The Fête de la Saint Vincent Tournante is an annual celebration of Burgundy’s winemaking heritage, held each January in a different village or commune within the region. This rotating festival honors Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers, and is deeply rooted in the local viticultural calendar. It provides an authentic insight into the communal spirit and traditions of Burgundy’s wine producers, offering a unique perspective on the region’s appellations beyond the typical tourist routes.

What You Can Do

Visitors can participate in a morning procession where statues of Saint Vincent are carried through the host village, often accompanied by local wine brotherhoods in traditional attire. Following the procession, temporary tasting cellars open, allowing direct engagement with vignerons from the host appellation. These pop up cellars offer structured tastings of the current vintage and sometimes older releases, focusing on the specific wines of the host village. It is an opportunity to discuss the terroir and winemaking philosophy directly with those who craft the wines.

What They Offer

The festival primarily showcases the wines of the designated host village, typically featuring both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay expressions that define Burgundy. Depending on the year’s host, this might include renowned appellations from the Côte de Nuits or Côte de Beaune. Beyond wine, the event offers a glimpse into traditional Burgundian culture through folk music, artisan stalls, and historical displays. Each year’s festival is meticulously organized by the local wine brotherhood, ensuring a distinct character reflecting the host community.

Activities

Beyond the festival’s core events, the surrounding Burgundy landscape offers opportunities for exploration. Visitors can walk through dormant vineyards, experiencing the quiet beauty of the winter season. Nearby, historic towns such as Beaune, with its Hospices, and Dijon, with its ducal palace, provide cultural and architectural interest. Many local producers open their cellars by appointment, offering further tasting experiences and insight into the region’s diverse terroirs.

Food to Eat

Local gastronomy is central to the Saint Vincent Tournante experience. Temporary food stands throughout the village offer regional specialties such as gougères, escargots de Bourgogne, jambon persillé, and various local cheeses. Heartier dishes like boeuf bourguignon or coq au vin are also available, often prepared by local associations. These traditional foods are designed to pair naturally with the regional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Why Visit

Visiting the Fête de la Saint Vincent Tournante offers a genuine immersion into Burgundian wine culture, distinct from larger commercial events. It is a chance to connect with the vignerons themselves in a celebratory, community focused setting. The rotating nature ensures a fresh experience each year, highlighting different villages and their unique viticultural stories, making it a valuable occasion for those interested in the authentic heart of Burgundy.

The Saint Vincent Tournante provides an authentic, albeit brisk, winter celebration. The communal spirit among the vignerons is palpable, and the opportunity to taste wines directly from the producers in their home village is noteworthy. While the January weather can be challenging, and crowds can be dense at popular tasting points, the genuine warmth of the welcome and the quality of the wines make it a memorable experience for anyone seeking the true essence of Burgundy.