Event: Saint-Emilion Fêtes des Vendanges

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Bordeaux's north-eastern wine district, Saint-Emilion, declares the beginning of the grape harvest with the spectacular Ban des Vendanges. A host of viticultural ceremonies take place in the town's Collegiate Church of the Cordeliers and its 14th-century cloister, followed by some wholesome feasting.

The Commanderie that presides over the ceremony go by the name of La Jirade. The sight of its members performing their duties in red robes for the morning parade and midday swearing-in ceremony of the new dignitaries is worth waiting around for. Those of you who want to make a day of it should enquire about the possibility of attending the particularly rich lunch held in the Salle des Dominicans (if your French is up to scratch!). The day culminates with the announcement of the start of the harvest, which is made to the crowds below from the top of the Tour du Roy.

Saint-Emilion's classification system is unique to all of Bordeaux. It has an AC (Appelation Contrôlée) with numerous subdivisions. One is the Saint Emilion Grand Cru, another is the Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classée. For tasting enquiries call by the Maison du Vin, which handles all enquiries about cellar tours at the famed Château Ausone. Look out for the town's speciality, the macaroon.