Wondering what Beaujolais Nouveau Day is all about?
So did I until I moved to South West France so I asked my French neighbour, Stefan, “What is Beaujolais Nouveau Day?“, and he told me I needed to experience it and to go to a Beaujolais Nouveau festival.
And I’m so glad that I did. This nationwide celebration completely captures the essence of French life, which is one of the reasons I moved here. It’s brimming with rich history, fun, and of course, amazing wines.
Wine like many other things is to be celebrated as well as drunk. So pour yourself a glass because we’re about to embark on a tantalizing journey through the vineyard-dotted landscapes of Burgundy, discovering the magic behind this iconic day.
Ready to dive into the world of wine, history, and French “joie de vivre“? Let’s go!
What is Beaujolais Nouveau Day?
Beaujolais Nouveau Day marks the release of the new French wine, fresh from the harvest.
It’s a tradition that sees the young red wine liberated amidst fireworks, music, and festivals. I love it because it really is such a French thing to do.
This event is significant not just because it showcases the delightful Beaujolais Nouveau, a special variety of wine produced from Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region, but also because it encapsulates the French’s deep-rooted love for wine and their celebration of life.
It’s a symbol of French life and its timeless traditions, where there are festivals for every type of food you can think of, making it a key highlight in the French cultural calendar.
When is Beaujolais Nouveau Day?
Beaujolais Nouveau Day is celebrated! on the third Thursday of November every year, and the law dictates that it can’t be released until precisely 12:01 a.m. Not a minute earlier!
Why is this timing so important?
Because it captures the essence of Beaujolais Nouveau — its freshness, its youthfulness, its vibrancy. Released just weeks after September’s “vendage” (that’s “harvest” for you non-French speakers!), Beaujolais Nouveau is the first taste of the new season’s wine.
It’s not just a day it’s an experience.
What happens on Beaujolais Nouveau Day?
Although it’s historically a Beaujolais tradition, it’s now celebrated, throughout France, and even further afield in countries such as Japan and the U.S.
However, Beaujolais is the originator of the festival. Situated just 30 km outside of Lyon, the people of Beaujolais celebrate more than the wine, they also celebrate the region, the people and the harvest.
There are over 100 festivals that occur on this day throughout Beaujolais and the surrounding areas, the biggest being in the region’s capital, Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu.
From large gatherings in the villages to smaller intimate dinner parties, the festivities are happening, and Beaujolais is being drunk and wine enjoyed.
And then, at precisely 12.01 on Beaujolais Nouveau Day, the wine is officially uncorked, making it the first French wine of the season available to the public.
Apparently, over 65 million bottles are sold during this period, and it’s a race to sell as many as possible, mainly due to the short lifecycle of the wine.
It is FOMO at its best, and you’ll see the slogan “Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé” everywhere during this time.
Where is the Beaujolais region?
The Beaujolais wine region lies to the South of Burgundy and is nestled between the Maconnais to the north and the city of Lyon to the south, in the heart of France.
It’s renowned for its distinctive terroir that creates the Beaujolais grape.
The region’s soil, a mix of granite, schist, and clay, provides ideal growing conditions, contributing to the grape’s unique characteristics.
The most recognized is, of course, the Beaujolais Nouveau. However, the region is actually broken down into ten “crus” – specific vineyard areas known for producing the most refined Beaujolais wines.
These wines, often named after the towns they’re grown in like Brouilly, Morgon, or Fleurie, are wonderfully expressive, rich, and capable of ageing, displaying the true depth and diversity of the Beaujolais grape.
The 3 Best Beaujolais Wine Tours
Enjoy a Private Beaujolais Wine Tour
Spend the day with a French Wine Expert and visit three wineries in the region. The day is completely tailored to your requirements and includes:
- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Tours & tastings
Check Prices & Availability for the Private Wine Tour >>>
A Small Group Wine Tour of Beaujolais
Visit 4-5 wineries in the Beaujolais region and enjoy a tour of the medieval town of Pérouges. Sample the wine and meet the owners of the wineries:
- Small Groups of no more than 8
- Air-conditioned minibus
- Tours & tastings
Check Prices & Availability for the Group Wine Tour >>>
Beaujolais Wine and Castle Tour
Spend an afternoon sampling wines in some of the chateaux in the region. Meet the owners and learn how the wine is produced in this small group tour:
- Small Groups of no more than 8
- Air-conditioned minibus
- Tours & tastings
Check Prices & Availability for the Group Wine Tour >>>
The history of Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Was Beaujolais Nouveau Day just a good marketing idea, or was there something more behind it? I’ll let you be the judge.
Originally, Beaujolais Nouveau was mainly drunk by the vineyard workers to celebrate the end of the harvest and a job well done. Enter Georges Duboeuf, the architect behind this now global phenomenon.
