The History of the Saint-Vincent Tournante
Inherited from the Middle Ages, the Saint-Vincent Tournante celebration originated with mutual aid societies in Burgundy's wine-growing villages, which organized events honoring Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers, celebrated on January 22. At the beginning of the 20th century, events associated with Saint Vincent gradually disappeared with the secularization of society (the separation of Church and State in 1905).
In 1938, thanks to the efforts of the Knights of the Tastevin confraternity, the tradition reappeared. The first Saint-Vincent Tournante was held in Chambolle-Musigny, bringing together six societies at the time. Today, it brings together more than 80 and attracts several tens of thousands of visitors every year.
It is called “tournante” because it is hosted each year in a different wine-growing village.
Traditions and How the Event Unfolds
The Saint-Vincent Tournante takes place on the last weekend of January and moves to a different village each year. The village is decorated by its residents with banners, posters, and paper flowers. They also create small displays featuring red-nosed characters.
According to tradition, on the morning of the first day, Burgundy's mutual aid societies gather for a snack. The festivities then begin with a procession of the societies in costume, carrying banners and statues of Saint Vincent. A tribute is paid at the war memorial. A religious service is then held, followed by the induction of the oldest winegrowers into the Confraternity of the Knights of the Tastevin.
But it is above all the tasting of the cuvées offered by the winegrowers that draws the crowds.
A Lively 76th Edition
This year, the 76th Saint-Vincent Tournante takes place in Gevrey-Chambertin over the weekend of January 25 and 26. The village, home to nine Grand Crus, boasts Burgundy's largest vineyard, covering 411.29 hectares, including 81.61 hectares of Premier Cru.
For the occasion, 14 tasting cellars will open their doors to the public. In addition, five vintages will be available for tasting: 2009, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018.
How the Weekend Unfolds
The Pinot Noir-themed weekend begins on Saturday morning with the departure of the procession of the 85 societies. They showcase their banners, confraternity costumes, and statues of Saint Vincent as they make their way through the village. This is followed by a tribute at the town's war memorial, the traditional religious ceremony, and finally the induction ceremonies of the confraternities.
After the commemorations, the festivities begin with the opening of the tasting cellars at 11 a.m. There are also various activities, street performers, folk groups, and a large brass concert late Sunday morning. The event ends on Sunday at 5 p.m. when the tasting cellars close.
A unique event for wine lovers not to be missed. So raise your glasses and celebrate one of the oldest traditions in Burgundian folklore.
At Domaine du Goût, Every Day Is a Celebration!
Would you like to keep the festivities going all year round and enjoy your own private tastings? Domaine du Goût offers its wine-tasting gift sets to enjoy alone or share with someone. Discover three or more wines and treat yourself. Place your order and you will receive three bottles of the wine you liked best. A great way to pass the time until the next Saint-Vincent Tournante.
