2026 Grape Harvest: Must-See Events in the Rhône Valley

There’s something particularly exciting about witnessing the birth of a vintage. Some wineries even offer visitors the chance to go from spectator to participant. At Domaine Fontaine du Clos in Sarrians, the “Grape Picker for a Day” experience lets you discover the different facets of the winemaker’s craft and share in the daily life of the teams during the harvest.

Further south, at Château Pesquié in Mormoiron, visitors immerse themselves in the excitement of the harvest with a tour of the biodynamic vineyards and cellars, tastings of grape juice and wines in fermentation, and a friendly picnic in the heart of the estate.

For those interested in learning what happens after the harvest, the Pierre Amadieu cellars in Gigondas offer a workshop dedicated to winemaking. It’s an excellent opportunity to follow the grapes as they’re transformed and to gain a better understanding of the secrets behind each bottle.

A quick tip: it’s best to book these activities early, as they’re usually so popular they sell out fast!

The grape harvest is also a celebration. And in the Rhône Valley, there’s no shortage of opportunities to celebrate this new milestone in the life of a vineyard or winery!

In Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, the traditional “Ban des Vendanges” officially marks the start of the harvest in a festive and traditional atmosphere at Parc de l’Arbousière.

Near Violès, Domaine des Favards dedicates an entire day to the “Fête des Vendanges”, combining a tour of the vineyard with a warm, friendly atmosphere, featuring tours, tastings, and meals made entirely with local ingredients.

For a more intimate atmosphere, Cave Le Gravillas in Sablet organizes harvest-themed aperitifs where you can share a glass and have genuine conversations with the winemakers right in the midst of the harvest season.

These events offer a chance to meet the people who craft the wines of the Rhône Valley in a particularly lively setting. They also provide an exclusive opportunity to learn about the unique characteristics of the upcoming vintage.

What we love : a complete immersion in the wineries as well as the wine-growing villages, where the excitement of the harvest is palpable.

The grape harvest is sometimes an opportunity for a true journey back in time. In Beaucaire, the Mas des Tourelles offers a “Roman grape harvest” that brings ancient winemaking practices to life with demonstrations in the Roman cellar and wine tastings. It’s a unique way to understand how viticulture has shaped these terroirs for centuries.

Every year, the wine-growing village of Chusclan hosts its major event: the “Harvest of History.” For one weekend, the village streets are decorated to commemorate the history of the grape harvest and celebrate the art of winemaking and the skills of passionate winemakers.  For families, this event—which combines culture, exploration of local heritage, and festivities—is often an excellent way to approach the world of wine in a fun and accessible way.

The richness of the grape harvests in the Rhône Valley also stems from the diversity of experiences on offer. Some take on a participatory dimension through community-focused harvests, organized by the viticulture high school in the city of Orange. Others, such as the Vignerons du Mont-Ventoux winery, focus on education through an educational vineyard plot. These rows of vines are entirely dedicated to hand-picking grapes by the general public. It’s also an opportunity to learn how these large grape-harvesting machines work and to experience traditional pressing methods.