He was a wine merchant who recognized the potential of Beaujolais Nouveau. He saw an opportunity to extend things beyond the confines of Beaujolais.
In 1951, the Union Interprofessionnelle des Vins du Beaujolais (UIVB) officially set the release date of Beaujolais Nouveau as November 15th.
But it was Duboeuf who propelled the Beaujolais Nouveau Day to its current fame. In the early 1960s, he instigated a race to deliver the first bottles of the new vintage to different markets around the globe.
It was an ingenious marketing ploy that spurred global anticipation for the wine and turned Beaujolais Nouveau Day into a worldwide event.
There’s no denying that Beaujolais Nouveau Day was a marketing masterstroke. However, beneath the commercial success lies a genuine celebration of the harvest and the winemaking tradition.
It’s a testament to the spirit of Beaujolais, its distinct grape, and the community that produces it.
Despite the criticism and commercialization, Beaujolais Nouveau Day remains, at its heart, a celebration of wine, tradition, and the joy of sharing.
What food pairs well with Beaujolais Nouveau?
Like with most things, it all comes down to personal taste, but some of my favourite pairings are:
- Cheese: The wine’s light-bodied, low-tannin profile works wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, particularly those of the creamy and mild variety, such as Brie or Camembert.
- White Meat: Beaujolais Nouveau’s fruity notes make it a great match for white meats like chicken or turkey.
- Charcuterie boards: From prosciutto to salami, there is a multitude of cured meats that can be featured on your charcuterie board to savour with the wine.
- Vegetarian Dishes: Think roasted vegetables, quinoa salads, or even a hearty lentil stew. The wine’s light body doesn’t overpower the flavours of these dishes, and its fruitiness can offer a lovely contrast to earthier ingredients.
FAQS: Celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau Day in France
What is the meaning of Beaujolais Nouveau?
Beaujolais Nouveau is a red wine from the Beaujolais region of France made from Gamay grapes. Its name, which translates to “New Beaujolais,” reflects the fact that it’s released just weeks after the harvest, making it one of the first wines of the season. Celebrated with much fanfare, its release is seen as a festive event, and the wine itself is noted for its youthful, fruity character.
Why do we celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau?
Beaujolais Nouveau is a celebration of the end of harvest, a time when winemakers can finally share the fruits of their labour. It takes place annually on the third Thursday of November.
The wine is young, only six to eight weeks old, but bursting with fresh and fruity flavours. It’s not about the complexity but about the immediacy, the liveliness, and sharing the excitement of the new wine season.
What are the rules for Beaujolais Nouveau?
The rules for Beaujolais Nouveau are quite specific. This red wine must be made from 100% Gamay grapes harvested from the Beaujolais region of France.
The grapes are typically harvested by hand in late September or early October. The timing of its release is important. By law, Beaujolais Nouveau cannot be released until 12.01 on the third Thursday of November, just a few weeks after the harvest.
What does Beaujolais Nouveau taste like?
Beaujolais Nouveau is famed for its fresh, fruity, and light-bodied taste profile. Look for vibrant flavours of ripe strawberries, raspberries, and cherries with a hint of banana.
Its low tannin content and high acidity make it easy-drinking and vivacious. Due to its youthful release, you’ll often notice a slight fizziness when you first take a sip, adding to its appeal.
How soon should you drink a Beaujolais?
Beaujolais Nouveau should be drunk within six months of its release. As a young, fresh wine, it isn’t intended for long-term storage. Best served slightly chilled, its vivacious and fruity character is most expressive when consumed young.
Is Beaujolais worth visiting?
Absolutely, Beaujolais is definitely worth a visit! Not only is it renowned for the annual Beaujolais Nouveau event, but it also offers a rich cultural and gastronomic experience for visitors.
The region is steeped in history with verdant vineyards, picturesque villages, and stunning chateaus.
Tasting your way through its wine routes, you’ll get to explore the diversity of Beaujolais wines beyond the Nouveau, not to mention the local cuisine that pairs beautifully with the region’s wines.
Final thoughts: What is Beaujolais Nouveau Day?
France is full of wonderful festivals and traditions, and it’s what makes France such a great country to visit. The French embrace each and every one of these traditions, such as Beaujolais Nouveau Day, and their enjoyment is infectious.
I always find that if you’re willing to take part, the French will welcome you with open arms. So if you find yourself in France on the 3rd Thursday in November, find yourself a village in which to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau. I promise you won’t regret it.
And besides, any festival that celebrates wine is bound to be fun!
The post What is Beaujolais Nouveau Day in France? (2023) appeared first on Life in Rural France.
