Coffee Break French The tradition of les vendanges | A Coffee Break with Hélène
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Oct 6, 2025 Discover the vibrant tradition of les vendanges, as vineyards across France bustle with activity from August to October. Explore the art of hand-picking grapes in famous regions like Bordeaux and Bourgogne. Dive into the fascinating world of vendanges tardives, where leaving grapes on the vine creates naturally sweet wines perfect for dessert pairings. Learn about key grape varieties and the concentration of flavors that make these late-harvest wines truly special. Cheers to a celebration of French culture and winemaking!
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Harvest Timing Is Essential
- France is widely associated with wine and the grape harvest is essential to winemaking.
- Hélène emphasizes precise timing to pick grapes at optimal ripeness for quality wine.
Regional Rhythm Of Vendanges
- Vineyards in Bordeaux, Bourgogne and Champagne become busy with hand-picking during vendanges.
- The timing varies by region, climate and grape variety, usually between late August and October.
Late Harvests Make Sweet Wines
- Les vendanges tardives are a later harvest that concentrates sugars by leaving grapes longer on the vine.
- This delayed picking produces naturally sweeter white wines called vins moelleux.