November 16 marks the annual Beaujolais Nouveau Festival throughout France and the world.  The arrival of the Beaujolais wine is celebrated every third Thursday of November.

As soon as the clock strikes midnight the night of November 15 – 16, the celebration marking the arrival of the new Beaujolais wine begins. Wine shops are stocked up with their new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau (which should always be consumed as a young wine, never aged), Parisians head to their local bistro, café or wine bar, and many people celebrate with friends at home.  There are several events organized in Paris during the day, and the atmosphere all over Paris is that of a real festival.  Wines are sold by the glass or the bottle, and seem to go extremely well with a variety of foods.  Granted, the Beaujolais Nouveau is not the best vintage the French have to offer, but it’s a fun and exciting tradition that everyone likes to take part in.

If you will be in Paris for the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival, do try to participate.  If you are in your own city, check and see if there is anything going on…you might be surprised!

In the meantime, check out the really fun Beaujolais Nouveau Web site, where you can learn about the history of the wine and find out where festivities are taking place all around the world.