PARIS, Nov 18 — Beaujolais Nouveau Day is an annual tradition that takes place on the third Thursday in November to herald the arrival of the season’s first wine. At 12.01am, the wine is released to local markets, with Japan getting the first sip.

The product of a clever and aggressive marketing campaign by Beaujolais winemakers, this year the world will sample the first of the year’s harvest on November 21. Beaujolais wine is made from Gamay grapes.

Though maligned for its young, fruity flavours — the wine is fermented for between six to eight weeks — parties and celebrations are held around France to mark the first batch of Beaujolais in 2013. Beaujolais hosts about 120 events in the region.

From Tokyo, to Seattle, here are a few events being held around the world:

Beaujeu, France

November 20-24

The flagship event for Beaujolais Nouveau Day is Les Sarmentelles, held in the town of Beaujeu. And this year, the five-day event promises to be big given that it's a 25th anniversary celebration. Highlights of the event include parades, a ceremonial piercing of the wine barrel at a minute past midnight on November 21, an all-night ball, and of course, rivers of Beaujolais and food events.

http://www.sarmentelles.com

Swansea, UK

It’s not entirely clear why the city of Swansea in South Wales has become one of the biggest destinations outside France to partake in Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Last year, for instance, tickets to one of the biggest events sold out in September — a party that had a guest list of 1,000 revellers. Unfortunately, not a drop of Beaujolais was served. This year, Morgans Hotel and the Dragon Hotel host three-course Beaujolais Nouveau lunches and dinners that pair the young, fruity wine with dishes like French onion soup and beef bourguignon.

Seattle, USA

In Seattle, the French-American Chamber of Commerce hosts its 21st annual Festival du Beaujolais Nouveau, with a program that includes a wine bar and French buffet, French music and dancing and a silent auction. The event will be hosted at the Columbia Tower Club November 22.

Tokyo, Japan

In Tokyo, the Grand Pacific Le Daiba hotel will host a party November 21 and 22, where guests will be able to enjoy 30 kinds of new wine paired with complementary foods. The event will also feature a wine-tasting competition.

Melbourne, Australia

And in Melbourne, Australia, the Alliance Francaise will be hosting a Beaujolais Nouveau party with an aperitif of French wines and a cheese buffet on November 21. — AFP-Relaxnews