Vignobles en scène, the national event for oenotourism, will take place from October 16 to 18 in the Rhône Valley. The region will offer eight Vignobles & Découvertes labeled destinations, which will host nearly 100 experiences. After the heatwaves of summer and a concentration of bacchic events, autumn may be more suitable for discovering the vineyard and tasting wine. Philippe Pellaton, president of the Rhône interprofessional organization, notes that 450 events took place in the vineyard between late May and September. Collective festivals or smaller events in the vineyards are proof of a real dynamic in oenotourism. According to a Deloitte study for Vin & Société, every year, 12 million oenotourists travel through French vineyards, generating 7 billion euros in turnover and supporting nearly 31,000 jobs across the territory. The vineyards of the Rhône Valley have attractiveness. However, with the sequence of heatwaves that have affected the entire territory, there are concerns about their impact. "The question of climate change is relevant," asserts Jessica Debieve, oenotourism manager at Inter Rhône. "Winemakers have always adapted. Vineyard hikes followed by tastings take place in the morning and parties in the evening. It is less hot but it is not the most optimal period. Rationalizing events requires a lot of energy and the availability of winemakers who are facing increasingly early harvests. The period of Vignobles en scène is therefore very interesting. We are also positioning ourselves on the Generous Stops from spring to autumn, which are more favorable in terms of climate." It is still too early to know the impact of the weather on the balance sheet of the tourist and oenotourism season, but the issue of seasonality is becoming increasingly crucial. Professionals are already reflecting and building offers in this perspective. The strong pillar of the interprofession, with a budget of 500,000€ for promoting vineyards, capitalizes on the diversity and richness of its destinations. Winemakers who already show resilience in their vineyards will have to adapt to this new paradigm. Terre de Vins has selected events from the program, including unusual banquets and other experiences. Around the Ventoux, on October 17, at L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (84), Banquets du Géant will take over the Village des Antiquaires de la Gare "Nouvel VAG" for an evening combining gastronomy, Ventoux AOC wines, and music. Anabelle and Mathieu from Café du Village will partner with Anaïs and Sylvain from restaurant Le Bon Endroit for a four-handed menu, accompanied by wines presented by the winemakers. In the Sud Ardèche, on October 15, the Château de Banne (07) will host an unusual banquet in its old stables. Maison Bleue in Lablachère and L'Auberge de Planzolles in Planzolles will partner for a four-handed menu, featuring local products, wines from the destination, and discovery of the territory. In the Côtes du Rhône gardoises, on October 17, the Rallye des 3 Crus will bring together Laudun, Lirac, and Tavel for a day of itinerant oenotourism punctuated by riddles, challenges, and sensory tests in the company of winemakers. The day will end with a tasting of the three crus and awarding of prizes. In the Drôme provençale, on October 17, at Domaine de Rocheville in Nyons (26), an immersion into the vineyards, between terrain hiking, master cellar workshop, discovery of the vultures of the Baronnies, and a harvest-end meal. An experience that combines nature, gastronomy, heritage, and winemaking expertise. More information: www.vins-rhone-tourisme.fr/fr/decouvrir-la-destination-oenotouristique/vignobles-en-scene-en-vallee-du-rhone