Beaujolais Nouveau Day celebrates the first wine harvest of the season. Under French law, the wine is released at 12:01 AM on the third Thursday in November regardless of the start of the harvest. Parties are held throughout the country with festivals, food, music, dancing and fireworks.

Some interesting facts about Beaujolais:

• Hand harvesting is mandatory in the Beaujolais region of France.
• Gamay Noir Jus Blanc is the only grape permitted for Beaujolais.
• Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be drunk young in average vintages and should be consumed by the following May after its release.
• This light refreshing wine should be served slightly cool. (55 degrees) It’s forward fruit is much more apparent at cooler temperatures
• The wine originated approximately a century ago.