Beaujolais Nouveau Day marks the release of the first French wine of the new vintage. On the third Thursday of November, bottles that were grapes just weeks ago go on sale, and wine lovers raise a glass.
About Beaujolais Nouveau
The wine is made from Gamay grapes grown in the Beaujolais region, just north of Lyon. It's light, fruity and meant to be drunk young. Originally a local celebration of the harvest, it's become a worldwide event, helped by a race to bring the first bottles to Paris. In 1985, French authorities fixed the release date as the third Thursday of November, and sales legally start at 12:01 a.m. on that day.
How to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day
- Buy a bottle and serve it slightly chilled
- Pair it with cheese, charcuterie or roast chicken
- Find a French bistro holding a release party
- Compare it with a more serious bottle from the region
