The city of Avignon (84 Vaucluse, Provence) lies in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône vineyard, but the city itself barely produces any wine except there is a vineyard within the curtilege of the Palais des Papes (the medieval Popes Palace) known as the Rocher des Doms
Early September sees the start of the wine harvest in Provence, the precise date depending on the weather in preceding months and days. Different grape varieties also ripen at different rates.
In many reasons they celebrate the beginning of the harvest, sometimes based on an "official" declaration that the harvest may be started within an appellation. This is known as the "Ban des Vendanges". In Avignon this takes place on Saturday 2 September 2006 from 4.30pm to midnight - with a procession on the Ramparts, the declaration from the Ramparts, free wine tasting, music and markets. There is also a demonstration of harvesting and wine-making techniques - all set in the dramatic and historic surroundings of the Palais des Papes. For more info on this event see www.banvendanges.com
A similar event takes place in St Emilion (33 Gironde, Aquitaine) on Sunday 17 September 2006 - see www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com
