Vendimia is a traditional celebration in Argentina that takes place every year during the grape harvest season. This festival is also known as the "Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia," or the National Grape Harvest Festival. It typically occurs in late February or early March, and it is a significant cultural event that celebrates Argentina's wine culture and heritage.

HARVEST TIME MEANS TEAMWORK AT ALGODON AND CAMARADERIE IN THE VINEYARDS

The origins of the vendimia festival date back to the colonial period when Spanish missionaries brought grapevines to Argentina. Over time, the cultivation of grapes and the production of wine became integral parts of the country's economy and culture. The vendimia festival was established in the early 20th century as a way to honor the hard work of the farmers and winemakers and to promote the wine industry.

Today, the vendimia festival is celebrated throughout Argentina, but the largest and most famous event takes place in the province of Mendoza, which is known for its wine production. The festival lasts for several days and includes a variety of cultural and artistic events, including parades, concerts, dance performances, and fireworks displays.

THE SWEET SMELL OF FRESH GRAPES FILLS THE AIR DURING HARVEST

The main event of the vendimia festival is the "Vía Blanca de las Reinas" or the "White Way of Queens," a parade featuring floats decorated with grapes and flowers that carry the candidates for the "Queen of the Vendimia" title. The parade also includes traditional dancers, musicians, and performers, and it culminates in a grand finale where the queen is crowned.

Another highlight of the vendimia festival is the "Carrusel" or "Carousel," a parade of horse-drawn carriages that travels through the streets of Mendoza. The carriages are decorated with flowers and grapes, and they represent the different regions of the province.

THE HARVEST SEASON BRINGS WITH IT THE PROMISE OF A GREAT VINTAGE YEAR

At Algodon Wine Estates, in San Rafael, Mendoza, our visitors and residents can enjoy numerous harvest activities that convey the true spirit of la Vendimia. This includes guided tours of our vineyard where you’ll be introduced to the different varieties of grapes, exploring the contrast between varietal leaf shapes, textures and flavors – you can even eat the grapes directly off the vines!
 
You’ll also discover our winemaking process by touring the winery and sample wines from previous year‘s harvests directly from the French Oak barrels in which they are aging. Additional harvest activities at Algodon include a guided wine, cheese and charcuterie tasting featuring products direct from our restaurant, Chez Gastón's, organic garden, as well as a sunset stroll throughout our acres of vineyards —or for the more adventurous you can tour the vast estate by horseback or mountain bike.