Santé! The Top 10 Wine Festivals in Burgundy and Jura

In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, a number of events are organized each year to celebrate its most famous asset: wine. Throughout the territory, festivals and events offer the perfect gateway to discover the Burgundy vintages, from the world-famous varieties to the rare and hidden wines.  

These major events attract thousands of people each year to the vineyards of Burgundy and Jura. Here are the top 10 wine fêtes to note down in your calendar for next year. 

1. Saint-Vincent Tournante

This great popular festival full of traditions celebrates Saint-Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers, on the last weekend of January. In Côte d’Or, the festivities begin with a large procession in the village chosen for that year (it changes for each edition, hence the name ‘Tournante’) decorated for the occasion. This procession is closed by the Brotherhood of Knights of Tastevin.  

For more than 50 years, Saint-Vincent Day has also been celebrated in Yonne to honour the Chablis vineyards. This is honored by the Chablisian Piliers brotherhood. Gastronomy and music complete these emblematic events of the region.

2. Percée du Vin Jaune

Every year, at the beginning of February, a village in the Jura vineyard celebrates the opening of the wine barrels, after the typical yellow wine of the area has aged in them for 6 years and 3 months.  

Throughout the weekend, numerous activities are offered to discover the unique vin jaune and explore the Jura vineyards. It’s also a unique and festive atmosphere that will chase away the winter chill!

3. Paulée de la Côte Chalonnaise

Take part in the big end-of-harvest celebration and live a unique experience at the heart of Burgundian traditions. La Paulée is anchored in the cultural and wine heritage of the Côte Chalonnaise. 

Meet at the end of the harvest to celebrate the harvests of some of the area’s greatest wines in a festive and indulgent atmosphere. 

4. Fleurs de Vignes

Every year, the Fleurs de Vigne festival takes place on the quays of the town of Auxerre for a day of discovery in the vineyards of Chablis and Grand Auxerrois. Take advantage of this festival to admire numerous traditions: the parade of wine brotherhoods, food and wine pairing games, tasting initiations, culinary demonstrations, guided tours and even musical entertainment. 

5. Pressée du Vin de Paille

This celebration of straw wine takes place every year at the time of St Vincent Tournante in January and highlights this unique nectar from the region. So why this appellation of Vin de Paille? Because the grape bunches intended for its manufacture dry on straw for 6 weeks. 

Vin de Paille represents only 1% of wine production in the Jura, its exceptional character therefore makes it very coveted among the wines of the Jura wine region. 

6. Vente des Hospices de Beaune

It is one of the most famous wine charity sales in the world and is held every year in November in Beaune. An unmissable event for all wine professionals, amateurs and connoisseurs. 

Much more than a wine sale, it is a real immersion in Burgundian wine culture thanks to folkloric activities and magnificent light displays. 

7. Oenogourmande de Tournus

Curious, gourmets and wine lovers come to the emblematic setting of the abbey rooms of Tournus to meet around thirty wine producers during the Oenogourmandes. 

Whether you are an enthusiast or a simple amateur wishing to awaken your taste buds, wine professionals have imagined a thousand and one ways to introduce visitors to the secrets of the earth and the magic of winemaking. 

8. Chardonnay Day

Initiated around 10 years ago in California, this event celebrates this emblematic grape variety and quickly spread throughout the world, including, of course, in Burgundy where it finds its purest expression. Held in May, the event takes place in the eponymous village of Chardonnay, in Saône-et-Loire but has numerous online events too to allow people from all over the world to raise their glass of Chardonnay together. 

9. Fêtes des vins de Chablis

This wine festival is a major event of the year highlighting the discovery and tasting of Chablis appellations. Events taking place include the baptism of the new vintage, the tasting of several vintages offered by around 40 Houses and Estates in Chablis and Grand Auxerrois, inductions, local gastronomy stands, walks in the vineyards and activities for children. 

10. Fascinant Week-end

At the start of the school year, treat yourself to a moment of escape in the Burgundian vineyards. Explore the entire region from the Route des Grands Crus to Couchois Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnaise, passing through the Châtillonnais vineyard. A real invitation to rediscover wine culture in Burgundy.