The History of the Saint-Vincent Tournante
Inherited from the Middle Ages, the celebration of the Saint-Vincent Tournante originates from the mutual aid societies of the Burgundy wine villages, which organized events honoring Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers, celebrated on January 22. At the beginning of the 20th century, events related to Saint Vincent gradually disappeared with the secularization of society (separation of Church and State in 1905).
It was in 1938, thanks to the will of the Chevaliers du Tastevin brotherhood, that the tradition reappeared. The first Saint-Vincent Tournante was then organized in Chambolle-Musigny, bringing together 6 societies at the time. Today, it gathers more than 80 and attracts several tens of thousands of visitors each year.
It is called "tournante" because it is hosted every year in a different wine village.
Customs and Event Schedule
The Saint-Vincent Tournante takes place on the last weekend of January and changes village each year. The village in question is decorated by its inhabitants with banners, posters, and paper flowers. They also create small scenes featuring characters with red noses.
According to tradition, on the morning of the first day, the Burgundy mutual aid societies gather for a snack. This is followed by the start of the celebration with a parade of these societies in costumes, carrying banners and statues of Saint Vincent. A salute is paid at the war memorial. Then, a religious service is held and the oldest winemakers are inducted into the Confrérie des Chevaliers de Tastevin.
But it is especially the tasting of the cuvées offered by the winemakers that draws the crowd.
A Lively 76th Edition
This year, the 76th Saint-Vincent Tournante takes place in Gevrey-Chambertin on the weekend of January 25 and 26. Let us recall that the village with its 9 Grands Crus represents the largest vineyard in Burgundy with 411.29 hectares, including 81.61 in Premier Cru.
For the occasion, 14 tasting cellars open their doors to the public. Additionally, 5 vintages will be offered for tasting: 2009, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018.
Weekend Schedule
The weekend themed around Pinot Noir begins Saturday morning with the start of the parade-procession of the 85 societies. They showcase their banners, brotherhood costumes, and statues of Saint Vincent while touring the village. Then, a tribute is paid at the town’s war memorial, followed by the traditional religious ceremony, and finally the induction of the brotherhoods.
After the commemorations, the festivities begin with the opening of the tasting cellars at 11 a.m. Various activities are also present, including street artists, folk groups, and a large brass concert on Sunday late morning. The event ends Sunday at 5 p.m. with the closing of the tasting cellars.
A unique event for wine lovers not to be missed. So raise your glasses to celebrate one of the oldest traditions of Burgundy folklore.
At Domaine du Goût, it’s a celebration every day!
Would you like to extend the festivities throughout the year and participate in your own private tastings? Domaine du Goût offers you its wine tasting box to enjoy alone or share with a partner. Three wines to discover for your pleasure. Place your order on https://domainedugout.com/ and you will receive three bottles of the wine you preferred. A great idea to wait for the next Saint-Vincent Tournante.
