October is a remarkable time for wine enthusiasts in Europe, as vineyards across the continent celebrate the grape harvest with a rich array of festivals. These events provide the chance to taste exceptional wines and immerse yourself in local culture, traditions, and gastronomy. From the rolling hills of Italy to the wine-producing valleys of France, here are some of Europe’s most notable wine festivals this October, complete with travel information, accommodation suggestions, and details on how to plan your visit.

Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre

One of October’s most celebrated wine festivals is the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre in Paris, France. This unique event is held in the Montmartre district, home to the city’s last working vineyard, Clos Montmartre. The festival celebrates the grape harvest with various events, including tastings, street parades, concerts, and fireworks. Montmartre’s artistic charm and the rare chance to taste wine produced within the city limits of Paris make this festival particularly special. Visitors flying into Paris can easily reach Montmartre via the city’s extensive metro system, with Charles de Gaulle Airport being the nearest major international gateway.

As for accommodation, the Hôtel des Arts Montmartre provides a boutique experience in the heart of the neighbourhood, offering easy access to both the festival and the iconic sights of Paris. The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre will occur from 9 to 13 October 2024; more information can be found on the official website.

Merano Wine Festival

In Italy, the Merano Wine Festival is another October highlight, offering a luxurious and refined celebration of wine. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the South Tyrolean Alps, this event showcases some of the best wines from Italy and across Europe. What sets the Merano Wine Festival apart is its focus on quality, with each wine presented having undergone a rigorous selection process. In addition to the tastings, there are also culinary pairings and gourmet food presentations.

Travellers can fly into Innsbruck (Austria) or Verona (Italy) and then enjoy a scenic train ride to Merano. For those looking to make their stay extra special, the Hotel Terme Merano offers five-star luxury, featuring a spa with panoramic views and convenient proximity to the festival venues. The Merano Wine Festival runs from 8 to 12 November 2024.

Chianti Classico Expo

Heading south to Tuscany, the Chianti Classico Expo is an unmissable event for lovers of Italian wine. Held in the historic town of Greve in Chianti, this festival offers the chance to sample a wide variety of wines from local producers, focusing on the world-renowned Chianti Classico. In addition to tastings, visitors can participate in vineyard tours and educational sessions and enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Ribera del Duero Harvest Festival

In Spain, the Ribera del Duero Harvest Festival is a fantastic way to experience one of the country’s premier wine regions. The festival is held in Peñafiel, a town in the heart of the Ribera del Duero region, known for its bold red wines made primarily from the Tempranillo grape. The event includes wine tastings, traditional music and dancing, and plenty of opportunities to sample local food.

Travellers can fly into Madrid and take a train or car to Peñafiel, a two-hour journey through the Castilian countryside. For accommodation, the Hotel AF Pesquera offers a blend of modern luxury and historic charm, with its setting in a beautifully restored mansion. This year’s Ribera del Duero Harvest Festival will be held from 20 to 22 September 2024 (www.riberadelduero.es).

Vinhos do Alentejo Festival

Over in Portugal, the Vinhos do Alentejo Festival in Évora is another event that is not to be missed. The Alentejo region is known for its robust, full-bodied red wines, and this festival offers the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s wine-making traditions. Held in the historic city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the festival features tastings, vineyard tours, and a chance to sample traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Travellers can fly into Lisbon and take a train to Évora, a journey of about an hour and a half. For a luxurious stay, the M’AR De AR Aqueduto hotel provides a stunning base housed in a 16th-century palace. The festival will be held from 17 to 19 October 2024, and more information can be found at www.vinhosdoalentejo.pt.

Feira Nacional do Vinho

Travelling further north in Portugal, the Feira Nacional do Vinho in Cartaxo celebrates the wines of the Ribatejo region, particularly its rich red wines. The event includes tastings, live music, and local gastronomy, providing a complete cultural experience. Cartaxo is located about an hour from Lisbon, and the festival offers a glimpse into the traditions of one of Portugal’s lesser-known but highly respected wine-producing regions.

