From One Festivity to Another

September 26, 2016

As Charleston Restaurant Week is midway through from a successful start, so begins the preparation to another, about 4,300 miles across the pond! Le Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (The Grape Harvest Festival) is in preparation for the beginning of October in none other than the City of Lights- Paris. The Festival marks 82 years of celebration as a relic of the flourishing wine vineyards that use to inhabit the northern region of Paris on the hill of Montmartre. Similar to Charleston, the Festival involves much to do for locals and visitors to the area.

Some things that might suit any wine-connisuers fancy include wine tastings paired with amazing dishes and cheeses, and the ability to partake in auctions for some of the most prestigious award winning wines in the area… a great chance to add something special to the wine cellar! This Wine Festival includes delights for all the senses- fireworks, musical performances, as well as the ability to view some gorgeous scenery in the area of Montmartre.

Though most of the vineyard itself was destroyed by a pest issue in the 20th centurty, Montmartre is one of the last standing vineyards in the city of Paris. It has nearly 28 different selections of wines that come from this region, two of which are Gamay as well as Pinot Noir. With nearly 500,000 visitors to the area during this five day event, you can only imagine the selection of wines is quite generous with nearly 120 exhibitors! This is why it is considered one of the best annual festivals in all of France.

This years Le Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre will take place from October the 5th through 9th. For the wine connoisseur, it truly is an amazing place to be when the heat in Charleston is beating you!