THE GRAPE HARVEST, A TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL

A highlight of the start of the new season in Saumur, the Grape Harvest Festival, taking place on Sunday 13 September from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, will feature activities and entertainment for young and old alike, both locals and visitors. Event date : Sunday 13 September 2026

As early as the 14th century, the Château de Saumur was already surrounded by vineyards, as shown in the illuminated manuscript of the ‘Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry’ calendar. The month of September, the month of the grape harvest, is, in fact, illustrated by the Château de Saumur.

On Sunday 13 September, the public is invited to gather from 10.00 am in the Château’s courtyard to celebrate this tradition. The programme includes:

10.00 am: a light snack for the grape-pickers

10.30 am: a parade of wine brotherhoods, accompanied by music provided by ‘Music’A Varennes’

11.00 am: opening of the grape harvest and grape picking in the château’s vineyards

12 noon: induction ceremony by a wine brotherhood, grape pressing, grape juice tasting, a reception and a gourmet market (products to enjoy on the spot or take away)

12.30 pm to 2 pm: a huge picnic accompanied by live music

Tables and benches will be set up in the château gardens for lunch. Everyone is welcome to bring their own picnic or sample the local produce on offer from the producers and traders at the gourmet market.

From 2.00 pm to 2.30 pm: live music with Jessie Hira (Terrasse du Panorama)

From 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm: treasure hunt in the château gardens for all ages (booklets available from the reception chalet)

From 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm: wine tasting tour led by students from the

Edgard Pisani agricultural and viticultural college in Montreuil-Bellay (Salle de l’Abbatiale, ground floor).

Pony rides for children (free)

From 2.30 pm to 3 pm: ‘Olé’ juggling show by the Visual Performers association (under the lime trees) – Suitable for all ages

From 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm: wine-tasting talk led by Mélanie Cunin and Étienne Perdriau, teachers at the Lycée Pisani: ‘From the Saumur region to the Andes: a journey to the heart of two wine-growing regions’ (Abbatiale Room, 1st floor)

From 3.30 pm to 4.00 pm: live music with Jessie Hira (Terrasse du Panorama)

From 4.00 pm to 4.45 pm: aerial show ‘La promesse du vide’ by the Avis de tempête theatre company (Théâtre de verdure) – Suitable for all ages

From 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm: live music with Jessie Hira (Terrasse du Panorama)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Free entry all day: entertainment, grape juice tasting, gourmet market, relaxation areas, etc.

Admission fee applies (flat rate of €5 for those aged 26 and over): the Château’s collections, and the exhibitions ‘MONDES BRODÉS’, ‘Villes flottantes’, ‘Forêt universelle’, ‘Luxe amer’ and ‘Jeux et joutes à cheval’.

Car park nearby