Best wine harvest regions to visit in Europe this autumn.

The ultimate guide to Europe's autumn wine harvest

A journey through Europe's premier wine regions

There's something incredible about autumn in Europe, especially its renowned wine regions. As the leaves change and the air becomes crisp, the grapevines are heavy with ripened fruits, ready for the harvest. Autumn ushers in a season of celebration when winemakers gather their precious yield and villages come alive with festivities. But why is autumn the best time to experience the splendour of these wine regions?

The weather is right in autumn - not too hot or cold - creating the perfect ambience for leisurely vineyard walks and outdoor celebrations. As the vines turn golden and rust-coloured, the regions come alive with harvest festivals, offering an authentic, vibrant, intimate experience. The fall harvest is not just about gathering grapes; it's a culmination of a year's hard work, a celebration of tradition, and a nod to the legacy that each bottle of wine represents.

Embark on this curated journey through Europe's wine heartlands and immerse yourself in the magic of the harvest months.

Prosecco, Italy

The sparkling gem of Veneto

Nestled in Italy's northeastern corner, Prosecco is not just a drink but a destination. The vine-clad hills of Veneto stretch as far as the eyes can see, with over 36,000 hectares devoted to the Prosecco grape. Stroll through vineyards brimming with Glera grapes exclusive to Italy, the primary varietal used in Prosecco. Conegliano Valdobbiadene, a town at this region's heart, offer breathtaking views and intimate winery experiences.

For the more adventurous, the Prosecco Cycling route offers a unique perspective of the region, weaving through vineyards and rustic Italian villages. When it comes to the sparkling drink itself, Prosecco Superiore DOCG, especially from Cartizze Hill, stands out for its exquisite taste and texture.

Wine Deep Dive: Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made primarily from the Glera grape. Distinguished by its crisp, fruity, and floral bouquet, Prosecco comes in varying sweetness levels: Brut (dry), Extra Dry, and Dry (semi-sweet). The 'Superiore DOCG' label on Prosecco bottles indicates the highest quality, with wines often showcasing notes of green apple, honeydew, pear, and light tropical fruits.

Douro Valley, Portugal

The Golden River's bounty

Steeped in tradition and history, the Douro Valley is a testament to Portugal's rich winemaking legacy. With terraced vineyards descending dramatically down to the Douro River, the region's landscape is as compelling as its wines. Peso da Régua and Pinhão are the valley's primary towns, with many Quintas (wine estates) open for tastings and tours.

A popular way to explore the Douro is by river cruise, offering unparalleled views of the sun-kissed vineyards and historic wine estates. The grape harvest in September and October sees quintas bustling with activity. The Douro is revered for its Port wines, with Quinta do Noval standing out as an iconic producer of the region.

Wine Deep Dive: The Douro Valley is renowned for its fortified and often sweet Port wines. Varieties include Tawny, Ruby, Vintage, and White Port. Tawnies, aged in wooden barrels, have nutty notes with flavours of caramel and raisin, while Ruby Ports are fruitier and richer. The region also produces non-fortified reds and whites, often using indigenous grapes like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz (better known in the region as Tempranillo) for reds and Viosinho and Rabigato for whites.

Alsace, France

Whimsical charm meets wine

The Alsace wine region, with its charming half-timbered houses and flower-lined streets, seems straight out of a storybook. Strasbourg and Colmar, two of its most renowned cities, offer a rich story of French and German influences, evident in their architecture, culture, and wines.

Wine enthusiasts can traverse the Route des Vins d'Alsace, a 170-km stretch connecting the region's prime vineyards and wineries. During the harvest season, villages like Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé host festivals where the air is filled with traditional Alsatian tunes and the aroma of freshly picked grapes. Experience a vibrant tradition firsthand from October 19 to 22, 2023 at The Fascinating Vineyards & Discovery Weekend; along the historic wine trails, join locals in a joyous celebration of the region's rich vinicultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

Gewürztraminer and Riesling are the region's flagship grapes, producing aromatic wines that perfectly complement the local cuisine.

Wine Deep Dive: Alsace stands out for its white wines, mainly from Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat. Rieslings from Alsace are dry and aromatic with rounded acidity, showcasing citrus and mineral notes. Gewürztraminer is more floral with lychee and spice hints. The region also produces sparkling wines called Crémant d'Alsace, made predominantly from Pinot Blanc.

