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On September 21st and 22nd 2024, Saint-Émilion was alive with festivities to celebrate historic events. It was a unique occasion where tradition, passion for wine and festive celebrations all came together in a convivial atmosphere.
Over the weekend, the Saint-Émilion vineyards celebrated a quarter of a century of World Heritage listing. To mark the European Heritage Days, the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion has invited you to (re)discover the beauty of its world-famous wine-growing landscapes during a weekend of festivities! With tours of the medieval town, events for all the families, a round-table discussion on the three French vineyards listed by UNESCO: Burgundy, Champagne and Saint-Émilion, an exceptional Masterclass, vineyard walks, Heritage Night, a torchlight parade and fireworks display, and the Jurade de Saint-Émilion’s not-to-be-missed Harvest Proclamation (Ban des Vendanges), the weekend was full of excitement!
Saturday kicked off with a fascinating Round Table discussion led by Jacques Olivier Pesme, Executive Director of Wine Origins Alliance, at the Logis de Malet. Experts from the world of wine discussed the current and future challenges facing the vineyards of Burgundy, Champagne and Saint-Émilion. Lively discussions focused on the preservation of terroirs, the challenges posed by climate change, and the practices and innovations implemented by each.
The afternoon continued on a prestigious note with a Masterclass led by the renowned Maximilian Riedel. Participants were able to discover the impact of glass on wine tasting and how the shape and material of the container subtly influence aromas and flavours. A real lesson in elegance for lovers of great wines, with three exceptional wines: a Beaune 1er cru – le Clos des Mouches – Seguin-Manuel 2022, a Gevrey Chambertin – Vieilles Vignes – Domaine des Beaumont 2020, and a Château Angélus 2016 – Saint-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé ‘A’.
In the evening, the unmissable Jurade’s torchlit procession took to the streets of the medieval town of Saint-Émilion. The procession, made up of Jurats dressed in traditional costume and carrying torches, lit up the town to celebrate Heritage Night. They treated spectators to an enchanting spectacle through the cobbled streets of the town. At the head of this procession of Jurats, Astier Nicolas, team gold medallist and individual silver medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, was our guest of honour. Appreciated for his passion and expertise in horse riding, he was inducted into the Jurade de Saint-Émilion the following day, demonstrating his attachment to winegrowing traditions.
The first day drew to a spectacular close with a majestic fireworks display, followed by an impressive pyrotechnic show from the famous ‘Tour du Roi’, lighting up the sky over Saint-Émilion and bringing this unforgettable evening to a magical ending.
The second part of the weekend was marked by the Harvest Proclamation, a solemn and moving occasion on Sunday morning, when the mass was held and the new members were inducted. The Jurats de la Jurade de Saint-Émilion, dressed in their emblematic red robes, celebrated the induction of a number of personalities who share a passion for Saint-Émilion wines. The new inductees included renowned business leaders, international wine ambassadors and many other personalities, such as Maximilian Riedel, an expert in glassmaking and wine tasting, Astier Nicolas, an Olympic medallist in equestrianism, and Lazare Eloundou-Assomo, the World Heritage Director. Each of them has contributed in their own way to promoting the excellence and renown of Saint-Émilion wines.
The Jurade, this historic brotherhood founded in 1199, plays a crucial role in preserving traditions and promoting the region’s wines. Today, it continues to perpetuate this heritage by upholding the values of respect, authenticity and transmission. Inductions are therefore more than a symbolic honour; they reflect a deep commitment to the Saint-Émilion terroir and its future.
After this solemn ceremony, a great lunch brought the guests together under two vast tents in the Parc Guadet. The atmosphere was warm and festive, and the guests of honour – Burgundy and Champagne, also UNESCO World Heritage Sites – added a convivial dimension to the event. The lively discussions around the tables testified to the fellowship spirit and passion that reigns in the world of wine, with exchanges about the forthcoming harvest and anecdotes about exceptional vintages.
The afternoon ended in style with the official proclamation of the Harvest Proclamation. The release of balloons in the shape of bunches of grapes from the Parc Guadet symbolised the opening of the harvest, a tradition that unites all those involved in the wine industry in a spirit of hope and prosperity for the coming year.
This festive weekend in Saint-Émilion will live long in the memory, a symbol of the fraternity with the vineyards of Burgundy and Champagne, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Together, we celebrated the love of wine, the richness of our shared heritage and the passion that drives these great wine-producing regions.
