Quick guide to enjoy wine tourism on the Ribera del Duero Wine Route during the grape harvest

At such a magical time as the grape harvest, visits to the Ribera del Duero Wine Route are the perfect getaway to discover our land at its peak.

The wine-producing region is one of the main producers in Spain and its international projection puts it in the sights of a large number of people from all over the world.

We tell you how to come, what to choose and what to do during the grape harvest.

What is the grape harvest?

When the grapes reach their optimum ripeness, they are harvested to make wine. This process, which takes place between late summer and early autumn, is one of the most important stages in Ribera del Duero. However, the grape harvest is not just an agricultural activity; it is a tradition steeped in history and culture. Nowadays, this process is fully professionalised, but in the past, it was an activity linked to the family that was a celebration of the effort that had been made to obtain the fruit of the vine.

This festival has become an important tourist attraction in the area, as it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of wine and the region that produces it. During these days, visitors can participate in the harvest, learn about wine production, enjoy tastings, and be part of the local festivities that celebrate work, the land, and good wine.

What wine tourism experiences can we find during the Harvest?

Many of the members of the Route are preparing in a special way to welcome visitors who want to get to know the grape harvest first hand. Wineries such as Valsotillo allow visitors to learn about the grape reception process from the inside, tasting must or even watching the devatting process.

Others create experiences of a more recreational nature that allow visitors to have fun and learn about the grape harvest from a different perspective. We tell you what you can find:

• Emilio Moro shows you the grape harvest in the vineyards, inviting you to pick grapes and then tread them.
• At Cepa 21 you can take part in a grape harvest workshop that invites you to pick grapes in the most traditional way.
• At Bodegas Nabal, your oenological visit is transformed to celebrate the grape harvest in a different way, where you can taste grapes, must and fermentations.
• Pradorey has a series of visits during this period that will allow you to enjoy and learn about the grape harvest in the most diverse ways, from games to visits with a stay or totally premium options.
• Lagar de Isilla has also prepared a special day for these harvests, inviting you to get to know the different grape varieties and learning how to analyse their alcohol content.

Other wine tourism activities

In addition to the winery experiences, some members are preparing other initiatives to discover the grape harvest from a different perspective:

• Finca Villacreces has prepared a Painting and Wine Workshop for the 4th of October that will allow you to enjoy a visit to the winery with tasting and aperitif that will end in a painting activity given by the Canvas school.
• The monastery of Santa María de Valbuena, headquarters of the Las Edades del Hombre Foundation, is a unique setting to enjoy this special time. A workshop on gastronomic culture in which we will be able to enjoy the rituals surrounding the end of the harvest and the arrival of the grapes at the wine presses and the making of must, making a simple cooking recipe.

Grape harvest festivals along the Ribera del Duero Wine Route

We tell you about the most important events during the grape harvest on the Ribera del Duero Wine Route.

Ribera del Duero’s great grape harvest festival

The grape harvest is a party and we know that better than anyone. That is why when the time comes, we look for ways to celebrate in style. One of the biggest events these days is the Gran Fiesta de la Vendimia (Great Harvest Festival) held by the Regulatory Council of the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin, held in Aranda de Duero in September, which serves as a starting point for the festivities that will follow.

Over the course of a weekend, the Ribera del Duero town welcomes wineries from all over the region who offer their wines to the public, selling them by the glass. In addition, several concerts and performances take place in different parts of the town, filling one of the town’s most special weekends with music.

Peñafiel Grape Harvest Festival

Another unmissable event is held in Peñafiel with its Fiesta de la Vendimia and Riberjoven. It is usually held on the first weekend in October. Every year, the town of Peñafiel comes alive with the celebration of its wine tradition. The streets are filled with life, barrels, bunches of grapes and toasts that echo through its historic corners. During these days, wine is not just a drink, it is a way of connecting with the land and with people.

The Riberjoven, meanwhile, is the modern touch that complements the festival. It is an event that fuses good wine with music, gastronomy and a youthful atmosphere. During this festival, local wineries offer the best of their youngest vintages, perfect for enjoying in company, while open-air concerts are played. The Plaza del Coso, with its medieval atmosphere, becomes a meeting point where tradition and modernity go hand in hand.

Medieval Market and Grape Harvest Festival of Quintanilla de Onésimo

Also in Valladolid, in Quintanilla de Onésimo, they have been holding a medieval market for more than 20 years, which includes a fantastic grape harvest festival. This market is already well established in the region and attracts a large number of people.

The Plaza Mayor and the surrounding streets come alive with street entertainment, workshops, the traditional treading of the grapes and, of course, the expected distribution of must and local artisan pastries. The medieval dinner and the charming craft and food stalls bring people together in large numbers, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

The Langa de Duero Grape Harvest Festival

In Soria, the Langa de Duero grape harvest festival is now in its thirtieth year. Markets, workshops, wine competitions and all kinds of shows to celebrate the harvest.

Other plans not to be missed

In addition to the experiences and activities prepared by the wineries and the events taking place these days on the Ribera del Duero Wine Route. We invite you to discover other places that will be perfect for your visit over the next few days.

Nature and Autumn Landscapes

In autumn, the vineyards are tinged with a warm palette, where golds, reds and oranges paint a captivating landscape. The season transforms the vineyards into a sea of vibrant colours that invites you to explore. Walks through the vineyards, bike rides or even hot air balloon flights offer unique ways to enjoy the serenity of the countryside. Each activity allows you to immerse yourself in the magic of this season and its spectacular autumn landscapes.

Cultural and wine heritage

The architecture linked to the winemaking tradition is another of the Route’s great jewels. The traditional wine presses, such as those of Langa de Duero or the wine press of San Miguel in San Esteban de Gormaz, are living testimonies to centuries of history. The wine cellar quarters, such as those of Atauta and Moradillo de Roa, stand out for their conservation and the use that is still made of them today.

On the other hand, in Aranda de Duero, the underground cellars form a fascinating labyrinth beneath the streets, where guided tours, tastings and cultural events are organised. We recommend you find a way to enjoy each of them during these special days.