Jerez Grape Harvest Festival
Jerez's Fiestas de la Vendimia celebrate the end of work in the vineyard and the birth of the new wines. The grape-stomping ceremony expresses the bond between land, winery crafts and the city; around it unfolds a programme of tastings, routes, exhibitions, music, food and family activities.
Usual date
The festival takes place during the first half of September, although some exhibitions and routes may begin in the final days of August. The institutional opening is set annually in the municipal programme.
Where it is held
The traditional setting for the opening ceremony is the Reducto de la Catedral. Events spread across Claustros de Santo Domingo, the Alcázar, Plaza del Arenal, Alameda Vieja, the Ateneo, Consejo Regulador, Museo Arqueológico, wineries, cooperages, tabancos, neighbourhoods and the vineyards of the Jerez district.
Origins and history
The first organised Jerez Grape Harvest Festival took place in 1948, with events dedicated to grapes, new wine and the winery sector. The Town Council describes it as Spain's first festival conceived specifically around the grape harvest.
A resolution dated 18 January 1980 established its recognition as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. It has developed into a broad cultural and wine-tourism programme while retaining the grape-stomping ceremony as its central symbol.
The grape-stomping ceremony
The ceremony recreates the grapes arriving at the press, the traditional treading of the bunches and the first must flowing from the outlet. The Municipal Band and other participants accompany an event that honours vine growers, winery workers and Jerez's wine culture.
Events and traditions
- Institutional grape stomping and a children's version devoted to winery crafts.
- Master tastings, wine showcases and Consejo Regulador activities.
- Visits to wineries and cooperages, vineyard routes and wine-heritage walks.
- Exhibitions, talks, literature, theatre, flamenco and concerts.
- Children's venencia contests and educational activities about local wine culture.
- Food events pairing Jerez wines with local cuisine.
Taking part and access
The Town Council, Consejo Regulador, wineries, cultural organisations, neighbourhood associations and businesses in the sector work together on the programme. Many events are free subject to capacity; tastings, routes and workshops commonly require booking or registration and may charge a fee.
Sources
Today's international trade fair
You can also find information about international trade fairs and discover today's featured trade fair at FeriasHoy.com.