Follow this part of the trail
8 articles
Every summer Friday, the Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle in Montpellier transforms into a lively open-air market with local winemakers, food stalls, and live music. Entry is free; a small fee covers a tasting glass and samples. This guide explains what to expect, practical tips, and how to verify current dates.
Every October, the hilltop village of Montmartre in Paris's 18th arrondissement celebrates the grape harvest of its tiny Clos Montmartre vineyard with a multi-day festival of parades, tastings, concerts, and quirky traditions. This guide explains what to expect, how to plan your visit, and what to know before you go.
The Madeira Wine Festival is a cultural and ethnographic celebration of the island's fortified wine, centered in Funchal and spreading to nearby towns each year. Expect the Madeira Wine Lounge at Praça do Povo with tastings and themed dinners, grape stomping in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, concerts, and the chance to explore historic wine lodges. Since dates and venues shift annually, always verify the current schedule through the official Visit Madeira site before you book.
Autumn is the most vibrant time to explore Bordeaux's vineyards, as the vendanges unfold across the region. From château open days where you can watch or join the harvest, to village festivals and gourmet events, here is your guide to planning a harvest weekend in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Fête le Vin returns to the Garonne quays from July 7 to 11, 2027, coinciding with the Tall Ships Races. This guide covers dates, location, the Tasting Pass, appellation pavilions, food, entertainment, and practical tips for planning your visit.
The Foire aux Vins d'Alsace is a ten-day wine and music festival held each summer at the Colmar Exhibition Centre. This guide explains the fair's dual character, how to approach tastings and concerts, and how to combine the event with exploring the Route des Vins. Dates, prices, and line-ups change annually, so always verify current details with the official organizer.
Vinitaly and the City is the public-facing counterpart to Vinitaly, Verona's major wine trade fair. It transforms the historic center into a stage for tastings, wine talks, and cultural events, offering access to palaces and squares that are usually closed to the public. This guide explains how it differs from the main fair, what you can expect, and how to plan your visit.
Douja d'Or is a national wine competition and festival held in the historic center of Asti, Italy, each September. For ten days spanning two weekends, visitors can taste hundreds of DOC and DOCG wines, watch top chefs present signature dishes, and join cultural events. This guide explains the competition's scoring system, what to expect, how to plan your visit, and how it connects to the Palio and the Festival delle Sagre.
