Wine
enthusiasts are in luck in September, when the harvest takes place
throughout the length and breadth of Spain, becoming a tourist
attraction for thousands. Thus, numerous kinds of festivities take
place at the main Spanish wine-growing regions, in order to perpetuate
a centuries old tradition preserving its flavour and charm.
From Huelva to Catalonia, these traditional festivities, where both locals and visitors tread grapes barefooted and make the harvest’s first must, are widespread. Nevertheless, the most popular are held in Rioja Alavesa and at Ribera del Duero and Rueda municipalities.
In certain towns belonging to Rioja Alavesa wine route, such as Baños de Ebro, Cripán, El Ciego, Elvillar, Labastida, Laguardia, Lanciego, Lapuebla de Labarca, Leza, Moreda de Álava, Navaridas, Oyón, Samaniego, Villabuena de Álava and Yécora, streets get packed with tourists aiming to soak the smell and taste of freshly harvested grapes. Once grapes are treaded, fine wine lovers may enjoy a tasting of a variety of local wines.
Nonetheless, the experience does not only revolve around vines and their by-products: local wines, foods and handicrafts are all present to enhance the visitors’ stay. For instance, at the harvest fest in Moreda, tourists enjoied a genuine wine-growing region landscape where vines stood next to craft selling stalls, local gastronomy, and a number of activities, including traditional dancers and games for children.
In places like Peñafiel, at the very heart of Ribera del Duero, the harvest fest has become a very special event, rounded off with the celebration of Riberjóven. From October 7th onwards, visitors will have the opportunity to taste 85 different types of wine, poured by professional sommeliers and served with tapas and local food products.
Also in Valladolid, although within the Designation of Origin Rueda, another unusual harvest fest takes place. This DO region holds the verdejo white grape as its symbol, and will offer a wide range of activities during the first days of October to celebrate the grape harvest, as well as the start of the new season. Rueda has made up a programme based upon a genuine crafts market, enlivened by music performances. The city council will also offer a paellada at the old quarter for over 3.000 visitors. After that, some popular folk dances will be performed, followed by a final show by the band Candeal at the Main Square. A wide range of activities will make the celebration of the arrival of the harvest and the new season to the lands of Spain an unforgettable event.