Fête des Vendanges de Collioure

The Fête des Vendanges de Collioure: the art of wine on terraces

The vineyards of Collioure and Banyuls are among the most spectacular in France, clinging to the steep slopes of the Côte Vermeille facing the Mediterranean. Each autumn, after the harvest – one of the earliest in France – the Fête des Vendanges pays homage to the work of the winegrowers and the richness of this exceptional terroir.

An event rooted in the territory

The festival is part of the Vendanges en Fête, an event that has celebrated the Banyuls-Collioure vintage and its winegrowers for 30 years. Over several days in early October, activities are spread between Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer:

• Winegrower Village: about fifteen wine estates offer tastings of AOC Collioure and Banyuls wines
• Local produce market: local products, Collioure anchovies, olive oil, cheeses, and Catalan specialties
• Repas des colles: large communal meal on the beach enlivened by bands and fanfares
• Arrival of the harvest by sea: grapes arrive in Catalan boats (llaguts), perpetuating a centuries-old tradition
• Tasting workshops, masterclasses, and winegrower dinners

The AOC Collioure

The Collioure appellation, recognized as AOC since 1971 for reds and rosés and 2003 for whites, produces wines with character from Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Carignan grape varieties. The terraced vines, supported by schist walls, benefit from exceptional sunshine and the tramontane wind, which dries the grapes and concentrates the aromas.