Beaujolais Nouveau is a celebratory wine event held every third Thursday of November, marking the official release of the year’s first Beaujolais wine. Originating in the Beaujolais region of France, the festival features tastings, parties, and parades, with bottles uncorked at midnight in villages, wine bars, and restaurants across France and beyond. Known for its light, fruity taste, Beaujolais Nouveau is enjoyed young and symbolizes the end of the harvest season. The slogan "Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!" signals the start of this global tradition, which brings together wine lovers for a festive toast.

DATES & TIMES
• Global release day: Thursday, 20 November 2025 — by decree the wine is released on the third Thursday of November each year (from 00:01 local time). Inter Beaujolais · Date confirmation.
• Beaujeu celebrations (“Les Sarmentelles”): festivities run Wed 19 – Sun 23 Nov 2025 with an opening ceremony on Wed 19 and programme through the weekend. Official site.

LOCATION
• Worldwide (bars, restaurants, wine shops) with major celebrations in the Beaujolais region—especially in Beaujeu. For the traditional hub event, see Les Sarmentelles. Programme.

TICKETS & ENTRY
• No ticket needed to enjoy the release at shops/bars; local parties vary. For Beaujeu, some events are ticketed (e.g., tasting trail, inductions, prestige dinner). Event details · Book selected events.

GOOD TO KNOW
• Tradition: The “Nouveau” is released just weeks after harvest; only the Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages appellations produce it. Appellations.
• Beaujeu at midnight: In Beaujeu, expect sound & light and the first pours of the new vintage around midnight, followed by a late‑night ball. Midnight tasting note.

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