If you fancy yourself to be something of a wine aficionado or connoisseur, chances are you’ll be familiar with Europe’s multitude of fine and delectable wines. From France to Italy, Spain, and even the UK, the continent has developed a longstanding reputation as the home of some of the greatest wine producers in the world.
Whether you’re partial to a glass (or two!) of a savoury Chianti, a fruity Merlot, or the light crispness of a Pinot Grigio, Europe holds opportunity and much to behold for every taste and palette when it comes to vino. And for those looking to take their wine enthusiasm to the next level, the continent hosts some of the most unique and alluring events and festivals dedicated to its grape harvests and bountiful crop, attracting wine devotees from around the globe every year.
This is why Cycling for Softies (specialising in creating bespoke cycling tours throughout Europe’s wine regions) has highlighted some of the best wine festivals and experiences to enjoy this year. From wine marathons in Médoc to red-robed brotherhood ceremonies in St Émilion, there are plenty of enticing options for you to get a vino kick like no other!
31st March-3rd April: Vinitaly in the City – Verona, Italy
Celebrating its 55th edition in 2023, Vinitaly is a programme packed full of activities and is known globally as one of the most important events for Italy’s wine scene, and one of the most important in the world.
Taking place annually in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Verona, the event is composed of two parts: the Vinitaly Expo, an event for wine professionals and exhibitors, and the Vinitaly in the City, the public event allowing everyone to experience some of the best of the country’s finest wines.
This year, Vinitaly will be taking place from 31st March until 3rd April, with the event offering not only four days of tasting on the cards for wine lovers to savour, but one of the most exceptional locations to match, making for an immersive experience all round.
Cycling for Softies offers a South Tyrol, Lake Garda and Verona holiday for travellers looking to explore Verona and its surrounding settlements in the beautiful local regions of this area of Italy. You can find more information here: https://www.cycling-for-softies.co.uk/cycling-holidays/destinations/italy/south-tyrol/south-tyrol-lake-garda-verona
29th-30th July: La Route du Champagne en Fête – Champagne, France
Also known as the Champagne Route, this two-day festival occurs every year and takes its visitors on a journey of discovery to uncover and relish a selection of this famed French wine region’s best crop.
At the end of July each year in a new region of Champagne, the festive trek showcases music, gastronomy, and some of the most exceptional champagne producers for enthusiasts to enjoy.
2023 marks the 26th year of the festival, where the route will venture through the Celles-sur-Ource and Côte des Bar in the Aube region. Expect to visit delightful champagne houses, experience wine tastings, and view beautiful vineyards in the area to gain a full picture of the Champagne production process – from vine to table.
There are a number of Champagne region tours on offer with Cycling for Softies, allowing you to experience the region’s rich history, vast vineyard landscapes, and exceptional wines. More information on those available can be found here: https://www.cycling-for-softies.co.uk/cycling-holidays/destinations/france/champagne
2nd September: Marathon du Médoc – Bordeaux, France
An event combining entertainment and wine, the Médoc Marathon is one of France’s most acclaimed and unique wine-related events that dates back to 1984, with ever-growing popularity each year.
The route takes place through the enchanting area of Margaux in the Bordeaux region. Spanning just over 42km, there are stop-off points during the marathon to hydrate yourself and refuel with some of the region’s most delicious wines and tempting snacks, making for a truly memorable (and boozy!) marathon like no other.
Be sure to pack a fancy dress outfit for the event too, as official rules state this is a necessity, so you’ll find runners wearing some of the wackiest and wildest of costumes as you pace through the beautiful vineyards of the region.
The event is open for 2023, taking place on 2nd September, which will be its 37th anniversary, with the theme of Gastronomy on the cards. Registration for the big event will be open in March of this year, and tickets sell out quickly, so you must be sure to grab your spot early for this bucket list experience that all wine lovers should add to their list!
Cycling for Softies’ Bordeaux City and Beach Break visits the village of Margaux alongside the famous winelands of the Médoc, making for an ideal opportunity to combine your wine-marathon endeavours with exploring more of the region’s offerings.
17th September: Ban des Vendanges – Bordeaux, France
Also taking place in September, on the third Sunday of the month, is one of the Bordeaux region’s most remarkable harvest celebrations that can’t be missed by wine lovers due to its uniqueness and deep-rooted heritage.
Held in the picturesque village of St-Emillion, the Ban des Vendanges, which translates to the ‘harvest ban’ is a ceremony that marks the start of the annual harvest season in the area.
The most memorable aspect of the event is the brotherhood of the village. Also known as the Jurade, they were founded some 800 years ago and nowadays they are tasked with maintaining the wine-making traditions of the area. They are known for donning distinctive red caps and robes before ascending the church of Saint Émilion, where festivities commence.
Upon reaching the top, the brotherhood begins a ceremony that marks the beginning of the harvest collection, with a solemn mass normally taking place in the morning, followed in the evening by a procession through the village.
In the evening, eateries are brimming with visitors and locals alike sampling delectable meals paired with beautiful local wines. Be sure to stay for the firework display in the evening too to end the day of celebrations on a high.
Cycling for Softies’ Vineyards of Bordeaux tour visits the beautiful World Heritage Site of St Émilion, with tour dates over the time of the festival. For more information, you can visit: https://www.cycling-for-softies.co.uk/cycling-holidays/destinations/france/bordeaux/vineyards-of-bordeaux
24th September: Impruneta Grape Festival – Tuscany, Italy
Held in the charming town of Impruneta, in the heart of Tuscany, it may be hard to believe that this unsuspecting and otherwise discreet settlement erupts into a celebration of colour every year to celebrate its local grape harvest.
The Festa dell’Uva in Impruneta is held on the last Sunday of September, with the tradition dating back to 1926. The town itself is located in the Chianti Classico zone of Italy, argued to be one of the most picturesque wine regions in the world, teeming with historic settlements and verdant hillsides covered in ripe vines.
A highlight of the one-day, highly anticipated event is its procession, where large floats parade along its quaint open streets showcasing the beauty of the region’s wine-making and abundant crop.
Events are followed by vibrant street performers and shows alongside gastronomic food and wine tastings, with food stalls and proud locals lining the streets to embrace this cultural celebration to its fullest.
The tour company’s Grand Tour of Tuscany, the newest addition to its repertoire, explores the Tuscan hills and Val di Chiana area during its itinerary. A visit to Impruneta can be factored in as a bespoke day trip should guests be wanting to experience this charming wine festival for themselves.
More information about the tour is available here: https://www.cycling-for-softies.co.uk/cycling-holidays/destinations/italy/tuscany/indulgence-the-grand-tour-of-tuscany-self-guided
Cycling for Softies offers a range of leisurely cycling tours throughout the wine regions of France, Italy, and the UK in which guests can experience the best of these countries’ thriving wine scenes. For more information, you can visit: https://www.cycling-for-softies.co.uk/
News Team
