Young wine made from the freshly picked red Gamay grapes in the Burgundy region of France is called Beaujolais Nouveau. Even those who are not great lovers of wine have probably heard of it. The wine is governed by a strict tradition and is not released for sale anywhere in the world before midnight on the third Thursday of November. Each year, oenophiles the world over await that moment with growing anticipation.

Around harvest time, many events centering around wine are held each year in districts with vineyards and wineries.

In Mikulov, in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, the Palava Vintage Festival is held on the first weekend in September to celebrate the wine harvest. The event offers locally produced wine and street food, as well as a historic parade with colorful costumes and concerts. November 11 is Saint Martin’s Day in the Czech Republic and is also the day that the Saint Martin’s label goes on sale, this being celebrated by the custom of tasting the young South Moravian wine accompanied by tasty dishes of white cabbage and roast goose.

In Italy, sagra harvest festivals are held across the nation. The Sagra dell'Uva di Marino, held in Marino just outside Rome, is one with a long history and is popular with many sightseers. Attractions include a parade with people wearing medieval costumes, and the “miracle fountains,” which start gushing wine in the evening, free for revelers to enjoy.