Every autumn, the Parisian district of Montmartre fills with flamboyant celebration and ever-flowing fine wine. The festival is marked by the classic white basilica of Sacre-Coeur, the symbolic church atop Montmartre Hill. Streets fill with pointed medieval-style tents. Vendors flock to sell culinary delicacies, such as artisan bread, cheeses, and delicate pastries. Vintners promote thousands of unique French wines, as visitors carefully choose samples to taste. The annual celebrations of the Fete Des Vendanges have taken place for over 80 years.

The Fete des Vendanges encapsulates the centrality of wine production to the hearts of residents of small French districts. The festival takes place in Montmartre, a hilly district in Paris’ 18^th arrondissement, famed for its artistic heritage and cobbled streets. The colourful celebrations make for an unmissable event for culture lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone looking to indulge in a taste of unrivalled culinary luxuries. The Fete des Vendanges’ celebrations attract international and regional visitors alike. And, its popularity has earnt it the title of one of Paris’ most commemorated and iconic wine festivals.

The legacy of Montmartre’s vineyards dates back to the 12th century. It was the Ladies of the Abbey of Montmartre who first began wine production and planted the area’s first vines. Its early history saw endless hilly vineyards, the majority of which were church-owned. However, as urbanisation reached the district of Montmarte, the vineyards gradually disappeared – succumbing to property development to support Paris’ rising population. By 1928, the vines were lost entirely.

Fortunately, in 1933, Francis Poulbot won the preservation of a small area of land. With the support of local councils, he pioneered the re-planting of Montmartre’s vines – creating Clos Montmartre, the vineyard that attracts thousands today. The following year, 1934, the community celebrated the first grape harvest of their vineyard. Over 80 years later, Montmartre now recognises the 2nd weekend of October with the Fete des Vendanges, where celebrations boom and the new vintage is welcomed. And, what started as a community effort to preserve Montmartre’s rich wine heritage has grown into an internationally renowned event.

In 2021, the festivities of the Fete des Vendanges stretch across a five-day Harvest Festival program. The selection of a Godfather and Godmother marks the start of celebrations, who receive special dishes from local eateries for the festival’s duration. The Godfather and Godmother are typically French A-list celebrities and are responsible for leading the scheduled celebrations and events. The promise of famous faces and the celebration of community heritage is a fierce combination, which draws a huge crowd.

The celebrations themselves are outrageously varied – ranging from informative demonstrations on cooking techniques to eccentric rituals. You could find yourself observing the fine art of drizzling a coulis at a small tent stall. Then you might end up celebrating not marrying your partner at the Ceremony des Non-Demandes en Mariage, all in less than a 200m walk down the street. The Fete des Vendanges offers an unapologetic immersion into quintessential Parisian culture and humour.

Visitors can explore hundreds of culinary demonstrations, purchase tickets to take a guided tour around Clos Montmartre, or even participate in a specialised workshop. For musical entertainment, the Decibels Vendanges is a live music festival that runs throughout the celebrations. With a focus on producing an eclectic line-up, the variety of genres means there is something for all attending. Visitors to Fete des Vendanges can view the music line-up online for the chance to coincide a concert visit with a performing act of their preference.

The festivities culminate in a firework and parade finale. However, shortly before this, the most notable event takes place. The highlight of the Fete des Vendanges – the competitive auction of Clos Montmartre bottled vintage. Each harvest only produces between 1000 and 1500 bottles of gamay and pinot noir wine, making the bottles highly collectable. The winemaking process finishes in the Town Hall. Here, Clos Montmartre’s grapes undergo pressing, fermentation, and bottling ready for auction. True symbols of experience and a rebellious village spirit – do not miss taking a bottle home with you.

Whether you are a devout wine connoisseur or simply wishing to immerse yourself in the highlights of Parisian culture, Fete des Vendanges demands your attendance. Independent attendance is straightforward, with wine tastings and experiences typically available for purchase without advance bookings. However, some may want a guided experience of the festival. In this case, wine tour operators such as Smooth Red provide numerous luxury tours and packages for you to browse. Whether you venture independently or with a company, an autumnal visit to Montmartre’s grape harvest will prove unforgettable.