Grape harvest festivities take place in and around Bratislava every September. (source: TASR)
September is here and this also means the time of grape harvest festivities - vinobranie in Slovak - and fairs is back. Wine lovers have several events held in Bratislava and its vicinity to choose from. These range from smaller open vineyard events to large festivities accompanied by rich cultural programmes and street food stands.
First grape harvest festivitity
This coming weekend already offers two events.
Just a quick ride from the capital will take you to the small town of Modra in the foothills of the Little Carpathian mountain range. Taking place between September 6-8, the traditional Modranské vinobranie festival is a celebration of the town's winemaking tradition.
In addition to great wines, you will also be able to taste a unique beverage known as 'burčiak', a seasonal hard grape cider with a foam that can rival even the one on your beer.
In addition to fine drinks, visitors will be able to get a glimpse of crafts of times gone by, folklore, visit wine cellars, historic expositions. Expect a rich cultural programme featuring concerts of staple bands such as Bukasový Masív, Le Payaco, Billy Barman, as well as new acts in the form of Meowlau x Val for example.
Traditional grape drink called burčiak is a must during the festivities. (source: TASR)
Day in vineyards
If mass gatherings are not up your alley, then maybe check out this event also taking place on Saturday, September 7. Several dozen wine growers and makers of the Little Carpathian Wine Region will invite wine afficionados to taste their production - both the fruit of the land and the fruit of their labour, while allowing them to enjoy the view of the beautiful country.
Vineyards in Rača, Vajnory, Svätý Jur, Limbach, Pezinok, Šenkvice, Modra and more will welcome you between 11:00-19:00; a ticket costs €20 and includes a €5 voucher for the purchase of wine.
Bratislava's Lamač borough will also host its own event in the form of the Rozálske hody festivities on September 6-8. The event will feature a slew of concerts for children and adults alike, as well as carousels, face painting, theatrical performances and more.
Pezinok is the best
Next week on September 13-15, Bratislava's Rača borough will play host to the most popular grape harvest festivities in the capital.
There will be stands with typical delicacies such as cigánska pečienka (a bun with pork, onion and mustard), lokše (thin potato pancakes), roasted sausages, candy floss, as well as carousels. The local amphitheatre will once again provide the stage for concerts of popular Slovak bands and musicians such as Jana Kirschner, Billy Barman, Hex, Tublatanka and more. Admission is free.
Rounding up the September festivities is the picturesque wine-growing town of Pezinok. Taking place on September 20-22, the event draws visitors not only from the vicinity, but from abroad as well. In addition to a lot of concerts, you will see the celebration of grapes, learn about the harvest and the work of local winemakers and winegrowers, witness a historic procession, expositions, and more. Don't miss it, more details here.
