What is Saint Vincent's Day?

Saint Vincent is the patron saint of Burgundian winegrowers. In fact, in the Middle Ages, craftsmen and traders supported each other in groups in case of problems in their trade. These different groups gathered under the banner of a patron saint and it was Saint Vincent who was chosen by the Burgundian winegrowers.

Why was Saint Vincent chosen as Patron Saint ?

Legend has it that his donkey ate a vine, and it is said that the winegrowers were so upset that the animal and its owner were driven away. But the following year, the winegrowers realised that the vine eaten by the animal gave twice as much fruit as the others.

This is how Saint Vincent came to be named the patron saint of winegrowers.

What is Saint-Vincent Tournante? ?

In the 1930s, the tradition began to be lost. In 1933, the Confrérie du Tastevin was created and relaunched the tradition of Saint Vincent to honour him but also to share moments of conviviality. In 1938, the first Saint Vincent Tournante was created.

Where to find the Saint-Vincent Tournante ?

Every last weekend in January, when the vines are at rest, the winegrowers' brotherhoods meet in a winegrowing village to celebrate it. This meeting place changes every year, for example, during the last edition in 2020, it took place in Béru. And this year, you can find it in Fleys.

What do we do on Saint Vincent's Day ?

The day begins with a costume parade in which you can find the 100 brotherhoods of Burgundy. Following this parade, a ceremony is organised in honour of the deceased of the village. Finally, at the end of the morning, the tasting cellars open their doors to you to taste vintages and/or vintages specially planned for the event.

Is there only one Saint-Vincent Tournante ?

No, there is a second one, the Saint-Vincent Tournante du Chablisien by the Confrérie des Piliers Chablisiens and it takes place every year in a wine village gathering tens of thousands of participants for over 50 years.

So what are you doing on the 22nd?