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Every year, brasseries and bars around France celebrate the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau, or new batch of fresh Beaujolais wines from the year's harvest. If you’re anywhere in France on November 19, join the locals for the festivities and try some new Beaujolais yourself!
The date for 2026 is set: on November 19 at midnight, the official sale of Beaujolais from the autumn's harvest begins.
What is Beaujolais Nouveau, and where does it come from?
Beaujolais refers to any wine made in the Beaujolais region of France, most often using Gamay grapes and processed into wine through carbonic maceration, in which the grapes are fermented before crushing. The area where Beaujolais is made is located in the southern part of of the larger Burgundy wine region, bordered by the Saône River to the east and the city of Lyon to the south.
Beaujolais Nouveau is a type of vin de primeur or “early wine,” wine that is consumed just a few weeks after bottling. It’s an easy-drinking wine that will be acceptable to most palates due to its high acidity, little tannin, and fresh fruity flavor to accompany the purple-pink color. Consumed slightly chilled and within a few weeks of release, Beaujolais Nouveau is actually best experienced fresh.
What happens when the New Beaujolais comes out?
Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the Beaujolais Nouveau is released. Festivities take place throughout France, particularly in Paris and in Lyon and the Beaujolais region, including the “Marathon du Beaujolais” in the town of Villefranche sur Saône.
Leading up to the release date, you’ll see the slogan appear: “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!” meaning quite literally, the new Beaujolais has arrived.
How to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau in Paris
The bistros, brasseries, and wine bars will all have secured some Beaujolais Nouveau for the occasion. If you’re planning to go out for dinner that night, make sure to reserve ahead. My recommendation? Head to a dedicated bar à vin, or wine bar, where locals will gather to taste and discuss the new release. Order a glass and taste it yourself. Ask the locals around you what they think of the wine, and make sure to form your own critique to share in return!
Some wine snobs will tell you that the Beaujolais Nouveau festivities are nothing but a marketing stunt right after the harvest. But what I see is a good reason to get together and try something new at the same time. So if you happen to be visiting Paris on November 19, take the opportunity to engage in a fun French tradition and try some Beaujolais Nouveau.
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