Feast of Beaujolais Nouveau
November 20, Thursday
History of the holiday
The first mentions of Beaujolais Nouveau date back to the 19th century. In 1951, it was officially established that the sale of the new wine could only begin on the third Thursday of November to guarantee quality and give the wine time for minimal maturation. Since then, the holiday has gained international significance and has become a symbol of the joyful conclusion of the winemaking season.
How it is celebrated
Celebrations of Beaujolais Nouveau Day include various activities:
* Tastings of the young wine at wineries and wine bars
* Festive lunches and dinners with traditional French dishes
* Organization of fairs and wine festivals with music and dancing
* Competitions for the best bottle design and thematic workshops
* Joint online and offline events to promote the young wine
Significance of the holiday
Beaujolais Nouveau Day symbolizes the joy of the harvest’s end and the beginning of the new wine season. It strengthens France’s cultural and gastronomic traditions, promotes wine tourism, and popularizes French cuisine and wine worldwide.
Interesting facts
* Beaujolais Nouveau has a light fruity taste and low tannin content, making it especially suitable for immediate consumption.
* The holiday is widely celebrated not only in France but also in Japan, the USA, Canada, and many European countries.
* In Japan, the celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau gained particular popularity in the late 1980s and became a true cultural tradition.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day remains one of the brightest gastronomic events of the year, bringing together wine enthusiasts and lovers of festive celebrations around the world.
Feast of Beaujolais Nouveau in other years
- 2023 November 16, Thursday
- 2024 November 21, Thursday
- 2026 November 19, Thursday