'Beaujolais Nouveau Day' is a worldwide celebration of a fruity and fresh red wine made in the beautiful region of Beaujolais, which is just north of Lyon in France! By French Law, this young and delicious wine is released for sale exactly at 12:01 AM every year, on the third Thursday of November. This event signals the end of the harvest season and sets the stage for festivities throughout France and beyond.
Origin of the day
The tradition of celebrating the red wine harvest season in the Beaujolais region dates back to the early 19th century. However, starting in the 1950s, this celebration began to spread to other regions as well. The local wine-makers intended to make the red- wine popular through a clever marketing contest and extend its reach. They created a race for the wine bottles to be delivered to the cafes and restaurants in Paris. This contest was pushed even further in the 1970s, by Georges Duboeuf, a wine-maker who wanted to make the young wine as popular as possible! So he set up banners reading out “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!” everywhere! More participants were eager to get the wine bottles delivered and soon it gained worldwide attention. By 1985, it took the whole of Europe by storm and made its way to Northern America in 1990. And voila, that's how 'Beaujolais Nouveau Day' came into being!
What can you pair Beaujolais Nouveau with while dining?
Since Beaujolais Nouveau is generally taken to be fruity in taste, you can pair it with either light eats and a full-course meal, works well with both! Here are some of our recommendations-
- French Charcuterie Board
- Cheeses such as Brie and Camembert
- Roast Chicken
- Grilled Lamb
- Cottage cheese steak
How do you celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau day?
- To truly embrace the spirit of Beaujolais Nouveau Day, there's no better way than going on a journey to the region of Beaujolais in France. This visit offers a genuine experience, allowing you to fully get into the essence of this special day.
- Enjoy Wine Tasting: Beaujolais Nouveau wine is the star of the day. Visit a local winery, wine shop, or wine bar to taste the freshly released wine. Try different varieties and compare their flavors.
- Join Local Festivities: If you're in or near the Beaujolais region in France, participate in the local festivities. Look for events that include fireworks, music, and feasts. The region comes alive with over 120 festivals on this day.
- Visit Beaujeu: The capital of the Beaujolais region, Beaujeu, hosts one of the most famous celebrations. If possible, attend the Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu festival, which lasts for five days. Enjoy wine, local cuisine, and music at this lively event.
- Participate in Wine Competitions: Many celebrations feature wine competitions. Try your hand at wine tasting and see if you can identify the best Beaujolais Nouveau of the year. Winners are often crowned at these events.
- Torch-Lit Procession: Join a torch-lit procession on the evening before the wine's release. This is a traditional part of the celebration and adds a touch of romance and excitement to the festivities.
- Midnight Fireworks: Don't miss the midnight fireworks that mark the official release of the new Beaujolais Nouveau. The sky lights up in celebration, creating a memorable moment.
- Local Food Delights: Try out local food specialties that pair well with Beaujolais Nouveau. Ask locals for recommendations or explore food stalls at the festivals.
