Fête des Vendanges
The celebration of the grape harvest and Chalosse wine at the Musée de la Chalosse
About Fête des Vendanges
The Fête des Vendanges in Montfort-en-Chalosse is a festive and gourmet day organized every first Saturday of October by the Musée de la Chalosse. Visitors can witness the grape treading in the museum's cellar and the tapping of the new wine, following the wine-making tradition of Chalosse landaise. Under the village hall, a local wine market allows visitors to discover and taste regional wines, while a traditional meal based on local products brings together guests and curious visitors at the Maison des arts et loisirs.
Travel to this festival
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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.
Practical information — Fête des Vendanges
Access to the Musée de la Chalosse
By car
From Dax (20 min), take the D32 towards Montfort-en-Chalosse. From Mont-de-Marsan (30 min), take the D933 then the D2. The museum is located at 480 chemin de Sala, 40380 Montfort-en-Chalosse. Free parking is available at the museum entrance. Additional parking spaces are available in the village of Montfort-en-Chalosse.
By bus
On-demand transport services may be available from Dax. Inquire with the Grand Dax transport network.
Dates and times
The Fête des Vendanges takes place on the first Saturday of October. The wine market is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM under the village hall. Grape treading demonstrations in the museum cellar take place in the late morning. The midday meal is served at the Maison des arts et loisirs (reservations recommended).
Prices
Access to the wine market under the hall is free. Admission to the Musée de la Chalosse is subject to a fee (usual rate, approx. €6 for adults). The midday meal is paid and requires reservation. Wine tastings under the hall are offered by the producers.
Reservations
For the traditional meal, it is essential to book in advance by contacting the Musée de la Chalosse at 05 58 98 69 27. Places are limited and the meal sells out quickly.
Practical advice
- Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the open-air museum site
- The festival takes place largely outdoors, so wear clothing suitable for October weather
- Wine tastings under the hall are free; moderate consumption is recommended
- Remember to bring a bag for bottles purchased directly from producers
- A visit to the Musée de la Chalosse is an excellent complement to the festive day
Contact
Musée de la Chalosse: 480 chemin de Sala, 40380 Montfort-en-Chalosse
Tel.: 05 58 98 69 27
Official website: www.museedelachalosse.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fête des Vendanges at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Fête des Vendanges
Musée de la Chalosse
480 chemin de Sala, 40380 Montfort-en-Chalosse