Vendimia Festival, Jerez

The Vendimia (grape harvest) takes place each year in Jerez de la Frontera and its surrounding areas and lasts for around a month. The region is well known for its sherry production, with many vineyards and bodegas offering tours and sherry tasting, and this harvest is a very important time for the region so it is celebrated with a local Vendimia festival.

Dating back to 1948, the festival takes place on the weekend closest to 8th September in order to coincide with the feast of the Nativity of our Lady, whereas elsewhere in Spain celebrations usually take place around the 21st September. This year the Jerez Vendimia festival will begin on the 5th & 6th September.

The festival programme changes annually, but usually begins with a large parade through the streets of Jerez. Like many fiestas, they have a carnival queen known as the Queen of the Vintage who is accompanied by her handmaidens who dress in white and blue to represent the vine growing process with white representing the chalk in the soil and blue for the sky.

The remaining celebrations see fireworks, concerts, horse shows, flamenco performances, bullfights and parties. The most important part of the celebrations is the Blessing of the Grapes which takes place on a Sunday after mass and features the first pressing of the grapes.

We have several hotels in Jerez which are perfect for visiting the Vendimia or for enjoying a trip to Jerez to experience wine tasting and the famous horse shows throughout the year and we have chosen two of our favourites below:

Sherry Park Hotel

Located in the centre of Jerez, a short walk from the bullring, this hotel is surrounded by gardens, creating a tranquil oasis in the city. Featuring outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a restaurant, spacious communal areas and comfortable rooms, this hotel provides a welcoming and relaxing stay.

Jerez Hotel & Spa

This contemporary hotel offers peace and relaxation a short distance from Jerez’s city centre. With onsite spa facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bright guestrooms, this is a great location to soak up the Vendimia celebrations.