The celebration, set to continue until September 13th, blends wine, gastronomy, culture, and tourism, extending its reach to various neighborhoods across the city. The inaugural event took place in the cathedral's cloister, symbolizing the official start of the harvest and preserving a deeply rooted tradition in Jerez's history.
The grape stomping and the extraction of the first must mark the beginning of a vital cycle for Jerez's economy and society. During these days, wine moves beyond the wineries to become the centerpiece of streets and squares, uniting residents, industry professionals, and visitors around this defining tradition.
This year's harvest is notable for a record collection figure, reaching 60 million kilograms of grapes. The scene of grapes entering the press and being stomped is more than just a festive representation; it's an assertion of Jerez's winemaking culture and its connection to the landscape and social life.
The opening ceremony annually gathers representatives from the wine sector, institutions, and citizens to honor one of the products that has most defined Jerez's identity. The ceremony also retains its popular dimension, transforming a process traditionally carried out in vineyards and cellars into an event open to the entire population.
