The Tradition of Grape Harvesting in Greece

Every year in late August and September, the Greek countryside comes alive with one of its oldest and most beloved traditions: the grape harvest. Families, neighbors, and friends gather in the vineyards to collect the precious bunches of green and purple grapes — the “pearls” that will soon be pressed into wine.

This ritual has been repeated for countless generations. Like every tradition that endures through time, grape harvesting carries with it customs and stories passed from parents to children, deeply woven into Greece’s cultural fabric. In earlier times, the harvest was not just an agricultural task but a true celebration, often marked with songs, feasts, and even religious significance.

Because autumn weather in Greece can be unpredictable, vineyard work must be completed quickly before sudden September rainstorms threaten to spoil the year’s grapes. This urgency has always brought people together, creating a spirit of cooperation and community. Helping one another during the harvest remains a cherished part of the experience — a reminder that winemaking is not only about the land and the vines but also about the bonds between people.

VINEYARD STORIES