Top 10 wine-themed events in Burgundy
In the Chablisien to the Mâconnais and via the "Climats" of Burgundy's vineyard, classified by UNESCO, there are so many festivities devoted to Burgundy wines, the terroir and the expert know-how of the winegrowers. Here are 10 events that provide a blend of Burgundian traditions, folklore, enjoyment and of course wine tasting!
The Saint-Vincent celebrations
The Saint-Vincent Tournante event is devoted to Saint-Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers, and is an opportunity to showcase the traditions attached to the regional culture here.
Every year, this wine-themed event is organised by an appellation of the Burgundy vineyard, over the last weekend of January. It is a chance to taste some unique wines.
The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction
For several centuries now, this charity wine auction for the wines produced by the Hospices de Beaune estate, has been the most famous of its kind in the world.
At the same time as this prestigious auction, there is a weekend of festivities, bringing some warmth to the cold November weather.
The Fête du Crémant and Tape-Chaudrons in Châtillon-sur-Seine
The tradition of the "Tape-Chaudrons" dates back to the Middle Ages. It is held to celebrate the first days of spring, with a parade of floats and the sounds of the "chaudrons" (cooking pots) being banged together.
For the past few years, on the 3rd Saturday of March, the Crémant de Bourgogne is showcased on this day of festivities: Crémant hike, tasting sessions, enthronements and fireworks.
The Yonne vineyard celebrations
Every other year, in the spring, come to Auxerre for the Fleurs de Vigne event. Tasting sessions and entertainment on the theme of wine are organised along the banks of the Yonne.
The weekend over the fourth Sunday in October in the village of Chablis, the new vintage wine is celebrated during the Fête des Vins. On the programme: meet the winegrowers and taste the wines. Not-to-mention the musical entertainment and Confrérie des Piliers Chablisiens (a Bacchanalian fraternity) procession.
La Paulée and the Côte Chalonnaise Marathon
La Paulée is a meal held to celebrate the end of the grape harvest, and is a tradition in the Burgundy vineyard. The name comes from the last scoop of grapes put into the press, symbolising the end of the harvest.
In the Côte Chalonnaise, this tradition has been turned into a big event, combining wine, gastronomy and photography. Over a whole weekend, La Paulée de la Côte Chalonnaise is held in Chalon-sur-Saône, the town where the art of photography was first invented.
Every year in the spring, the Côte Chalonnaise Wines Marathon also takes place, for a festive and sporty weekend in the midst of the various appellations in the area.
Les Œnogourmandes de Tournus
In the magical setting of the Monk's refectory at Saint-Philibert Abbey in Tournus, the Œnogourmandes is an event where you can taste the wines from around thirty estates from the various winegrowing destinations in France.
The producers will come and present local specialities such as cheese, snails, Bresse poultry or the authentic Macaron Bressan and chefs from Tournus will put on some culinary shows for visitors.
Le Printemps du Viré Clessé
One of the most appreciated white wines of Burgundy, the Viré-Clessé is celebrated every spring during a festive weekend in the villages of Viré and Clessé, in the north of the Mâconnais region.
For this event, winegrowers will welcome visitors to their cellars, to learn about their wines and the diversity of the "climats". As well as these wine-tasting sessions, there are also olfactory workshops and wine-food pairing, and entertainment for children.
Le Mois des Climats
To find out more about the "climats" of Burgundy's vineyard, you should come to the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune during the "Month of the Climats".
"Le Mois des Climats" is held to celebrate the classification of the "climats" as UNESCO World Heritage. There are guided tours, walks, workshops, tasting sessions and exhibitions, etc. Artists, associations and companies across the local area propose around 80 different activities.
Chardonnay Day
The most widely-grown grape variety in the Burgundy vineyard has its very own celebration! It obviously takes place in the village of Chardonnay in Saône-et-Loire, as well as a virtual version on social networks, so that passionate wine drinkers from all over the world can enjoy these wines together.
The musical events
In the Burgundy vineyard, you'll also find some events offering a combination of music and wine tasting: the Musicaves Festival in Givry, Macon Wine Note, Musique au Chambertin Festival devoted to Gevrey-Chambertin, The "De Bach à Bacchus" Festival in Meursault.
All the wine-themed events
There are countless village celebrations devoted to wine. Find the one you'd like to go to by browsing the full list here.