It is no secret that France is world-renowned for their outstanding wines. But honestly, when you hear wine and France – your mind’s eye and taste buds are automatically drawn to the reds of Burgundy and Bordeaux, the clay soil of Chateâuneuf-du-Pape or the whites of the Loire Valley.
But Paris? Not so much.
But did you know that there is a little corner of Paris that prides itself on vines that date back to Gallo-Roman times and still produce wine every fall?
The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, is a special annual wine harvest which takes place in the lovely Montmartre neighborhood of Paris. The fenced-in rows of vines, known simply as Vineyard Clos Montmartre, can be found covering a steep hill at the corner of Rue des Saules and Rue Saint Vincent, across from the famed Lapin Agile. 2009’s harvest produced about 500 liters of wine, yielding just over 1000 bottles.
Every year the fête takes place in mid October and is celebrated with humor, music, parades, tours, tastings and many stands of local produce. The festivities will be topped off with a fireworks display on the final evening in Square Louise Michel.
If you are lucky enough to be in Paris during the celebration (and if you’re not, why not plan a visit to Paris for the fall!)- go, drink and be entertained. And have a glass or two for me. Salute!