Everything You Need to Know About the Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend
The annual harvest of wine grapes is an exciting time for vintners and wine enthusiasts alike. Many festivals and events arise as a means of celebration that can bring wine communities together. One such event is the annual Nouveau Weekend, which has origins in France but today is celebrated in many places, including here in Galena. The Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend has been a local tradition since 1985, and as such has developed into a large event. See below for more details on this wine lover’s weekend. And, if you’re looking for other things to do in Galena, download out free Vacation Guide! It’s filled with recommendations for local attractions, including other popular annual events and festivals.
What Are Nouveau Weekends?
Nouveau weekends are times in which people come together to celebrate the harvest. Nouveau wines are wines sold in the same year in which its grapes were harvested. It is a French tradition that has gained in popularity in other regions of the world, including here in America.
Of nouveau wines, the most prevalent is the Beaujolais Nouveau, released on the third Thursday in November, often just weeks after the grapes have been harvested. Beaujolais Nouveau wines are typically made from Gamay grapes, resulting in aromatic red wines similar in taste to Pinot Noir. Since nouveau wines are bottled when very young with little barrel aging and have a shorter period of time to ferment, they tend to be lighter in both body and color.
Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend
Galena Cellars hosts the Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend on the third weekend in November. The event showcases the annual release of Galena Cellar’s nouveau wine and has been happening in Galena since 1985.
The weekend kicks off on Friday at the opening luncheon at the Galena Cellars tasting room on Main Street in downtown Galena. This is when the nouveau wine is officially released. Many surrounding restaurants join in the celebrations by serving traditional French cuisine and hosting wine-inspired luncheons. Following the opening luncheon, revelers parade down Main Street in everything from horse-drawn wagons to trollies as the nouveau wine is distributed to participating Galena merchants.
The celebration continues throughout the weekend at various restaurant and businesses throughout Galena, with live music, wine tastings, dinner specials, and receptions. Additionally, Galena Cellars will be open all weekend for wine tastings and vineyard tours. The Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend is sure to be festive, so come out and celebrate the harvest season with the local community while having a great time!
Stay at Farmers Guest House
Our lovely historic inn is in the heart of downtown Galena, just steps away from Main Street. However, a fantastic location is only one of the many benefits of a stay at Farmers Guest House. Though we are within walking distance from many top attractions, our inn features private, charming grounds complete with tranquil gardens. Every morning, you can delight in a gourmet breakfast with the reputation of being one of the best around. Each evening at 5 p.m., guests gather in our common rooms for WineTime™, where you can enjoy select wine and cheeses, or coffee or tea while getting acquainted with other visitors.
The lodgings at our inn offer classic elegance paired with modern comforts. Choose from a room, suite, or the private cottage—no matter which you select, your experience is sure to be luxurious. Large, comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and JACUZZI® tubs and fireplaces in some rooms ensure that your stay will be relaxing and rejuvenating.
This is just a glimpse into the features at Farmers Guest House—be sure to browse all our accommodations before booking your stay in historic Galena!