Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers, was celebrated across France this past weekend with numerous communal events bringing people together to honor local vinicultural traditions and legacies. The festivities, which happen every January 22nd, are marked by rich history and distinctive rituals unique to each location.
Starting with the town of Chahaignes, last Friday, several former presidents of the local Saint-Vincent committee gathered for the traditional galette celebration held at the cavier de Vaugermain. They enjoyed white wine from Chahaignes along with grape juice, all center-pieced around the annual tradition of sharing cakes (or galettes) carried on since the founding of the celebration. "We’re excited to reveal our next vice-president at the main banquet, responsible for planning celebrations for 2026," noted Claude Maintenant, the committee's president. This gathering is just one of the many events scheduled for the weekend, with traditional meals like coq au vin and head of veal, alongside visits to local wine cellars planned.
Further afield, the Saint-Vincent celebration of Champlitte, which boasts over four centuries of history, renewed its longstanding traditions, even after setbacks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The town has always cherished its local customs centered around community and solidarity, focusing on the importance of winemaking which has historically supported families. This year’s events maintained their original spirit, fostering relationships built on tradition and shared passion for viniculture.
Meanwhile, Saint-Maur prepared for its own festivities scheduled for January 25th, with the celebration organized by the Saint-Vincent - Saint-Blaise committee. Ginette Bonnefoy, this year's bâtonnière, along with young local farmers dressed in traditional attire, will lead the procession through town to the church for the morning ceremony. It’s clear this celebration is all about community spirit; local agriculture and its representation are community values held dear, emphasizing the festival as not only religious but deeply rooted in the region's agricultural identity.
Over at the Côte d'Or region, Emmanuel Charrier passed the ceremonial statue of Saint Vincent to Jean-Baptiste Roblin, director of Ceps Sicavac, emphasizing the need for improved quality and harvest yields. Roblin, who now holds the symbolic position, remarked, "I accept this responsibility with hopes of achieving greater success this year." This marks not just the passing of authority but the shared commitment among local wineries to adapt and thrive amid climate challenges.
Other celebrations unfolded around the country as well; on January 18th, the associations of Creissan d'hier et d'aujourd'hui hosted festive events, featuring musical performances by the Harmonie de Capestang-Puisserguier, allowing residents to connect over local wines and traditional cuisine. Participants took the opportunity to learn about Saint Vincent’s historical significance, tracing his martyrdom back to the 4th century, positing the link between his name and the word 'vin' (wine) as emblematic of life’s celebrations.
Burgundy and Beaujolais regions, where Saint Vincent is particularly celebrated, highlighted the tradition of rotating the festivities among various appellations. “Every year, it’s one of our biggest cultural events, emphasizing our pride in winemaking,” said Benjamin Rolland, owner of the bar Le Zinc authentique. Through communal tasting and local showcases, these celebrations attract not only locals but also tourism, drawing enthusiasts interested in French wines and heritage.
Despite these gatherings, the heart of all celebrations remains the same: dedication to viniculture and honoring tradition. Saint Vincent’s legacy serves as both protector and guide for those working tirelessly under the sun, hoping for good yields and prosperous seasons. This weekend, as towns across France gathered to enjoy wine, food, and festivities, they reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the customs and culture surrounding this beloved patron saint.