Every autumn, the seaside town of Sitges comes alive with one of Catalonia’s most cherished celebrations: the Grape Harvest Festival (Festa de la Verema). Now in its sixty-fourth edition, the festival will be held from 3 to 5 October 2025, filling the picturesque Plaça de la Fragata and the beachfront with the aromas of freshly pressed grapes, the clinking of cava glasses, and the rhythms of Catalan tradition.
History of Festa de la Verema
The roots of the festival stretch back to 1961, when Sitges first began to celebrate the grape harvest in a formal way. The custom draws on a much older tradition, when grape must—the first juice of the season—was offered to Saint Bartholomew, the town’s patron saint. This symbolic act linked winemaking to faith and community, reminding locals that their livelihood and culture were bound to the vineyards that cover the rolling hills of the Penedès and Garraf regions. More than six decades on, the Sitges Grape Harvest Festival remains a vibrant expression of this bond, blending ritual with revelry, and history with modern wine tourism.
Festa de la Verema Highlights
Over three days, visitors can explore a lively programme that showcases the town’s wine heritage in all its richness. At the heart of the festival is the Wine Exhibition, where regional producers gather to present the best wines and cavas from Sitges and its surrounding vineyards. Here, experts and casual drinkers alike can sample vintages that speak of terroir and tradition, while learning about the artistry behind Catalonia’s most celebrated labels.
On Sunday 5 October, the festival reaches its most colourful peak. At midday, crowds gather for the Grape Stomping Contest, a joyous spectacle in which participants climb into great wooden barrels and crush grapes with their bare feet, just as winemakers once did centuries ago. Far from being a simple showpiece, the contest embodies the communal spirit of the harvest and the enduring value of traditions handed down from generation to generation. Shortly afterwards, the Wine Tasting Fair begins, offering visitors the chance to taste exceptional bottles while soaking up the seaside atmosphere.
Why You Should Go
The Sitges Grape Harvest Festival is more than just another food and drink event; it is a window into Catalonia’s cultural heart. For travellers, it offers a rare opportunity to experience living traditions in one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal towns. The combination of historical ceremony, playful competition and world-class wines makes for an experience that is both festive and authentic. Sitges itself provides the perfect backdrop: winding medieval streets, sandy beaches and a famously relaxed spirit that has long attracted artists, writers and bon vivants. Attending the festival is as much about immersing yourself in this atmosphere as it is about tasting wine.
Practical Information
Most of the festival is free to enjoy, from the parades and grape stomping to the general ambience around the Wine Exhibition. Tastings usually require the purchase of a ticket or tokens, with prices depending on the number of wines sampled. Whether you choose to spend a few euros on a glass or simply watch the contests unfold, there is something for every budget.
Reaching Sitges is easy, making the festival ideal for a day trip or weekend escape from Barcelona. Frequent trains run from the city centre to Sitges in around forty minutes, while the drive along the C-32 motorway takes about half an hour. Once in town, the festival venues are centrally located around the waterfront, all within easy walking distance.
Festa de la Verema is a Celebration of Wine and Community
For over sixty years, the Sitges Grape Harvest Festival has celebrated the fruits of the vine while strengthening the bonds of community. Today, it is a joyful convergence of heritage, gastronomy and seaside charm. Whether you join in the grape stomping, sample fine wines beneath the Catalan sun, or simply wander the lively streets of Sitges, this October festival offers a unique chance to taste the true spirit of the region.
Things to Do in Sitges
For information on what to do in Sitges, click here. You might also wish to visit the Sitges Carnival. Photos supplied by Sitges Anytime.
