The 36th Fiesta de la Vendimia, held in Rueda, Spain, attracted a total of 9,834 visitors over the weekend of 9 to 11 October. This year’s attendance exceeded that of 2025, highlighting the event's growing popularity. Declared a Regional Tourist Interest celebration, the festival continues to enhance the region's wine identity and promote its municipalities.
One of the highlights of the event was the opening speech delivered by Jaime Cantizano, a well-known journalist and television presenter. His presence generated considerable excitement, drawing many attendees who travelled specifically to see him. Cantizano expressed his gratitude for being part of such an important celebration for the Denomination of Origin (D.O.) Rueda and warmly engaged with visitors who approached him for photographs and greetings.
Institutional representation and awards
The festival also featured significant institutional representation. On Saturday afternoon, notable figures including Isabel Blanco, Second Vice President of the Junta de Castilla y León; Conrado Íscar, President of the Provincial Council of Valladolid; and Raquel Lourdes Alonso Hernández, Territorial Delegate of the Junta de Castilla y León in Valladolid, were in attendance.
During the main event on Sunday, several awards were presented. The town of Medina del Campo received the Municipality of Honour award for its historical connection to wine and the D.O. Rueda, accepted by its mayor, Guzmán Gómez Alonso. Bodegas De Alberto was recognised as the Winery of Honour for its contributions to promoting Rueda wines, with the award presented to General Director Carmen San Martín. Additionally, special recognitions were given to Marta S. Martínez Bujanda, former president of the Rueda Wine Route, for her dedication to promoting the region, and to Ángel González Pieras for his support of the D.O. and the tourism sector.
Wine fair and cultural activities
The Wine Fair remained a central feature of the festival, showcasing 30 wineries from the three provinces that comprise the D.O. Rueda: Valladolid, Segovia, and Ávila. This allowed attendees to explore and taste a variety of wines produced in the area, demonstrating the sector's commitment to the celebration. The fair was complemented by culinary offerings from Alimentos de Valladolid, which provided various gastronomic options to pair with the wines, highlighting local agricultural products.
The programme also included traditional activities, cultural proposals, a Craft Fair, a communal paella, and live music performances, ensuring entertainment for all ages. The event not only promotes the wines of the region but also showcases the cultural heritage of its municipalities, supporting local tourism and economic activity.
Organisational support
The 36th edition of the Fiesta de la Vendimia was organised by the Regulatory Council of the D.O. Rueda and the Town Hall of Rueda, with the Provincial Council of Valladolid as the official sponsor and Cajamar as a collaborating entity. The event was promoted by El Norte de Castilla for the second consecutive year, contributing to the dissemination of this important addition to the province's festive and tourist calendar.
This year’s Fiesta de la Vendimia reaffirms its role as a showcase for the D.O. Rueda and the people who contribute to its vibrant culture, with a focus on continuing to bring its wines to those eager to discover and enjoy them.
