Fiesta de la Vendimia

The Fiesta de la Vendimia has been held in Ica since 1958 and marks the grape harvest in Peru's largest wine and pisco region. The centrepiece is the treading: grapes crushed by foot in a lagar, traditionally with the festival queen leading, and the first juice pressed out to open the season. Around it run bodega open days and tastings across the valley - Tacama, Vista Alegre, Ocucaje and dozens of smaller family producers - along with parades, a cabalgata of paso horses, marinera and festejo dancing reflecting the region's Afro-Peruvian population, agricultural exhibitions and concerts. Ica sits in desert irrigated from the river and the aquifer, and the water demands of the export agriculture around it are a serious and disputed issue. The festival fills the city for the week and accommodation books out.

What you actually see

• The treading - grapes crushed by foot in the lagar to open the harvest.
• The bodega open days - tastings across the valley's large and small producers.
• The dancing - marinera and festejo reflecting the region's Afro-Peruvian tradition.
• The paso horses - the cabalgata through the city.

When to go

Early to mid March each year; dates shift. Two to four days. Book accommodation and bodega events in advance - the city fills.

Honest expectations

Very hot in March, with desert sun and no relief. Accommodation is scarce and expensive during the festival. Tastings are of spirit at forty per cent - pace matters. Large bodega events are commercial and ticketed.

Nearby

Huacachina is on the edge of the city; the Ocucaje and Tacama bodegas are in the valley.