3rd weekend of June – Welcome to Beaujonomie
For a whole weekend of festivities, the Bienvenue en Beaujonomie festival, organised by Inter Beaujolais, invites enthusiasts and connoisseurs of wine and gastronomy to (re)discover Expressive and Exceptional Beaujolais wines, available in red, white and rosé. The concept: at the wine estate or winery of your choice, spend time together at the same table, sharing a chic, laid-back bistronomic meal. There will be warm and friendly opportunities to meet new people, hear great stories, taste delicious wines and cuisine, and learn more about the vineyards. The estates and wineries all design their own programme by inviting a chef into the kitchen (or by whipping up the meal themselves if they’re true gourmet cooks) and planning activities that’ll give you a glimpse of daily life on the estate. Bienvenue en Beaujonomie also means lots of side events in the heart of the Beaujolais appellations over the whole weekend. www.bienvenue-en-beaujonomie.fr
June to September – Exclusive ‘Visites Privilège’ Tours
From the most intimate wine cellars to the most stunning châteaux, these tours set out to visit Beaujolais wine estates and trading houses so you can (re)discover their wines. During exclusive tours of their estates, winemakers and connoisseurs share their passion for this unique terroir and invite you to awaken your inner winemaker. There is also a guided wine tasting, accompanied by a mâchon beaujolais, a genuine Lyonnais gastronomical tradition. A privileged moment to be savoured all summer long, in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyard. www.visitesprivilege.com
July & August – Beaujolez Vous!
“Beaujolez Vous!” is a selection of suggestions for free outings every week throughout the summer (every Tuesday thru Saturday), where a festive atmosphere with entertainment and local products are sure to be plentiful. On the agenda: every Tuesday, Les Temps Danse at the harbour; every Wednesday, Les Estivales on the Terrasse de Chiroubles; every Thursday, night market on the grounds of the Fleurie town hall; every Friday, Quizz de l’Espace at Espace des Brouilly in Saint-Lager; every Saturday, Guinguette Village on the square at the Beaujeu town hall. www.beaujolezvous.com
July & August – Rosé: Summer Nights
In July and August, the crowds swing to the beat of events combining the discovery of rosé wines and local produce, performances of all kinds in villages full of character. Some Beaujolais communes deck themselves out in pink, while monuments, châteaux and churches light up at nightfall. A programme packed with entertainment awaits fans of great festivities: on Thursdays, aperitifs with winegrowers; Fridays, cultural evenings; Saturdays, festive evenings and night markets; Sunday, wine & heritage walks. Tastings, food & wine pairings, discovery of the terroir and its heritage or open-air cinema, night markets, concerts and other shows are all on the agenda. www.destination-beaujolais.com
August – Dezing Festival
An eclectic line-up for the Beaujolais-style ‘Woodstock’ which is held in August at the Pizay aerodrome, ranging from reggae and hip-hop to electro, and including popular French music and brass band tunes. No American soft drinks or commercial beers to be found here. The organisers put the spotlight on regional producers including winemaking partners offering tastings of their wines and local chefs whipping up flavourful dishes. www.festival-dezing.com
3rd weekend of September – Musical Harvests
With its line-up of eclectic music, the Vendanges Musicales is a festival that mixes established and up-and-coming performers with a focus on young local talent. In the heart of the Pierres Dorées in the village of Charnay, the festival is also an opportunity to (re)discover the region and partake in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere on the château esplanade, with a glass of Beaujolais in hand, of course! www.lesvendangesmusicales.fr
End of Harvesting – Celebrating Paradise
In Beaujolais, ‘paradis’ refers to the sweet ruby-coloured juice that flows when the grapes are first pressed. Every year in October, the village of Odenas, located in the Brouilly appellation, celebrates the end of harvesting, all day (and night, too) by paying tribute to the Beaujolais traditions to the sound of brass bands. On the agenda: old-fashioned pressing, sausage cooked au gene (in grape pomace), a country-style meal and a chance to get a taste of ‘paradis’ as well as some lovely Beaujolais vintages. www.feteduparadis.com
3rd weekend of October – Fascinating ‘Vignobles & Découvertes’ Weekend
For four days, certified “Vignobles & Découvertes” partners from the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region offer a rich and varied programme of events, with a combination of out-of-the-ordinary activities for food and wine enthusiasts: rides in a vintage 2CV, Beaujolais cuisine workshops for beginners, scavenger hunts with riddles, wine & food pairings and more… The aim is to discover the 12 Beaujolais appellations and their wonders, a chance to take part in fun, original and funky activities! To kick off the big weekend, Destination Beaujolais organises a prestigious gathering in an exceptional venue. At the unique, one-time event, guests will delight in 100% Beaujolais produce, whipped up by restaurant chefs and winemakers. www.destination-beaujolais.com
November – Key Events for Beaujolais Nouveau
Every year, Beaujolais Days includes eight major festivals: so meet up in the Beaujolais region for the Beaujolais International Marathon, Les Sarmentelles in Beaujeu, the Beaujolais Nouveau barrel tapping in Villefranche-sur-Saône, the Nouvelles Voix en Beaujolais festival on stage at the Villefranche theatre, Beaujolais Gourmand in Tarare, Nect’Art Nouveau in Belleville, the Fête des Saveurs in Gleizé, and in Lyon for the Beaujol’en Scène festival. One thing is sure, Beaujolais Days is a great 5-day celebration with a wide range of culture, tourism, gastronomy, festivities or sports to choose from, and there’s something for everyone! Find out more at: www.beaujolaisdays.com
Official website: www.beaujolaisnouveau.fr