Wine Festivals Happening In August

Now summer is drawing to a close, you may well be thinking of a last-minute trip away and a wine festival might just be the perfect summer event to celebrate the end of August.

From one-day intimate wine events in small Italian regions to week-long festivals in some of the most beautiful French chateaus, the summer period is ideal for wine enthusiasts looking for a taste of something special.

France has long been developing its age-old traditions of wine production and not to mention its beautiful vineyards. Of course, some of the most popular grapes are distributed around the world from France including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. So, it comes as no surprise that France plays host to some of the most renowned wine festivals in Europe.

Perhaps the most well-known August wine festival in the Rhone Valley is the Chateauneuf du Pape, translating as the Veraison wine festival. This festival celebrates everything this globally recognised grape has to offer.

The town of Chateauneuf de Pape has a vineyard on every other farm and the festival attracts people from around the globe. Indeed, it is a huge event, the town is transformed into a medieval village complete with jousting, horse riding and fire eaters. Visit the region in early August to make the most of the event.

Italy is renowned for being a fantastic tourist attraction all year around, but this August could be an ideal time to visit due to the wine festivals taking place.

Organised by the Movimento del Vinvo, the Calici Di Stelle is a massive summer event in the Italian calendar. The festival takes place between 3rd and 14th August, and at night from 9th to 10thAugust in some of the most beautiful wine-producing locations in Italy.

The festival can be found in various vineyards and locations across the country, and offers wine tastings organised by sommeliers.

Another August wine event not to be missed by keen wine drinkers is the Mangialonga festival in Piedmont on 27th August.

Like many other wine festivals, this one is a non-competitive walk which allows its visitors to enjoy strolls through the hills and vineyards of La Morra. The event offers the opportunity to enjoy prestigious wines and gourmet foods with friends in beautiful landscapes.

For connoisseurs of wine and beer, the summertime is the perfect time to visit Germany. Whether you’re visiting Berlin or the Rhineland, there of many choices of festivals to attend.

Small towns like Mosel and Rudesheim offer more intimate affairs whilst the larger towns like Stuttgart, Hamburg and Frankfurt offer bigger events for visitors to enjoy.

Usually from April right through to September, any keen wine drinkers will be able to find a ‘Weinfeste’ or wine festival in the towns along the Mosel.

For those who aren’t familiar with the area, the Mosel Valley is scattered with vineyards and so there’s likely to be a wine festival in the region every weekend. Local foods and wines are served.

The annual wine festival in Rothenberg takes place mid-August and offers its visitors the opportunity to try a glass or two of Franconian wine. Since the vineyards of Rothernberg play an integral part in its culture, the festival attracts holiday-goers from afar where gourmet delights are specially created on stalls and paired with quality wines.

A smaller wine festival to be enjoyed is that of Rotweinfest, the Rhine River Red Wine Festival which usually takes place on the first Saturday of the month. It’s always a popular one with locals and visitors and takes place in the market square of Bacharach.

Of course, there are many other beautiful locations you could explore to try your favourite wines but these are certainly some of the most popular in terms of quality, location and culture you could wish to visit.