Jerez has officially started the Harvest Festivals 2025 with the celebration of the traditional Grape Treading, an institutional event marking the beginning of this deeply rooted and prestigious festive cycle in the city. The ceremony, held in the Cathedral's Reducto, was presided over by the mayor, Maria Jose Garcia-Pelayo, with the collaboration of Sherry Wine Regulatory Council.
The mayor wanted to highlight the importance of this symbolic act to project Jerez internationally, pointing out that the city celebrates its cultural roots, strengthens its identity and It becomes known throughout the world through its wines and its culture, with an eye on the nominations for European Capital of Gastronomy in 2026 and European Capital of Culture in 2031.
María José García-Pelayo also thanked all the institutions, companies, and professionals from various sectors for their involvement in creating a comprehensive program of events that offer unique and memorable experiences for local and visiting audiences.
"The Grape Harvest Festival runs until September 14th and represents one of Jerez's most important festive seasons. A showcase that combines winemaking excellence with the city's cultural events."
This year, the winery firms Gonzalez Byass y Founder They have contributed around 1.200 kilos of grapes for the ceremony, to recreate the beginning of the wine production process, which includes its arrival at the winery, the traditional task of treading the bunches and the extraction of the first must after the harvest.
The ceremony was enlivened by the Municipal Music Band and featured performances by Jose Carpio Fernandez 'Mijita', accompanied on guitar by Pepe del Morao, and to the palmas by Carlos Grilo y Diego Montoya. He also dedicated a special moment to highlighting the identity of the Andalusian winery ratter, a symbol traditionally associated with the wineries and vineyards of Jerez. Following the Grape Treading ceremony, the Plaza Belén hosted a concert by Jerez-based pianist Rosario Lazo Montoya. the gypsy queen.
The Grape Harvest Festival, which runs until September 14, represents one of Jerez's most important festive seasons and showcases winemaking excellence with the city's most distinctive cultural events.
