Vineyard festivals in Haute Gironde

March

Marché aux vins de Blaye - Blaye

A hundred or so vinegrowers representing the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation flock to the citadel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage for a day of wine-tasting. Special “Wine market” menus are also served in the restaurants in and around Blaye.
Blaye Tourist Information Office
+33 5 57 42 12 09 www.tourisme-blaye.com
Free admission

April

La Fête  de l’asperge du Blayais  - Etauliers

Asparagus – or the white queen of the Blaye region – is paid annual tribute in Etauliers where some 70 exhibitors and producers invite you to taste their products. On the menu: wine and asparagus tasting, presentation of recipes and giant asparagus omelette.
+33 5 57 32 88 83 www.cc-estuaire.fr  
Free admission

May

Portes ouvertes des 100 Châteaux

100 châteaux of the Côtes de Bourg appellation organise open days where visitors can come for free cellar visits and wine-tasting.
+33 (0)5 57 94 80 20 www.cotes-de-bourg.com  
Free admission

July

Jumping International  - Blaye

This horse jumping festival takes place in the exceptional setting of the moat of the Blaye citadel: a unique show with the traditional Bastille Day fireworks as its grand finale.
Blaye Tourist Information Office
+33 (0)5 57 42 12 09 www.tourisme-blaye.com  
Paying admission

Le Trail des Côtes de Bourg  – Bourg en Gironde

This event hosts two races, 17 or 30km, and a 17km walk through the Côtes de Bourg vineyards. With the itineraries cutting through the châteaux open for the occasion, this event is one of the  main “nature” races in Gironde.
+ 33 5 57 68 31 76 www.bourg-en-gironde.fr
Small fee upon registration

October

La Fête  des Vendanges à l’ancienne  - Marcillac

Thrown on the first Sunday in October, this harvest festival in Marcillac is well worth attending. Take part in traditional horse-led and hand-picked harvesting, watch demonstrations of past wine-making know-how and drink some grape juice straight out of the press! Dine on delicious traditional dishes served during harvest time in the olden days.
+33 5 57 32 41 03

Le Biathlon des vignes  - Mombrier

Biathlon through the Côtes de Bourg vineyard, for amateurs and professionals.
+33 5 57 68 31 76