19 de February de 2024

The main grape harvest festivals in Chile: When and where they are celebrated

The grape harvest in Chile is considered the most crucial phase in wine production and has been deeply rooted in the country's tradition since the 16th century. At that time, the first steps towards celebration were taken with the "Grape Festival" and " Grape Week," marking the beginning of a tradition that endures to this day and is a cause for celebration .

This event, which represents the harvesting of grapes destined for wine production, has become a sensory experience that marks the end of summer, the beginning of autumn in Chilean territory and a tribute to the industry .

The rise of grape harvest festivals in Chile has been extraordinary, going from 10 events in 2018 to an impressive total of 47 in 2023. Expectations for the 2024 season are even more exciting, with projections suggesting that this number will be far surpassed.

Collective harvests, personalized and unique tastings, live entertainment, music, folk shows, activities for the whole family and the best local gastronomy are the main attractions of the different harvest festivals in Chile.

Grape harvest in Chile — Grapes from a vineyard in the Colchagua Valley.

The main festivals

The city of Santa Cruz , just two and a half hours from Santiago, will host one of Chile's most famous grape harvest festivals, the Colchagua Valley Harvest Festival, on March 1st . In the Plaza de Armas of Santa Cruz, in the O'Higgins Region, you can sample exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, and Syrah wines.

About three hours from the capital, you can experience the 35th Annual Grape Harvest Festival in Curicó's Plaza de Armas, from March 20th to 23rd . With massive shows attracting media personalities and popular musicians, this festival is known for its festive and entertaining atmosphere.

On March 23, 90 kilometers north of Santiago, the Aconcagua Valley becomes the setting for one of Chile's most important grape harvest festivals. In Panquehue , in the Valparaíso Region, you can immerse yourself in the area's rich winemaking tradition and stroll through the vineyards.

Located 50 kilometers from Santiago, Isla de Maipo will transform into a wine festival during the 16th annual Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival) on April 6th and 7th . On Avenida Santelices, you can enjoy tastings, crafts, grape stomping, and a diverse musical program, ranging from folk to jazz.

Casablanca , considered one of the world's wine capitals, will celebrate the tenth edition of its grape harvest festival just an hour from the Chilean capital, an event taking place from April 6th to 7th . Highlights include a grape stomping competition, blind tastings, guided tours, and a top-notch artistic performance.

You may also be interested in: National Grape Harvest Festival in Mendoza: Everything you need to know

Complete calendar of the grape harvest in Chile

March 1, 2, 3: XXIV Colchagua Wine Harvest Festival .
March 8, 9 and 10: XLVI Molina Harvest Folk Festival .
March 16-17: XIV Peralillo Wine Harvest Festival .
March 16-17: San Francisco de El Monte Harvest Festival .
March 20, 21, 22, 23: XXXV Curicó Wine Harvest Festival .
March 23: Mingaco de Doña Luisa .
March 23, 24: Peñaflor Wine Harvest Festival .
March 30: Viña Cortez Wine Harvest Festival .
March 30, April 1, 2: Chuico and Grape Harvest Festival .
April 5: XIX Desert Wine Harvest Festival, Pampa Tamarugal .
April 6-7: X Casablanca Valley Wine Harvest Festival .
April 6: Cachapoal Valley Wine Harvest Festival .
April 6: Meeting of Peasant Customs and Wine, Pumanque .
April 6: 9th Portezuelo Wine Harvest Festival .
April 6: XIV Millapoa Wine Harvest Festival .
April 6-7: 8th Punitaqui Wine Harvest Festival .
April 6-7: XVI Isla de Maipo Wine Harvest Festival .
April 12, 13, 14: Maipo Valley Harvest Festival .
April 12, 13, 14: Chillán Viejo Wine Harvest Festival .
April 20: Huasco Valley Harvest Festival in Atacama .
April 20-21: Vendimia Fest – Wines of Chile .
April 20: Wine Harvest Festival at Viña El Escorial in Panquehue .
April 27, 28: Melipilla Wine Harvest .
May 23: University Harvest Festival, Colchagua Campus .

Get ready to discover the magic of the grape harvest in Chile, where wine becomes an experience that goes beyond a simple drink, transforming into a cultural celebration and winemaking tradition .