Médoc, France

The majestic gateway to Bordeaux

Located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, Médoc is synonymous with Bordeaux's legacy. Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, and Margaux are some of the prestigious appellations in this region. The famed Route des Châteaux takes travellers through some of the world's most iconic wine estates, such as Château Margaux and Château Latour.

Visiting during the harvest season means witnessing Médoc in its full glory. Events such as the "Médoc Marathon" add a fun twist to the wine experience, where participants don costumes and stop for wine tastings mid-run. When it comes to the wines, Médoc's reds are legendary. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, these wines boast deep flavours, robust tannins, and an ageing potential spanning decades.

Wine Deep Dive: Médoc wines are predominantly red, with blends based around Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. These wines are structured tannic, with deep flavours of blackcurrant, plum, and often notes of tobacco, leather, and earth. They're known for their ageing potential, evolving complexity with time.

Champagne, France

Where bubbles dance with elegance

Champagne is more than just a beverage; it's a region steeped in history and tradition. The vast vineyards surrounding its historic towns like Reims and Épernay are a testament to its legacy in wine-making. Visiting Reims' Gothic cathedral or exploring the chalk-pit cellars where Champagne is aged becomes a journey through time.

The Avenue de Champagne in Épernay is a must-visit, lined with opulent mansions of renowned Champagne producers like Moët & Chandon. During harvest season, the villages of the Montagne de Reims host festivals, celebrating the grape with parades and tastings. When indulging in Champagne, one can appreciate the different styles, from the crisp and elegant Blanc de Blancs to the fuller Blanc de Noirs.

Wine Deep Dive: Champagne is made from three main grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Styles vary Non-Vintage (a blend of multiple years), Vintage (from a specific year), Blanc de Blancs (only Chardonnay), and Rosé (red and white grapes or with a splash of red wine). Champagnes can range from rich and toasty to light and citrusy, depending on the blend and ageing.

Tuscany, Italy

Renaissance beauty in every grape

Tuscany is the embodiment of the Italian dream. Its sun-drenched hills, historic villas, and artistic legacy make it a haven for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts. The Chianti Classico region, stretching between Florence and Siena, is renowned for its namesake wine and scenic drives.

Towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano, known globally for their wines, also boast rich histories, which is evident in their fortresses, churches, and piazzas. September's Vendemmia (grape harvest) is a community affair, with towns hosting feasts, music, and tastings. Tuscan wines, especially those made from Sangiovese grapes, are celebrated for their versatility, elegance, and deep flavours. Renowned estates like Antinori and Frescobaldi provide enriching tasting experiences.

Wine Deep Dive: Tuscany's star grape, Sangiovese, is the backbone of many of its wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Chianti showcases vibrant acidity with cherry and plum flavours, while Brunello is more robust, with dark fruit and leather notes. Super Tuscans, blends using grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, have also risen in prominence, offering richer, more international profiles.

South Styria, Austria

Alpine elegance in every sip

Often referred to as the "Tuscany of Austria", South Styria boasts picturesque landscapes marked by rolling vineyards, rustic farmhouses, and winding roads. The region's mild climate and fertile soils make it perfect for viticulture. While the town of Leibnitz acts as a gateway, the entire wine road, "Südsteirische Weinstrasse", is dotted with family-run vineyards and quaint taverns or "Buschenschanks" run by local wine growers.

These taverns, especially vibrant during the harvest season, offer freshly made local dishes paired with the region's crisp white wines. Sauvignon Blanc is the flagship grape, producing aromatic wines with a refreshing acidity. Other varieties like Welschriesling and Gelber Muskateller are also gaining prominence. Annual events like the Styrian Wine Festival in Gamlitz give tourists a deep dive into the region's wine culture.

Wine Deep Dive: South Styria shines with its white wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc, which thrives in the region's cool climate. These wines are aromatic with high acidity, showcasing green and flinty notes with hints of passion fruit. Other notable grapes include Welschriesling, producing wines with citrus and apple nuances, and Gelber Muskateller, offering floral and spicy aromas.

Europe's wine regions offer more than exquisite wines; they promise a sensory journey through history, culture, and unparalleled landscapes. Each destination, with its distinct character and charm, offers a chapter in the story of European wine heritage. Whether you're stomping grapes in Rioja, sipping Prosecco amidst Veneto's hills, or indulging in the Alpine elegance of South Styria, the memories crafted are as timeless as the wines themselves.