(L-R) N/A; Alderman Patrick Goldschmidt; Chief Alderman Maurice Bauer; the Mayor of Luxembourg City Lydie Polferr; Alderwoman Simone Beissel;
Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Tuesday 16 September 2025, Chronicle.lu participated in the annual grape harvest that was held in the Klouschtergaart gardens in Luxembourg-Grund.
This annual Luxembourg tradition began in 2004, when the City of Luxembourg (VdL), in cooperation with the Landesgartenschau in Trier, rehabilitated the terraced gardens. The site location provides a special microclimate in the soil, making it a great support for the conservation of Luxembourg native species and grape cultivation, while upholding the cultural heritage.
Following the tradition of the annual gathering, the Mayor of Luxembourg City, Lydie Polfer, together with aldermen Maurice Bauer, Simone Beissel and Patrick Goldschmidt, symbolically participated in the harvest, collecting grapes and placing them into a hod (the traditional backpack-style container).
On the approximately 4 ares of vineyard, Luxembourgish grape varieties (Elbling, Rivaner and Pinot) are cultivated according to the traditional method, with each vine stock tended individually. This yields around 260 kilograms of grapes, which produces about 200 litres of wine and is reserved only for official receptions of the VdL or gifted during formal visits to the City Hall.
The site is located at the foot of the Bock promontory and surrounded by the terraces of Luxembourg-Grund, with views stretching across the Alzette and Neumünster Abbey. Access to the gardens is limited to special occasions and not open to the public on a daily basis but can be viewed from Rue Plaetis, near the statue of Melusina before the terraced gardens.
Each year, the harvest takes place in late September or early October. Last year, it was held on 3 October, which is about two weeks later than this year.
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