Tbilisi Wine Festival

Georgia, a country with a millennia-old wine-making tradition, hosts the Tbilisi Wine Festival in October. Held in the capital city, this festival offers a fascinating look into Georgian wine culture, with opportunities to taste local grape varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. The event is held in Mtatsminda Park, which offers panoramic views of the city and features tastings, traditional music, and Georgian cuisine.

Travellers can fly into Tbilisi International Airport; from there, it’s a short drive to the city centre. The Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, with its chic, modern design and excellent location, is a great choice for visitors. The Tbilisi Wine Festival is scheduled for 5 October 2024.

Fête des Vendanges

In Switzerland, the Fête des Vendanges in Neuchâtel is one of the country’s most beloved harvest festivals. This event celebrates the grape harvest with wine tastings, parades, concerts, and fireworks. Visitors can sample wines from the region known for its Chasselas and Pinot Noir varieties.

Neuchâtel is easily accessible by train from Zurich, with a journey time of about an hour and a half. The Beau-Rivage Hotel, located on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, provides five-star accommodation with stunning views and is near the festival. The Fête des Vendanges will occur from 27 to 29 September 2024.

Stuttgart Weindorf

Germany’s wine culture is also on display in October, with the Stuttgart Wine Festival, known as Stuttgarter Weindorf, in the city centre. This festival, held annually in Stuttgart, is one of the largest wine festivals in the country, offering visitors the chance to sample a wide range of wines from the Baden-Württemberg region.

Travellers can fly into Stuttgart Airport; from there, the city centre is easily accessible via public transport. The Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten offers luxury accommodation in the city’s heart, making it an ideal base for the festival. The Stuttgarter Weindorf takes place from 28 August to 8 September 2024.

Budapest Wine Festival

In Hungary, the Budapest Wine Festival, held at Buda Castle, is one of the country’s most prestigious wine events. The festival brings together Hungarian wine producers nationwide, offering tastings, workshops, and live music.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is the nearest central transport hub, and the city’s excellent public transport system makes it easy to reach Buda Castle from the airport. The Hotel Clark Budapest, situated at the foot of the castle, is a stylish and convenient choice for accommodation. The Budapest Wine Festival runs from 7 to 10 September 2024.

Bucharest International Wine Contest

Further east, in Romania, the Bucharest International Wine Contest offers a unique opportunity to discover wines from Eastern Europe. This event features a competition between local and international wines, with tastings open to the public.

Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest serves as the main gateway to the city, and the Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest provides luxurious accommodation close to the festival venue. The Bucharest International Wine Contest is scheduled for 17 to 19 October 2024.

Bath Wine Festival

Meanwhile, the Great Bath Wine Festival in the historic city of Bath, England, offers a chance to sample international wines and an impressive selection of British wines. Held in the elegant surroundings of the Guildhall, the festival attracts wine lovers from across the UK.

Bristol Airport is the closest international airport; visitors can take a quick train ride to Bath from there. For a truly indulgent stay, the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa offers five-star accommodation in one of the city’s most iconic Georgian buildings. The festival takes place on 12 and 13 October 2024. Details about the event can be found at the official website: www.bathwinefestival.com.

Valtellina Wine Trail

Another exciting event is the Valtellina Wine Trail in northern Italy, which combines the beauty of the Valtellina region with its robust wine culture. The festival includes tastings of Nebbiolo wines, alongside running events through the scenic vineyards.

Travellers can fly into Milan, and from there, it’s a short journey to the Valtellina region. For accommodation, the Grand Hotel Della Posta offers a historical charm in the heart of the region. The Valtellina Wine Trail will take place from 4 to 5 October 2024.

October in Europe offers a wealth of opportunities for wine lovers to explore the rich and diverse wine cultures of the continent. Whether you’re strolling through the vineyards of Tuscany, sipping Georgian wines in Tbilisi, or enjoying the urban charm of Paris, these wine festivals offer an immersive and unforgettable experience.