When September arrives and the summer heat begins to give way to milder temperatures, the Empordà changes pace. The vineyards turn golden, the grapes reach their optimum point of ripeness and the wineries prepare for one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the year: the grape harvest.
It is an ideal time to discover the Empordà from a different perspective. Walking through vineyards, visiting wineries, learning the secrets of winemaking or enjoying a tasting overlooking the landscape turn this tradition into an experience that goes far beyond wine.
If you want to enjoy it without rushing, staying at a campsite in Girona is one of the best options. It allows you to combine wine tourism with trips to the Costa Brava, walks through charming villages and days surrounded by nature in a privileged setting.

The grape harvest is the process of picking grapes intended for winemaking. Although it is traditionally associated with harvesting, it also marks the beginning of a process that will culminate months later with the production of the wines that reach our tables.
The date of the grape harvest varies each year depending on weather conditions and the ripeness of the grapes. In the DO Empordà, it usually begins between late August and early September, depending on the grape variety and each winery.
Beyond its agricultural importance, the grape harvest is also a celebration of the region. During these weeks, many wineries organise activities to bring this tradition closer to visitors and showcase the Empordà’s wine heritage.

Talking about the grape harvest also means talking about the Empordà Designation of Origin, one of the oldest in Catalonia.
The winemaking tradition of the Empordà dates back to the arrival of the Greeks in Empúries more than two thousand years ago. Since then, vine growing has formed part of the region’s landscape and culture, becoming one of its main defining features.
Today, the DO Empordà brings together dozens of wineries located mainly in Alt and Baix Empordà, where the Mediterranean climate, the influence of the Tramuntana wind and the diversity of soils produce wines with a very distinctive character.
Visiting these wineries is also a way to discover the region, its history and the people who keep this tradition alive.
The best way to discover the grape harvest is to take part in one of the experiences organised by wineries during this time of year.
Each proposal is different, but many allow visitors to get closer to the winemaking process in a very hands-on way.
Some of the most common activities include:
As the programme varies each season, it is advisable to check the information provided by each winery before planning your visit.
Beyond the activities themselves, simply driving along roads surrounded by vineyards, discovering small villages in the Empordà and seeing the landscape during harvest season already makes the getaway a special experience.
The grape harvest is one of the best times to discover the Empordà, but wine tourism can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Many wineries offer guided tours, commented tastings, food and wine pairings and activities among the vineyards that help visitors understand the relationship between wine, the landscape and local culture.
It is a relaxed way to discover the region, talk to winegrowers, learn about native grape varieties and enjoy some of the most characteristic landscapes of the Costa Brava and inland Girona.
In addition, many of these experiences can be combined with visits to medieval villages, walking or cycling routes, local markets or relaxing days by the sea.

Experiencing the grape harvest is much more than visiting a winery. It means waking up surrounded by nature, travelling along roads between vineyards, discovering small villages in the Empordà and ending the day sharing a glass of wine as the sun sets behind the vines.
To enjoy this experience at a relaxed pace, the campsites with the Land of Wines label from Càmpings de Girona are an excellent starting point.
This distinction identifies campsites that promote wine tourism and make it easier to discover the wine culture of the Empordà. From these establishments, it is easy to visit wineries, take part in tastings, learn about the DO Empordà and discover a landscape shaped over centuries by vine growing.
The campsites with the Land of Wines label are:
Staying at one of these campsites allows you to combine wine tourism with other experiences typical of the Costa Brava: walking along the Camí de Ronda, discovering hidden coves, visiting charming villages or enjoying the local cuisine.

If you are thinking of visiting the Empordà during the grape harvest, these tips will help you make the most of the experience:
The grape harvest is also an opportunity to get to know the region at a slower pace, talking to the people who live there and discovering traditions that form part of the Empordà’s identity.
There are many ways to discover the Empordà, but few connect you with the region as deeply as the grape harvest.
Walking through vineyards, meeting the people who work the land, tasting a wine where it is made or admiring the landscape as the vines begin to change colour are experiences that help you understand this land better.
Staying at a campsite in Girona gives you the freedom to enjoy these days at your own pace, combining wine tourism with nature, the sea, gastronomy and the heritage that make this destination unique.
Because sometimes the best travel memories come from the simplest experiences: a conversation at a winery, a shared glass of wine or a sunset among the vineyards.
The grape harvest usually begins between late August and early September, although the dates may vary depending on weather conditions, grape varieties and each winery.
Yes. Many wineries in the DO Empordà organise guided tours, tastings and special experiences during this time of year. As the programme changes each season, it is advisable to check the information directly with each winery.
The Empordà Designation of Origin is the certification that guarantees the origin and quality of wines produced in the Alt and Baix Empordà regions, an area with a long winemaking tradition.
Staying at a Land of Wines campsite is an excellent option for combining winery visits with other experiences such as discovering charming villages, enjoying the Costa Brava or exploring the landscapes of the Empordà.
No. Although the grape harvest is one of the most special times of the year, many wineries offer activities, guided tours and tastings throughout the year.