A massive 21-day wine festival is returning to the Swiss town of Vevey, and it will kick off on July 20 and last through August 11. Happening just once every twenty years or so, Fête des Vignerons goes all out in its celebrations, even building a special stadium that boasts a stage as large as an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Those lucky enough to nab tickets will be treated to three weeks of music, dance, theatre, a parade, and plenty of wine, with the gorgeous Lake Geneva and Swiss Alps serving as a picturesque backdrop.
Fête des Vignerons dates back to 1797 and is one of the oldest festivals in the world. In 2016, the festival was listed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list as a “living tradition.” Celebrations occur every 20 to 25 years, with dates decided by council members of the Confrérie des Vignerons, the organization responsible for the festival.
Don’t fret if you can’t find a ticket, as celebrations spill out into the town of Vevey, with live music, pop-up restaurants, and open wine cellars. Other local attractions include Poyet’s Läderach chocolate shop, the Swiss Museum of Games, the Charlie Chaplin museum, and the UNESCO-listed Lavaux wineries.
Accommodations in Vevey are likely to be sold out far in advance, but nearby Montreux is a convenient option and the larger city of Geneva is only an hour away.
There are five ticket categories for the wine festival, with prices ranging from $79 to $299. Tickets can be purchased here.