Wine Harvest Festival 2026
March 2026 brings the Vendimia Wine Festival to Maipo Valley, a short drive from Santiago, and it’s a wine lover’s dream! This celebration of Chile’s grape harvest is all about tasting world-class wines, stomping grapes, and dancing to live music under the sun. Held March 7–8, 2026, in the heart of Chile’s wine country, it’s a day trip that’s equal parts tasty and fun. Let’s plan your visit and dive into the vino-fueled magic!
What’s Vendimia?
Vendimia’s the annual harvest festival in Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s top wine regions, just 45 minutes south of Santiago. Wineries like Concha y Toro and Santa Rita open their vineyards for tastings, tours, and parties. It’s a mix of wine nerds, locals, and tourists sipping Carmenère, stomping grapes in barrels, and enjoying cumbia or folk music. The fest celebrates Chile’s wine heritage – this country’s reds and whites are world-famous – and it’s a chance to see where the magic happens.
What to Do
Wine Tastings: Sample Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Sauvignon Blanc at winery booths. Most charge $10–20 USD for 3–5 tastes, often with a souvenir glass.
Grape Stomping: Jump in a barrel and crush grapes – it’s messy, hilarious, and free at most vineyards. Wear old shoes!
Tours: Wineries offer vineyard walks or cellar tours, showing how grapes become wine. Prices range $15–30 USD.
Music and Food: Live bands play all day, and food stalls sell empanadas, anticuchos, and pastel de choclo. Expect $3–8 USD per dish.
Markets: Browse stalls with local crafts, cheeses, or olive oils – perfect for souvenirs.
Planning Your Trip
Transport: Book a tour bus from Santiago ($30–50 USD) for hassle-free travel. Renting a car works too, but designate a driver – you’ll be sipping!
Cost: Festival entry’s $5–15 USD; tastings and tours are extra. Budget $50–100 USD for a full day.
Timing: Go early (10 AM) for smaller crowds; evenings (4–8 PM) are livelier with music.
Weather: March is warm (75–85°F). Bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfy clothes.
Reservations: Some wineries require tour bookings; check their websites in January.
The Vendimia Vibe
Maipo Valley’s stunning, with rolling vineyards and the Andes in the distance. The fest feels like a giant picnic, with families, couples, and friends sprawled on grass, sipping wine and dancing. You’ll see huasos in traditional ponchos, kids running around, and winemakers sharing stories. The air smells of grapes and grilled meat, and the music keeps the energy high. It’s a celebration of Chile’s land and culture, and you’ll feel part of it.
A Local’s Take
I met Pablo, a winemaker at last year’s fest, who poured me a glass of Carmenère. “Wine’s our soul,” he said, pointing to the vines. We stomped grapes together, laughing as juice splattered everywhere. Later, we danced to a cumbia band under string lights. Pablo said Vendimia’s when Chileans reconnect with the land, and I felt it – the joy’s infectious.
Beyond the Festival
Maipo’s worth exploring beyond Vendimia. Stay for a winery lunch – Concha y Toro’s restaurant is top-notch. Visit nearby Pirque for quaint cafes or hike in the Andes foothills if you’re feeling active. In Santiago, pair your trip with a visit to Providencia for fine dining or Bellavista for nightlife.
Practical Tips
What to Bring: Cash for stalls, a reusable water bottle, and a bag for souvenirs.
Language: English is common at bigger wineries; basic Spanish helps at smaller ones.
Kids: Some wineries have kid zones with games – check ahead if traveling with family.
Safety: Maipo’s safe, but keep valuables secure in crowds.
Why You’ll Love It
Vendimia’s a delicious, joyful escape from Santiago. The wines are world-class, the grape stomping’s a blast, and the vibe’s pure Chile. Whether you’re a wine geek or just love a good party, this fest delivers. Book your tour, pack your sunscreen, and get ready to sip, stomp, and celebrate!
