The European grape harvest season is almost upon us! Traveling during grape harvest season is a unique time to see Europe in its brilliant splendor! Not only are the leaves changing color, but towns start to buzz with action, there are plenty of festivals to celebrate the grape harvest and some vineyards even allow you to participate in the grape stomping action. Join in the action with this Guide to Grape Harvest Seasons Across Europe.
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Tuscany, Italy
In Italy, the grape harvest is called "la vendemmia". Travel to Tuscany in September and October for the Tuscan vendemmia, The exact date changes every year depending on the weather, the quantity of rain fall and is different from one vineyard to another.
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Rome Tuscany And Venice Private Journey Sicily and the South of Italy
Head to Sicily and the South of Italy for the grape harvest between the end of August through September, depending on the weather that year.
Portugal
There is no fixed date for the Douro harvest season to start but it usually happens in the second half of September, it depends on the weather conditions throughout the year and how the vineyards have reacted to it. There are many activities available only during this season. You can participate in the harvest with the locals, help to produce wine from the grapes by stomping away, and some wineries even allow you to take home with you the “fruits” of your labor.
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Douro Valley Wine Escapade
Austria
The Austrian wine harvest usually runs in the autumn months, peaking in September and October.
Vienna is famous for its white wines including Rheinriesling, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Weißburgunder.
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Switzerland
Various wineries in southern Ticino invite wine enthusiasts to take part in the traditional grape harvest in September and October. Those whose passion for wine goes beyond merely drinking it can help out with the 'vendemmia' or grape harvest for a day in Mendrisiotto and Basso Ceresio. There's no pay but in return, you're invited to share a well-deserved lunch: the mood will be jolly!
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Germany
Germany's main harvest is expected to start in late August or early September.
Grape harvesting in Croatia usually starts in late August and lasts till October.
How to get to Croatia? Travel to Croatia with our Jewels of Croatia
Greece
France
French grape harvest season varies from North to South and East to West. Travel to Corsica, Languedoc-Roussillon or Provence at the end August. In early September, the grape harvest season begins in Beaujolais, Southern Rhône Valley. By mid-September, make your way to the Northern Rhône Valley, Bordelais, Burgundy, Bugey et Savoie and the Loire Valley for the grape harvest. The end of September is a great time to catch the harvest in the Alsace or Champagne regions of France. Or travel to France in early October for the grape harvest in Charentes, Cognac or Lorraine.
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