Major Wine Harvest Festivals in 2026
Argentina
Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia: Argentina's Premier Wine Celebration
Key Dates: February 27 - March 8, 2026 (Main Events: March 5-8)
Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Hemisphere: Southern
The Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia is Argentina's most celebrated wine festival and one of the world's largest harvest celebrations. Held annually in Mendoza—the heart of Argentina's wine country—this 10-day extravaganza attracts visitors from more than 100 countries to celebrate winemaking traditions dating back centuries.
Festival Highlights:
The 2026 festival, themed "90 Harvests of the Same Vine," features spectacular regional competitions and parades showcasing Mendoza's 19 districts. Key events include:
- Blessing of the Fruits (Bendición de los Frutos): Friday, February 27 - A traditional religious ceremony honoring the grape harvest
- Dionisias Wine Fair: Saturday, February 28 - Tastings and wine education from local bodegas
- Vía Blanca de las Reinas (White Way of Queens): Friday, March 6 - A magnificent parade featuring representatives from Mendoza's districts on ornately decorated floats
- Central Act: Saturday, March 7 at Frank Romero Day Greek Theater - A grand theatrical production with over 1,000 performers, live music, dance, and the coronation of the National Vendimia Queen
- Repetición (Repeat Performance): Sunday, March 8 - The central ceremony is repeated so everyone can experience this spectacular show
Experiences for Visitors:
During the festival, visitors can:
- Participate in hands-on grape harvesting at local wineries in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley
- Taste exceptional Malbec and other varietals from renowned Mendoza bodegas
- Enjoy traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) feasts paired with local wines
- Explore vineyard estates during peak harvest season
- Network with winemakers and wine professionals from around the world
Best Winery Hotels Near Mendoza:
Pro Tip
Book accommodations 4-6 months in advance as hotels fill rapidly during this peak festival season. The festival coincides with the Southern Hemisphere harvest peak, making it an ideal time to experience Mendoza's wine culture in full operation.
Spain
Rioja Wine Harvest Festival (San Mateo Fiestas): Spain's Legendary Celebration
Dates: September 20-26, 2026
Location: Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
Hemisphere: Northern
The Rioja Wine Harvest Festival, locally known as San Mateo Fiestas, ranks among Spain's most celebrated wine events. This week-long festival beautifully blends traditional Spanish and Basque culture with world-class wine experiences, attracting wine professionals and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.
Festival Highlights:
- Tastings from 100+ Rioja Wineries - One of the world's most comprehensive wine tasting collections
- Traditional Grape Stomping Competitions - Participate or watch enthusiasts in classic harvest traditions
- Colorful Parades and Cultural Performances - Celebrating Spanish and Basque heritage
- Live Music and Entertainment - From traditional to contemporary performances
- First Grape Pressing Ceremony - The official inauguration of the year's harvest
- Bullfights and Traditional Activities - Cultural events reflecting regional traditions
- Local Cuisine - Sample Riojan specialties paired with wines
Best Winery Hotels Near Rioja:
Planning Tip
Book your Rioja festival visit during early September to secure the best winery hotel rates, then visit during the festival week for the full celebration experience.
Italy
Medieval Chestnut Festival & Wine Harvest: Italy's Hidden Gem
Dates: October 3-10, 2026
Location: Soriano nel Cimino, Lazio, Italy
Hemisphere: Northern
This unique week-long festival combines the romance of Italian wine harvest with medieval traditions and seasonal chestnut celebrations. Soriano nel Cimino's immersive atmosphere offers visitors an authentic experience far from the typical tourist circuits.
Festival Activities:
- Cooking Classes - Learn traditional Italian cuisine using harvest ingredients
- Guided Vineyard Tours - Explore local wine estates and learn about Italian viticulture
- Hands-On Harvest Activities - Participate in grape picking and wine preparation
- Traditional Italian Cuisine - Sample local wines with authentic regional dishes
- Cultural Performances - Experience the region's rich heritage through music and theater
- Chestnut Festivities - Celebrate the simultaneous chestnut harvest season
Best Winery Hotels in Tuscany Region:
Australia
Tasting Australia 2026: Southern Hemisphere Wine Excellence
Dates: May 8-17, 2026
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Hemisphere: Southern
Tasting Australia is a premier culinary and wine festival showcasing South Australia's exceptional food and beverage scene. While not exclusively a harvest festival, it celebrates the region's wine culture at the tail end of the Southern Hemisphere harvest season, offering unique opportunities to taste fresh, newly fermented vintages.
Festival Features:
- Masterclasses led by renowned winemakers
- Wine Tastings from South Australia's finest producers
- Culinary Events featuring local and international chefs
- Vineyard Tours and producer meetings
- Wine and Food Pairings showcasing regional specialties
Best Winery Hotels in South Australia:
Apple & Grape Harvest Festival: Australia's Regional Celebration
Dates: February 27 - March 8, 2026
Location: Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia
Hemisphere: Southern
This biennial festival celebrates the Granite Belt region's diverse harvest, combining wine with local produce. It's an excellent option for visitors seeking a more intimate, regional festival experience with unique cool-climate wines.
Festival Activities:
- Grape Crushing Demonstrations - Learn winemaking basics
- Food and Wine Fiestas - Tastings paired with local cuisine
- Live Music - Regional and local performers
- Local Market Stalls - Artisanal products and regional specialties
- Hands-On Harvest Experiences - Participate in winemaking processes
Best Winery Hotels:
United States
HarvestFest at Sonoita Vineyards
Date: August 1, 2026
Location: Elgin, Arizona, USA
Hemisphere: Northern
Kick off North America's harvest season with grape stomping, tastings from local Arizona wineries, live music, and artisanal food vendors. This family-friendly event celebrates Arizona's unique high-altitude terroir.
Wine and Harvest Festival
Dates: September 19-20, 2026
Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin, USA
Hemisphere: Northern
A charming regional festival celebrating wine, food, arts, and scenic beauty. Features local wineries, artisanal vendors, and cultural activities in a picturesque Midwestern setting.
St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival
Dates: May 7-10, 2026
Location: St. Augustine, Florida, USA
Hemisphere: Northern
A showcase of culinary excellence and beverage culture featuring celebrity chefs, renowned winemakers, and local artisans. Includes tastings, masterclasses, and exceptional dining experiences.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Dates: October 16-19, 2026
Location: WaterColor, Florida, USA
Hemisphere: Northern
An upscale four-day festival featuring wine dinners, grand tastings, and gourmet brunches. Showcases some of the world's finest wines and culinary selections.
Slovakia
Pezinok Grape Harvest Festival
Dates: September 18-20, 2026
Location: Pezinok, Slovakia
Hemisphere: Northern
An annual celebration featuring street sales, cultural programs, and entertainment in Slovakia's wine region. Showcases local wines, traditional Slovak cuisine, and folk music.
Armenia
Yerevan Wine Days
Dates: June 5-7, 2026
Location: Yerevan, Armenia
Hemisphere: Northern
Celebrating Armenia's 8,000-year winemaking heritage, this international street festival features tastings, cultural performances, and traditional qvevri wine demonstrations—the ancient amphora-based winemaking method.
Alex Osso
