Saint Vincent is the patron saint of vignerons. The vignerons in Champagne celebrate Saint Vincent as a fraternity, in their own village, on 22 January every year. They dress up in colourful traditional costumes, parade, attend mass in the local church, thank Saint Vincent for the past harvest, and pray for his protection during the coming year, eat brioche and drink champagne of course. 

And the week before, all the villages also get together as an archconfraternity to do the same thing behind a banner with the name of their village, and this time champagne houses join them. Since houses source their grapes from a multitude of villages, they parade behind a banner with the name of their house. And all the local dignitaries also join in the fun: bishop, mayors, co-presidents of the Archiconfrérie, the Comité Champagne, the Mission Patrimoine. So do viticulture schools. The tradition of celebrating Saint Vincent is a way of celebrating their collective sense of pride in their heritage. 

Last year they celebrated in Château-Thierry and I went to check it out. You can take a look at my photos here to give you an idea. In 2025 it will be celebrated in Epernay on Saturday 18 January and I have put together an itinerary for anyone who would like to join me to celebrate Saint-Vincent.

Program for the day

8:00: Meet Cynthia at Gare de l’Est train station in front of track 7. I will be carrying a blue backpack.

8:30-10:00: Train from Paris to Epernay. During the journey I will talk to you about the history of the wine, geography of the region, and how the industry is organised today.

10:00-10:15: Driver picks us up and takes us to Boursault

10:15-12:15: Private tour of vineyards, press room, tank room and cellars at Champagne Le Gallais, a small female-owned organic house on the grounds where Veuve Clicquot built her retirement castle. By the end of the visit, you will understand all the stages involved in making champagne. Visit followed by a tasting of 3 champagnes. Beautiful view of the castle, river and hillsides from the terrace of the tasting room. 

12:30-14:15: Lunch at https://www.leptitboursault.com. During lunch I will talk to you about the different grape varieties that affect the aromas and flavours of champagnes, and why certain styles of champagne pair better with certain foods.

14:15-14:30: Driver takes us back to Epernay

14:30-15:45: Saint Vincent Parade. Walk down the famous Avenue de Champagne to admire the mansions.

16:00-17:30: Train back to Paris. I will talk to you about whatever you want!
 

Cost: 250€ for Delectabulles members, 300€ for non-members. Includes train ticket, driver, cellar visit and tasting and my guiding. Does not include cost of lunch but prices at Le P’Tit Boursault are very reasonable. You can check their website. I can only take 6 people. First come, first served.

Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes, warm layered clothes. Bring a bottle of water. Check the weather forecast here: https://meteofrance.com/previsions-meteo-france/epernay/51200 and pray to the Champagne Gods we won't need umbrellas!