Fête des Vendanges

The Fête des Vendanges: Chalosse's wine event

The Fête des Vendanges in Montfort-en-Chalosse is a festive day that celebrates the wine heritage of Chalosse every autumn, this hilly region in the south of the Landes known for its green landscapes and generous gastronomy. Organized by the Musée de la Chalosse, this festival takes place on the first Saturday of October and marks the end of the grape harvest in the local vineyards.

The Musée de la Chalosse: a heritage setting

The Musée de la Chalosse, located at 480 chemin de Sala, is an open-air museum that recreates the traditional living environment of a Chalosse estate from the 19th century. Visitors can discover the master's house, the wine cellar with its collection of barrels and wine-making tools, the farmhouse and its outbuildings, surrounded by gardens, orchards, and vines. It is in this authentic setting that the Fête des Vendanges takes place.

Grape treading and tapping of new wine

The highlight of the day is the traditional grape treading in the museum's cellar. Visitors can watch, and even participate in, this ancestral step of winemaking, where grapes are pressed using old methods. The tapping of the new wine concludes this demonstration, offering participants the first tasting of the nascent vintage.

A local wine market under the hall

Under the hall of Montfort-en-Chalosse, a local wine market allows visitors to discover the diversity of wines from Chalosse and neighboring regions. From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, local winegrowers present their productions: red, white, and rosé wines, as well as wines from the Landes Terroirs. Tastings are offered free of charge, and purchases are made directly from the producers.

A traditional Chalosse meal

At noon, a traditional meal is served at the Maison des arts et loisirs in Montfort-en-Chalosse. The menu highlights local Chalosse products: consommé, stuffed chicken, Chalosse beef, seasonal vegetables, salad, cheese, and Chalosse wine. This convivial meal brings together locals and visitors in a warm and festive atmosphere.

A little-known wine region

While Chalosse is better known for its beef and foie gras, it also has a discreet but authentic wine heritage. The vines, grown on clay-limestone hillsides, produce wines with character that deserve to be discovered. The Fête des Vendanges contributes to the promotion of this wine heritage and Chalosse wines.