Top 5 Grand Wine Festivals Worldwide

 Discover the significant wine festivals happening globally from now until the end of the upcoming year, as compiled by Telegraph.

1. Bandol Wine Festival – Provence Region, France

Time: November 30 to December 1, 2013.

During the festival, grape growers and winemakers will don unique outfits made from wine barrels. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about the traditional winemaking process. To purchase authentic Bandol wines, visit Maison des Vins or go directly to the vineyards.

2. Wine Down Under Festival – Australia

Time: From January to February 2014.

Every year, in the first quarter, Australia unveils its finest and premium wines stretching from Victoria to Tasmania. This is a lush green valley in South Australia, home to the best wines. The festival season kicks off with the Crush Festival in the Adelaide Hills, where 30 wineries open their cellars to visitors. Following that is the McLaren Vale Harvest Festival featuring music, art, wine, and the finest local cuisines. The climax is the Cellar Door Festival in Adelaide, where you can taste unlimited wines from over 150 wineries across McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Barossa Valley, and the Limestone Coast.

3. Mosel Wine Festival – Germany

Time: The festival starts around Easter (March or April) and extends until September 2014.

While Europe's largest wine festival is held in the fall, the celebrations begin in spring. A series of festivals take place in picturesque towns, villages, and vineyards along the Moselle River. Music, wine, and parties all come together to celebrate the finest new wines and the best harvest foods.

4. Sherry Festival – Jerez City, Spain

Time: Lasts for 3 weeks, around and after September 8, 2014.

The festival takes place in Jerez to celebrate the grape harvest season, welcome autumn, and coincide with the Christmas of Our Lady. Festival-goers will enjoy 3 weeks of festivities, leisurely sipping Sherry, horseback riding, and flamenco dancing. Additionally, there is a grand parade around the town of the 'Wine Queen.'

5. Chianti Wine Festival – Tuscany Region, Italy

Time: From September 11 to 14, 2014, in the town of Greve, and from September 18 to 21, 2014, in the town of Panzano.

Every Friday to Sunday of the second and third weeks of September each year, the two main towns in the Chianti wine region, Greve and Panzano, will celebrate the new harvest season with street music, local specialties, and the opportunity to taste the famous Chianti Classico wines.

***

Source: Travel Guide from Mytour – By iHay