Written on 23/06/2022
The complete calendar of wine events
It's no secret that wine is an integral part of Burgundy. It is even the key element of this beautiful region of France. And it's thanks to its many vineyards that it's known the world over, as these are listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
To keep you abreast of all the celebrations going on in the region, here are the 8 most important celebrations taking place in the area throughout the year:
- Les fêtes de la Saint-Vincent: this is undoubtedly one of the best-known festivals, celebrating Saint-Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers. A name that has been passed down through history and tradition, and is now more than ever anchored in the region's culture. The Saint-Vincent festivities take place every last weekend in January, during which unique wines can be tasted.
- The Hospices de Beaune wine auction: this festival is nothing less than a charity auction. It features wines produced by the Hospices de Beaune estate, and is undoubtedly the most famous in the world. Numerous festive events are organized around the sale, to warm the hearts of those taking part in this celebration, which takes place in November.
- La fête du Crémant: one of the oldest festivals, originally held in the Middle Ages. It celebrates the arrival of spring, and pays tribute to Crémant de Bourgogne with a parade of floats that circulate to the rhythm of clinking cauldrons. It takes place on the 3rd Saturday in March, and throughout the day, Crémant de Bourgogne is showcased with Crémant rides, tastings and fireworks.
- Les fêtes du vignoble de l'Yonne: hundreds of demonstrators flock to the banks of the Yonne to attend festivities featuring a wide range of wine-related activities. The village of Chablis is the place to celebrate the new vintage. The festival takes place on the fourth Sunday in October.
- La Paulée and the Côte Chalonnaise Marathon: A grand meal to celebrate the end of the grape harvest. It's a real tradition in the Burgundy vineyards. Its name comes from the last scoop of grapes poured into the press. This act symbolizes the end of the harvest. The harvest takes place every year in spring.
- Le printemps du Viré Clessé: It's undoubtedly the region's most popular white wine, and therefore also its most celebrated. Every spring, thousands of people flock to the villages of Viré and Clessé in the northern Mâconnais region to pay homage to the wine during a festive weekend. Numerous winemakers welcome the most curious visitors to their cellars to discover the wines and diversity of Cimats.
- Climats Month : as we' ve already mentioned, Climats are an integral part of Burgundy's winegrowing landscape, so it's only natural that they should be honored during a major celebration that this year runs from June 3 to July 17. For example, for this 2022 edition, no fewer than 58 events are being organized in the region to pay tribute to them.
- Chardonnay Day: An emblematic grape variety of the region, Chardonnay now has its own festival. Naturally, it takes place in the village of Chardonnay, in the Saône-et-Loire region. This lovely celebration usually takes place around May 26.
