Festa de la Verema in Sitges
Among Sitges’ many festivals, one of the most charming is the Festa de la Verema, or the Wine Harvest Festival. Held every October, this event honors the deep-rooted winemaking traditions of the Penedès region, where Sitges sits at the gateway to one of Spain’s most famous wine-producing areas. The festival blends local heritage, gastronomy, and fun, creating a unique experience for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.
Origins of the Festa de la Verema
The festival was first organized in the 1960s as a way to celebrate and promote local viticulture, especially Malvasia de Sitges, a grape variety historically linked to the town. Over time, it grew into a lively cultural celebration that highlights both the ancient rituals of harvest and the modern pleasures of wine. Today, it is one of Sitges’ most anticipated autumn events, bringing together wineries, chefs, musicians, and visitors from near and far.
Highlights of the Festival
🍇 Grape Stomping Contest
One of the most iconic and entertaining moments of the Festa de la Verema is the grape stomping contest (trepitjada de raïm). Pairs of participants climb into large wooden vats filled with freshly picked grapes and stomp with their bare feet to extract juice. The competition is both playful and symbolic, recalling how wine was made in the past.
🍷 Wine Fair (Mostra de Vins)
The wine fair is the heart of the festival. Dozens of wineries from Sitges and the greater Penedès region set up stalls along the seafront promenade, offering tastings of wines and cava (Catalonia’s sparkling wine). Visitors can purchase a tasting pack that includes a glass and a selection of tickets to sample different wines, turning the event into a moving feast of aromas and flavors.
🎶 Music and Culture
The Festa de la Verema is not just about wine—it’s also about atmosphere. Live music, folk performances, and traditional dances create a lively backdrop for the tastings. The event is family-friendly, with activities for children, cultural workshops, and local gastronomy stands serving Catalan specialties.
🌊 The Procession and Blessing of the Grapes
In keeping with tradition, a procession through the old town includes the blessing of the grapes at the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. This ritual highlights the spiritual and cultural importance of wine in Sitges’ heritage.
Malvasia de Sitges: A Special Wine
At the center of the Festa de la Verema is Malvasia de Sitges, a unique grape variety once at risk of extinction. Thanks to local efforts, it has been preserved and is now celebrated for producing aromatic, complex wines with a strong identity. The festival is one of the best opportunities to taste Malvasia in its different forms—white wines, sweet wines, and blends.
Why Visit the Festa de la Verema?
The Wine Harvest Festival is an ideal way to experience Sitges in autumn, when the summer crowds fade and the town reveals its local rhythms. For travelers, it offers:
-
A chance to taste some of Catalonia’s finest wines and cava.
-
An immersion into Catalan traditions and rural heritage.
-
A festive atmosphere where locals and visitors share food, music, and laughter.
-
A perfect mix of culture and leisure against the backdrop of Sitges’ beaches.
✨ The Festa de la Verema is more than just a wine fair—it is a celebration of Sitges’ identity, connecting the town’s history, gastronomy, and Mediterranean lifestyle. For wine lovers and curious travelers alike, it is one of the most authentic and enjoyable festivals of the Catalan coast.
