Parador Santo Domingo de la Calzada, located in the historic municipality of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, offers a stay in a building that combines elegance with history. With its medieval architecture and impressive courtyard, this parador offers the perfect setting to relax after a day of festivities.
The Parador de Calahorra is another excellent option. This parador has a contemporary design that offers comfort and style. Its proximity to Logroño makes it easy to access the Fiesta de la Vendimia Riojana, allowing you to enjoy the celebrations without having to travel too far.
For a similarly enriching experience, the Parador Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda in Laguardia is an outstanding option. This Parador, located in a medieval village, offers total immersion in the wine-growing environment with its period architecture and panoramic views. In each of these paradors, you can enjoy a comfortable and high-quality stay that will perfectly complement your grape harvest experience in the different wine regions.
BOOK AT THE PARADOR IN SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA
BOOK AT THE PARADOR DE CALAHORRA
BOOK AT THE PARADOR OF SANTO DOMINGO BERNARDO DE FRESNEDA
The cradle of an exceptional wine
Ribera del Duero, one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, is famous for its exquisite red wines made mainly from the Tempranillo grape. During the harvest season, which runs from late September to early October, this region is transformed into a vibrant scene of activity and celebration.
SStretching the length of the province of Burgos, it encompasses many towns and villages that fully immerse you in the region’s wine culture. Lerma, with its picturesque charm, is the perfect starting point for exploring the region and enjoying the grape harvest festivities. From the Parador de Lerma you can travel to different activities in other towns, such as Aranda de Duero or Roa, just half an hour away, where you can visit renowned wineries, enjoy exquisite local cuisine and participate in various festive events. If your stay is longer than two days, we recommend visiting other towns, such as Peñafiel, famous for its imposing castle and wine museum, San Esteban de Gormaz or Valbuena de Duero, which also offer unique experiences during the grape harvest and are only an hour away from the Parador.
After these exhausting days, you will be grateful for a rest in a quiet place. We suggest the Parador de Lerma, a 17th-century building that originally served as a convent. Its Renaissance architecture, with an impressive facade and elegant rooms, offers an accommodation experience that combines history and modern comfort. You can relax in its beautiful gardens or enjoy the terrace with panoramic views of the natural surroundings while sipping a Ribera del Duero wine.
The refuge of Albariño wine and its freshness
The grape harvest in the Rías Baixas, one of Galicia’s most prestigious wine regions, is an event full of life and tradition that attracts locals and visitors alike. This region, known mainly for its white wines made from the Albariño grape, celebrates the harvest way vibrantly and festively, offering various activities that allow those interested in immersing themselves in the world of wine.
During this season, the Rías Baixas Wine Route and its associated wineries offer special activities for those interested in experiencing this crucial moment in the world of wine up close. The appellation carries out the harvest in the traditional way, entirely by hand, which adds an authentic touch to the experience.
On 27 September, the Rías Baixas Regulatory Council organises its traditional grape harvest tasting in Pontevedra. This event is an excellent opportunity to taste the wines of the new vintage and participate in a celebration that highlights the quality and flavour of the region’s wines. You can also enjoy markets, festivals, guided tours and experiences in the wineries located in the surrounding area.
To complement your visit to the Rías Baixas and make the most of the grape harvest, the Parador de Pontevedra is the ideal place to stay. This historic Parador, housed in a former convent with impressive period architecture, offers modern comfort in a setting full of character. After a day of wine activities, you can relax in the elegant rooms and enjoy the local cuisine in the ’Parador’s restaurant. In addition, the Parador de Pontevedra is strategically located near the main wineries and grape harvest events, making it easy to access all the region’s activities.
