Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend 2025 kicks off Friday, November 21st, when the very first bottles of Galena Cellars’ 2025 “nouveau” wine is delivered to local merchants. If you’re looking for a lively, wine-filled fall getaway, you won’t want to miss the 41st return of this beloved, annual tradition.

Galena is especially memorable in late November. The crisp air, rolling hills, and Galena’s stately, 19th-century architecture combine with the Nouveau festivities for an unforgettable weekend. Whether you’re a devoted wine lover or simply looking for a fun escape, Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend delivers.

The event celebrates Le Beaujolais Nouveau, Galena Cellars’ first wine of the harvest. This less complex, more drinkable wine is created by bottling it just a few weeks after fermentation. The idea is based on a French tradition going back well over a century. The event also celebrates the harvest season and community with a parade, live music, wine tastings, and many other special events.

2025 Galena Nouveau Wine Weekend Events

This year’s Nouveau Wine Weekend is scheduled for November 21-22, 2025. 

Friday, Nov 21 –

12pm – Nouveau Luncheon at Galena Cellars.
Enjoy 2025 Nouveau wine and French stew served in a freshly baked bread bowl. Garnished with fruit and brie cheese. Reservations required.

12pm – Nouveau Luncheon at Bread & Vine Bakery.
Stop by the “BarBakery” for classic French mussel and fries with $5 glasses of Nouveau Wine.  Available Friday through Sunday, Nouveau Weekend.

1pm – Nouveau Luncheon at DeSoto House Hotel.
Enjoy a glass of Nouveau wine with salad and tenderloin beef stew in a sourdough bread bowl. Garnished with brie and grapes. Dessert is a chocolate and amaretto mousse in an almond lace bowl. PLUS Glass of Nouveau Wine. Call  815-777-0090 to reserve your place.

2:30pm – Nouveau Parade in Downtown Galena.
Watch or join in the parade of revelers as they trek down Galena’s Main Street in horse-drawn wagons, trolleys, and more as the Nouveau wine is delivered to Galena merchants.

Friday’s Live Music –
2pm-5pm – Kampfire Kings Trio @ The Grape Escape
3pm-7pm – Hard Salami @ Paradise Bar & Grill
4pm-7pm – Steve Davis @ Champagne on Main
8:30-11:30pm – Shekinah King @ The Grape Escape

Saturday, Nov 22 –

1pm-4pm – Music in the Vines with Keith Scott @ Galena Cellars Vineyard.
Experience wine, a country vineyard and the live music of blues musician, Keith Scott.

5pm-8pm – Meghan Davis Live @ Galena Cellars Downtown Tasting Room.
Enjoy wine, cocktails,  cheese, charcuterie, and Meghan Davis in the first floor bar, downtown at 111 N. Main Street.

Visit nouveauweekend.com for tickets and more information.

Pair your Nouveau Wine Weekend with accommodations at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages for an unforgettable getaway of wine, food, and fun! Our Galena bed and breakfast, offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement for your wine-filled getaway. See you there!