Oh boy! What an exciting time of the year. Why? Because it is harvest time! The Vendimia is here, meaning all the ripe grapes are being harvested from the vines, ready to be sold as table grapes or ready to be processed for delicious wine making! Sit back with a fine glass of wine while you discover more about the vendimia traditions in Andalucía.
Vendimia: The Harvest of Grapes
The grape harvest is an important agricultural time of the year in Andalucia, of course. But more than that, it is an entire cultural event too! It has long lasting roots in our history and traditions in all towns and cities where vines grow. The most typical areas that foreigners visit for the harvesting festivals are Jerez de la Frontera, Montilla-Moriles and different places in Málaga. Wine and the tourism it brings with it are play a key role in our local economy. You can check out a beautiful harvesting video of the Chinchilla wine down below:
Jerez de la Frontera
This area is world-renowned for producing Sherry, a fortified wine with a long history. The Vendimia here focuses on the Palomino grape, essential for making Sherry. The harvest season in Jerez is a time of celebration, with festivals, parades, and traditional activities marking the occasion.
Montilla-Moriles
Known for its distinctive wines, particularly the Pedro Ximénez (PX) and other fortified wines. The Vendimia here is similar to that in Jerez, with a strong emphasis on the quality and timing of the grape harvest.
Málaga
Famous for its sweet wines made from Muscat grapes. The Vendimia in this region can be a bit earlier due to the warmer climate. The locals celebrate with a fun festival rich in gastronomy! Specifically from the Málaga region, the Ronda wines stand out and ought to be highlighted.
Ronda wine is famous and delicious due to its unique terroir and ancient winemaking traditions. Because of its location in the mountains, the vineyards benefit from high altitudes, cool nights, and mineral-rich soils. Ideal for high-quality grapes. The balance of tradition and innovation in the wine-making technique, makes Ronda wine exceptional.
When is the harvest?
Due to the warmer climate in the South of Spain, Andalusia, the vendimia takes place somewhere between late august and early October. Again, depending on each region. The timing of the harvest is critical, as it depends on the ripeness of the grapes, which in turn influences the quality of the wine.
Most of the time, the harvest is manual: this is the traditional way. Workers carefully pick the grapes by hand to ensure they are not damaged. This method is preferable for high-quality wines because it allows for a more selective process, ensuring only the best grapes are used.
The perfect excuse to party!
The Vendimia is not just an agricultural task but a cultural event celebrated with various festivities. Towns and villages across Andalusia host fiestas (festivals) that include traditional music, dancing, and, of course, wine tasting. These celebrations are a way to honor the hard work of the grape pickers and the importance of the wine industry in the region.
In some towns, the first grape harvest is marked with a ceremonial crushing of the grapes. This ritual is symbolic of the start of the winemaking process and is followed by feasts and communal gatherings.
Your own Spanish Villa with Vineyard
In the gorgeous town of Gaucín we have a beautiful, fairy-tale like villa for sale. It comes with its very own vineyard, which means you can now make your wine at home! If you want a hobby to keep yourself busy now that you are moving to Andalucía, then this is the solution for you! Call us for more information on this villa in Gaucín. +34 952 89 51 39 or send an email to [email protected].
Another fantastic vineyard we have for sale is a fully set-up bodega in Cártama, Málaga. The vineyard is sold as a package, including: the land, the real estate, the business with all its contacts & knowledge, the stock, the marketing & branding,… All this for only 770.000€. This is truly a fantastic investment opportunity if you are looking for a fun hobby, or jobby!
Danielle Ernstsen | 5th September 2024
