Every autumn, as the grapevines at Marmelão Winery reach their peak and the hills of Douro Valley glow with rich, warm colors, the family-owned vineyard hosts its beloved Harvest Party—a joyful gathering of family, friends, and community. This annual celebration is more than a harvest; it’s a heartfelt tribute to tradition, togetherness, and the vibrant life of the Douro Valley.
A Reunion Rooted in Tradition
The Harvest Party at Marmelão brings generations together, with family and friends coming from near and far to share in the labor and the joy of the harvest. The gathering is a reunion as much as it is a working celebration, with everyone lending a hand in grape picking, stomping, and sorting. It’s a time to reminisce, reconnect, and pass down stories of past harvests while creating new memories for future generations.
Stomping Grapes and Crafting Wine
At the heart of the celebration is the grape stomping in Marmelão’s “lagar.” Friends and family step into the lagar for the traditional foot-treading, a practice that fills the vineyard with laughter, music, and energy. This gentle yet labor-intensive process is a powerful reminder of the winery’s roots in low-intervention, hands-on winemaking. Stomping grapes side by side strengthens bonds, each step releasing colors and flavors from the grapes that will carry the memory of this celebration into each bottle of wine.
A Feast for All
No Harvest Party at Marmelão would be complete without a bountiful feast, featuring traditional Portuguese dishes lovingly prepared by the family. Rustic tables set outdoors, amidst the vineyard’s autumn beauty, become gathering points where guests share hearty meals and raise glasses filled with Marmelão’s reds, whites, and rosés. Freshly baked bread, regional cheeses, and local produce create an authentic spread, bringing the flavors of Douro to the table and pairing beautifully with the wines.
Honoring the Year’s Work and Welcoming the New Vintage
For the Marmelão family, the Harvest Party is not just a celebration of the harvest itself but a time to honor the hard work and patience invested throughout the year. It’s a moment to reflect on the cycle of winemaking and toast to the next year’s vintage with gratitude and anticipation.
As Marmelão prepares to welcome visitors in 2025, the Harvest Party tradition will undoubtedly become one of the highlights of its calendar. Guests will be able to join in the festivities, experiencing the winery’s intimate, joyful spirit and becoming part of the extended Marmelão family. In every bottle crafted, there’s a bit of this harvest celebration—a true testament to the art of winemaking and the warmth of community in the heart of Douro Valley.