Bonne Saint Vincent à tous! Across France, January 22nd marks a cherished celebration of Saint Vincent, the Patron Saint of Winemakers. From vineyard processions to festive feasts, winemakers and wine lovers unite to honour his remarkable legacy and toast to a promising vintage. Curious about the traditions and tales behind this revered saint? Dive into the full story below!
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Who was Saint Vincent?
His Connection with Wine
His Significance in France
Celebrating Saint Vincent’s Day
Who was Saint Vincent?
Saint Vincent was a deacon in the early 4th century in Saragossa, Spain. He openly practiced and defended his Christian faith, refusing to comply with Emperor Diocletian’s demands to renounce his beliefs and worship Roman gods. His defiance led to his arrest and brutal torture. Yet, he remained steadfast, refusing to abandon his faith, until his death on January 22, 304. This unwavering dedication made him a martyr and later canonized as a saint, celebrated for his courage and devotion.
His Connection with Wine
The connection between Saint Vincent and winemakers is steeped in legend and symbolism, rather than a direct link. One story suggests that his name, “Vincent,” contains the Latin root vin (wine), making him an auspicious choice.
Another tale recounts that as Vincent was being tortured, the drops of his spilled blood resembled wine. They say this symbolizes the transformation and sacrifice intrinsic to winemaking. In fact, his name sounds like “vin sang” (“wine blood”) in French. This is loosely interpreted as wine being “blood of the vine”.
Over time, he became the guardian of vineyards and the spiritual protector of those who cultivate them.
His Significance in France
In France, where winemaking is both an art and a way of life, Saint Vincent holds a strong reverence. He is a symbol of resilience and hope, embodying the challenges and rewards of nurturing vineyards through seasons of hardship and abundance. Many winemakers turn to Saint Vincent for blessings, seeking a fruitful harvest and protection for their vines.
Celebrating Saint Vincent’s Day
History
Winegrowers and communities celebrate Saint Vincent’s Day annually on January 22nd, especially in Burgundy. The large-scale festivities we know today are relatively recent. They started in 1938 with the founding of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin in Burgundy. This is a fraternity that bands together groups of winemakers from different villages. You can read more about these celebrations in another article.
Meanwhile, the Archiconfrérie Saint-Vincent, the Champenois fraternity, was established around the same time. Initially, the celebrations were strictly local, but by the early 1990s, they evolved into the grand ceremonies we now enjoy. While these events typically take place in Épernay, they have occasionally been hosted in Reims and Troyes.
The Procession
Across France, the festivities feature a vibrant procession of winegrowers, accompanied by musicians (generally bandas/marching bands) and priests. The procession winds through the vineyards, sprinkling holy water over the vines, before continuing into the streets of towns or villages, and culminating at the local church for a special mass. Participants carry banners and the staff of Saint Vincent—wooden decorations bearing his likeness—alongside traditional winemaking tools, flowers, and other embellishments. Barrels of new wine and homemade brioche, known as Galette de la Saint Vincent, are also part of the procession. They are later blessed during the mass.
At Church
At the church, a religious service takes place. Hymns are sung in gratitude to the patron saint for the previous harvest and prayers are offered for protection in the coming season. The barrels of wine and brioche from the procession are blessed during the service. In a symbolic act of sharing and abundance, the priest distributes pieces of the brioche to all attendees. This represents the hope for a bountiful harvest.
The Finale
After mass, the local president of the Archiconfrérie delivers an annual speech. It often includes mentions of important figures and the ban des vendanges, a ceremonial declaration marking the start of the vineyard year. Historically, this moment signified the beginning of the vine-growing cycle and pruning season. Though climate change has since altered its timing. This pivotal occasion has inspired many proverbs, somewhat reminiscent of Groundhog Day in North America. One well-known saying, ‘À la Saint-Vincent, l’hiver s’en va ou se reprend’ (on Saint Vincent’s day, winter dies or begins again), highlights the uncertainty of the season’s transition. Another, ‘À la Saint-Vincent, le vin monte au sarment, ou, s’il gèle, il en descend’ (on Saint Vincent’s day, the wine rises to the vine shoot, or, if it freezes, it falls from it), reflects the potential impact of cold weather and snowfall on the vines.
Following this, medals and diplomas are officially presented to honour the region’s top talent. The festivities then conclude in lively feasts featuring regional specialties and tastings of the previous year’s vintage. It’s a heartfelt celebration that beautifully captures the communal spirit and traditions of winemaking.
