THE BEST HARVEST FESTIVALS AROUND GENEVA – VENDANGES 2019
by Alexandra Belz
Being literally surrounded by beautiful vineyards where I live in Bernex, it’s hard to miss all the frenetic activity that starts in September every year as the wineries harvest their grapes during the Vendanges. As a keen wine drinker, I decided to find out more about this year’s Vendanges – in the name of research!
EXPERIENCE WINE HARVESTING FOR A DAY – NEAR GENEVA
If you’d like to witness the wine harvesting this year, you’re spoilt for choice around here!
Geneva, being Switzerland’s third wine-producing canton with its 1400 hectares (Vaud is number two- and Valais the number one region), is divided into three territories:
- La RIVE DROITE (790 hectares) stretches out from Satigny to Céligny and Collex-Bossy.
- Between ARVE et RHONE (270 hectares) is the area of Bernex, Lully, Confignon, Soral and Laconnex.
- Between ARVE and LAC (283 hectares) you will find Cologny, Meinier, Choulex and Jussy all the way to Hermance.
You can have a hands-on harvesting experience by signing up at the wineries directly (or through the Office de Promotion des Produits Agricoles de Genève – tel. 022- 388 71 55 or email info@opage.ch. If you sign up for the whole harvest, the wineries will even pay for your work and you’re required to sign a contract, normally including food and drinks as part of your pay (no wine during working hours, though!)
You start your day with a breakfast and then work with the harvesters in the vineyards, followed by grape pressing with an ancient manual press and an explanation of the wine-making process.
You enjoy a lunch with the harvesters and this includes a tasting of 5 different wines..
Take home a bottle of wine (for adults) or grape juice (for children). Cost: CHF60 (adults), CHF30 12-16 years – and children under 12 are free.
MORE INFO on their website.
You can also just get involved for a morning this year in Martigny – where you’re invited to come along with your secateurs, enjoy a coffee and croissant and then head for the vineyards for some hard work, before enjoying an apéritif, meal and party!
But if, like me, you’re worried about creating work for your physiotherapist after those full days of bending forward over the grape vines, find out when your closest winery will harvest their grapes and just go to watch others do the hard work! This is definitely my choice – and it’s fascinating to watch!
HARVEST FESTIVALS WORTH TRAVELLING TO – VENDANGES NEAR GENEVA
Some villages along lake Geneva have celebrated the wine harvest for decades by hosting food- and wine stalls, which reflects how proud the villagers are of their wine and its tradition. Here are some up-coming events in the area that are worth taking a day trip out for on a beautiful late summer’s day. We’ve listed some of them below.
FÊTE DES VENDANGES – RUSSIN
ON SATURDAY, 14th AND SUNDAY, 15th SEPTEMBER it’s time for the annual Fête des Vendanges – harvest festival – and regional food market featuring around 50 stands in the nearby village of Russin.
There are also workshops for adults and kids, including a chocolate and wine pairing workshop for adults – we are keen!
This event is always very popular and is well worth going to.
WHERE
Russin
WHEN
Saturday, 14th September, 11h30 – 21h.
Sunday, 15th September, 9h-18h
MORE INFO
On this page
FÊTE DU RAISIN – FÉCHY
The village of Féchy is celebrating their harvest festival on Saturday, 14th September, with local food, wine tastings, grape pressing and activities for the children. During the evening live music will continue the festivities.
It promises to be a fun day out!
WHEN
Saturday, 14th September
WHERE
Féchy, 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Geneva.
MORE INFO
For more info visit their website.
AU COEUR DES VENDANGES – MARTIGNY
In Martigny you are invited to rock up in the morning with your secateurs, enjoy a coffee and croissant before working in the vineyards during the morning, followed by an apéritif in the vineyards, a meal and party! Cost CHF40 and free for kids under 15.
WHEN
21 September 2019
WHERE
Martigny, 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive from Geneva.
MORE INFO
On their website.
FÊTE DES VENDANGES – LUTRY
In the pretty lakeside village of Lutry the harvest festival is a very traditional three-day festival with concerts, entertainment, parades and wine tastings…
As many as 20,000 visitors come to celebrate and take part in the parade on Sunday.
Friday evening and all day Saturday, the town is alive with activities, music concerts and traditional games, including wine tasting competitions for the adults. There are over twenty wine cellars present at the event.
WHEN
Sep 27 – 29, 2019
WHERE
Lutry, one hour drive from Geneva.
MORE INFO
On their website.
FÊTE DES VENDANGES – NEUCHÂTEL
Three days of festivities in this beautiful village including 100s of stands, parades, tastings and fireworks.
WHEN
27 till 29 September 2019
WHERE
Neuchâtel, 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive from Geneva.
MORE INFO
On their website.
FÊTE DE LA VIGNE – NYON
In Nyon the harvest festival takes place in October with wine tastings, a breakfast, music concerts and activities for children. Public transport is free during the event.
WHEN
4th and 5th October 2019
WHERE
Nyon, 30 minutes from Geneva by car.
MORE INFO
Find more info here.
