Marbella's vendimia harvest weekend is the perfect excuse to swap a crowded bodega for a private yacht. Imagine sipping local cava as the sun dips behind La Concha, the Costa del Sol breeze carrying the scent of ripe grapes from the hills. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just love a good sunset, a Marbella vendimia harvest yacht charter from Puerto Banús turns the grape-picking season into something truly special.
What is vendimia in Marbella?
Vendimia is the Spanish word for the grape harvest. In Marbella, the season kicks off in late August and runs through mid-September. Local bodegas like Bodega El Lagar and Finca La Melonera host open days, tastings, and traditional grape-stomping events. The town of Marbella itself puts on a Fiesta de la Vendimia with live music, tapas stalls, and wine markets along the Golden Mile. But the real magic happens when you take that cava out onto the water.
Why combine vendimia with a yacht charter?
Marbella's coastline offers calm seas and warm temperatures well into September – average 28°C during the day, 22°C in the evening. A yacht charter lets you escape the crowds, anchor at a quiet cove like Cala del Faro or Cala Cortés, and toast the harvest with your own private tasting. Plus, all our charters include cava, white wine, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks – so you don't need to bring a thing.
The best boats for a vendimia cruise
Our fleet departs from Puerto Banús, a 5-minute drive from Marbella's vendimia events. Here are the top picks for a wine-themed charter:
- Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) – Tier A pricing from €749 for 2 hours, ideal for couples or small groups.
- Azimut 39 (12.5m, 11 pax) – same Tier A rates, more space for friends.
- Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) – flybridge bar area perfect for a tasting setup.
- Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) – from €4,719 for 4 hours, includes a jet ski for added fun.
For boats like the Fairline Targa or Pershing 46, pricing is on request – just send us a WhatsApp.
Sample vendimia yacht itinerary (4 hours)
- 16:30 – Meet at Puerto Banús. Board your boat, meet the skipper, and pop the first cava.
- 17:00 – Cruise east towards Marbella Marina and the Golden Mile, passing the Río Verde estuary.
- 17:45 – Anchor at Cala Cortés for a swim and a platter of local cheese, jamón, and grapes.
- 18:30 – Sunset toast with cava as the sky turns orange behind La Concha.
- 19:30 – Return to Puerto Banús. Optional: head to a vendimia market on the Golden Mile.
Pricing and inclusions
All prices include a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, safety equipment, and Spanish IVA (21%). No hidden fees. Tier A boats (Astondoa 40, Azimut 39) start at €749 for 2 hours and go up to €2,299 for 8 hours. The Mangusta 80 and its variants require a minimum 4-hour booking at €4,719, which includes a jet ski. For other boats, contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote.
Vendimia events near Puerto Banús
After your cruise, walk to the Marbella Old Town (10 minutes from the marina) for the vendimia fair. You'll find local wine stalls, live flamenco, and tapas bars serving pimientos de padrón and tortilla de patatas. The Golden Mile also hosts pop-up wine markets on weekends. For a full afternoon, book an 8-hour charter and include a lunch stop at a beach club like La Sala or Ocean Club.
Frequently asked questions
When is the vendimia harvest in Marbella?
The vendimia (grape harvest) in Marbella typically runs from late August to mid-September. Local bodegas and restaurants host tastings, stomping events, and harvest festivals. The exact dates vary each year, so check with venues like Bodega El Lagar or the Marbella town hall for the 2025 schedule.
What is included in a vendimia yacht charter?
Every charter includes a licensed skipper, fuel, water, soft drinks, beer, white wine, cava, light snacks, insurance, and safety equipment. Spanish IVA (21%) is already included in the price. You can bring your own food or order a catering upgrade via WhatsApp.
Can we bring our own wine from the harvest?
Yes, you are welcome to bring bottles from local bodegas or the vendimia market. Our crew can chill and serve them for you. There is no corkage fee, but we recommend limiting glassware to avoid breakage on board.
Which boat is best for a wine-tasting cruise?
The Azimut 58 Flybridge (17.6m, 12 pax) offers a spacious flybridge with a bar area and panoramic views – ideal for a tasting setup. For smaller groups, the Astondoa 40 (12.5m, 9 pax) is cosy and affordable from €749/2h.
Where do we depart from?
All our boats depart from Puerto Banús, Marbella's iconic marina. You can walk from the marina to the vendimia events in the town centre or the Golden Mile. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before departure.
How long should we charter for a vendimia cruise?
A 4-hour charter (morning or sunset) is perfect for a relaxed cruise with a swim stop and cava toast. If you want to combine the cruise with a visit to a bodega, choose an 8-hour charter to include a lunch stop at a beach club or a vineyard tour.
Is the cava included really Spanish?
Yes, we serve a quality Spanish cava (usually from Penedès or Catalonia) along with white wine from Rueda or Rías Baixas. All drinks are included in the charter price – no hidden extras.
Can we book a private vendimia event on board?
Absolutely. You can customise the menu with local vendimia produce like grapes, cheese, and jamón. Contact us via WhatsApp to arrange a private sommelier or a tasting platter. The Mangusta 80 (24m, 12 pax) is popular for intimate celebrations.