local folk dancers

Fete des Vendanges

Every year, in September and October, French wine producers (les viticulteurs) harvest the grapes that will be made into wine – and this harvest is known as le vendage. Its timing depends on many factors such as where the vineyard is, the type of grape being grown, and the nature of the wine to be made,  plus of course the weather conditions that year, so the Charente region’s 2013 vendanges are several weeks later than usual due to this year’s climate.

Some grape harvests are now done by machine, but others still use teams of seasonal workers picking by hand (vendange à la main). Human pickers can beat the machines by being gentler with the vines and by only picking healthy grapes and on steep hillsides humans have a definite advantage over machines ! These workers have to be strong, able to travel between the various vineyards, and willing to work between eight and fourteen hours a day. When conditions are right, the grapes must be picked !

This year we didn’t do that much grape-picking, thankfully, but instead we went to a Fête des Vendanges in Archiac which showed us all about the process. What did our group think ? “informative and great fun !”   “An excellent introduction for those unfamiliar with the process.”

The day was a brilliant mix of demonstrations, eating, drinking, entertainment, folk dancing and singing, plus a display on Cognac and barrel-making. As Peggy, an American volunteer, said, “A great experience of local culture ! ”

Normally, each year the volunteers from La Giraudiere are invited to help the local viticulteurs with their vendage unfortunatley because the harvest is so late it is an expirience that will be missed so the Fete at Archiac help replace it some what.