Situated just south of Burgundy, the historic region of Beaujolais is a picturesque province celebrated for its Nouveau wine, which is released for sale the same year it’s harvested. Characterised by charming towns, rolling hills and verdant vineyards, Beaujolais comes alive during the annual harvest season each year.

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young, fruity red wine made exclusively from the Gamay grape: a thick-skinned variety that thrives in the region’s granite-rich soils, producing wine with low tannins and high acidity. This world-renowned French speciality is fermented just a few weeks before being released for sale on the third Thursday of November each year. The quick turnaround in production from harvest to bottle gives Beaujolais Nouveau its distinctive fresh taste.

Best served slightly chilled, Beaujolais Nouveau’s dominant flavours include juicy red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and strawberry. It sometimes features unique hints of banana, bubblegum or candy as a result of the carbonic maceration fermentation process. The light bodied, easy drinking wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly cheeses, charcuterie, chicken and autumnal ingredients like root vegetables.  

The annual harvest season, which usually starts in September, plays a vital role in shaping the flavour of Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The world-famous wine region comes alive during this captivating time of year, buzzing with a lively atmosphere.

Each November, the Beaujolais Harvest Festival – also known as Beaujolais Nouveau Day – marks the first taste of the year’s Nouveau wine, just weeks after its fermentation. The annual celebration has been a time of joy, tradition and community spirit since 1951, attracting wine enthusiasts from all over the world as producers toast the fruits of their labour with delicious produce, friends and music.  

Fancy joining us on an exclusive journey through an iconic wine region? Departing in August 2025, our 8 Day Rhône Bliss: Beaujolais Harvest Journey itinerary offers wine connoisseurs a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the charm of Beaujolais and indulge their tastebuds at a truly special time of year.

Beginning in the Roman city of Arles and concluding in Lyon, this eight-day exploration of the Rhône Valley takes in awe-inspiring cathedrals, plentiful vineyards and charming villages – and of course includes a visit to Beaujolais during its lively harvest season. As you drift serenely along the romantic Rhône and Saône rivers in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury on board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship, your experience will be complemented by cuisine that captures the cultural soul of the destinations you visit.

During your visit to Beaujolais, you’ll have the opportunity to drive through rolling hills to meet a local vintner, learning about the significance of the harvest season and the vital role it plays in shaping the character and quality of each vintage. Taste Beaujolais Nouveau for yourself as the vintner shares secrets of the grape it’s made from, offering fascinating insights into the fermentation process and how the timing of the grape picking can impact the celebrated wine’s flavour profile. Back on board, discover the elegant art of French cooking with an interactive Scenic Culinaire masterclass and learn how to make delectable dishes that pair perfectly with local wines.

Book your ultra-luxury suite on our exclusive 2025 8 Day Rhone Bliss: Beaujolais Harvest Journey river cruise by 18 December 2024 and save up to 30%* with flights included^, plus receive a free case of Beaujolais wine^#.