Once upon a time... a Capital vineyard

Have you ever seen a vineyard in a Capital?

I don’t mean the small vine stock to decorate a bar, a pub, a restaurant, or whatever..! I mean a real vineyard, with harvest and production of wine... and yes in a Capital..!

You are asking which Capital?... It’s PARIS! 

This vineyard is located in the 18th “arrondissement” or district, in the north of Paris.
The vine is planted in the hill of Montmartre and the official name is “Clos-Montmartre”.

All began in the XVI century, when Montmartre was not yet located in Paris. There were already vines and the inhabitants were mainly ploughmen-winemakers.The wine produced was for the local consumption only.

At the beginning of the XVII century, a kind of bar took place on the actual Clos-Montmartre.

Then, this same place became a vacant land,

where the homeless lived.

And it became at the same time a playground for children as well.

Finally, in 1933, Paris accepted the wish of the society “Le Vieux Montmartre”, and created the “Clos-Montmartre” by planting 2000 vine stocks.

Today, the vineyard is composed by the most classical vines varieties of France and by a hybrid selection.

The public access is not allowed, except during exceptional occasions like “La Fête des Jardins” (when Paris celebrates its gardens), organised each Autumn since 1997, by Paris City Hall.

There are no events when the grapes are picked up. But each year, in October, a “Harvest Feast” is organised in Montmartre!

The wine is sold by auction and the profit returns to social association of the hill of Montmartre.

“Clos-Montmartre” is a very rare wine so if you had the chance to taste some, lucky you!!!