The Harvest (Vendimia) in La Rioja: The Heart of the Wine Celebration

The Magic Moment: When Does the Harvest Occur?

The Grape Harvest (Vendimia) in La Rioja is not just a collection; it is the climax of the vine’s annual cycle and the most important celebration in the region. Although many wine areas have fixed dates, in La Rioja, the precise moment of picking depends crucially on the climate, altitude, and grape variety.

When does it start? Generally, activity begins in late August in the warmer, lower areas (like Rioja Oriental, for early-ripening grapes).

The Peak of the Festival: The vast majority of the activity is concentrated during September and early October, making it the ideal period to observe the bustle in the vineyards of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.

This period of frenetic activity in the fields is not only vital for the quality of the wine, but it transforms the landscape into a spectacle of ochre and intense green colours.

🧑‍🌾 The Art of Collecting: The Process

Although technology has modernized the winery, the artisanal spirit of the Harvest is maintained, especially for the highest quality grapes.

1. The Picking

The Qualified Designation of Origin Rioja (DOCa) maintains strict quality control, which is why many of the best wineries opt for manual harvesting.

Manual Harvest: The bunches are cut by hand and carefully placed in small baskets or trailers to prevent the grapes from breaking before reaching the winery. This is essential to preserve the integrity of the fruit, especially for aging wines.

Mechanical Harvest: This is used in flatter and larger vineyards, allowing for quick collection. However, the trend for high-end production remains manual.

2. The Journey to the Winery

Once harvested, the grapes must reach the winery as quickly as possible. The grapes pass through sorting tables where leaves, damaged bunches, or those that do not meet quality standards are manually removed.

3. The Beginning of the Miracle

Finally, the grapes go through destemming (separation of the grapes from the stalk) and crushing, starting the fermentation process where sugars will turn into alcohol, marking the birth of the new vintage.

🍷 The Scale of DOCa Rioja

La Rioja is one of the largest and most important wine regions in Europe, and the Harvest is a massive logistical event.

Although the exact number of wineries is constantly changing, the DOCa Rioja groups together more than 600 wineries (including bottling and processing facilities), managing a vineyard extension of about 65,000 hectares. During the Harvest, all these wineries, from the centuries-old historical ones in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación to the avant-garde designs of Laguardia, are operating at full capacity. This density of activity makes the region unparalleled during this time of year.

📅 Conclusion: Why Visit La Rioja During the Harvest?

The Harvest season (late September to early October) is the best time to visit La Rioja. Wineries are full of energy, the air smells of fresh must, and the landscape is vibrant. It is a unique opportunity to witness the birth of wine and local culture at its peak.

Enjoy the Celebration to the Fullest with Your Private Chauffeur!

This is a season of intense activity on the roads of La Rioja. Let your only concern be which winery to visit and which wine to taste.

Our premium VTC service and our team of certified chauffeurs are at your disposal so you can enjoy the tastings without the worry of driving. With our local knowledge and international experience, we will ensure your winery transfers are seamless, punctual, and safe, even during the peak of the Harvest.

Contact us today via WhatsApp or our booking form to secure your transportation during this high season. You drink, we drive!