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Every January, the Champagne region comes alive with the Fête de la Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winemakers. Rooted in centuries of tradition, this celebration is a blend of solemn blessings, festive parades, and, of course, the sharing of champagne. It’s a time for winemakers and enthusiasts alike to honour the land and craft, and wish for a plentiful harvest.
Image: Union des Maisons de Champagne - photo by Michel Jolyot
Why Saint Vincent?
The connection between St. Vincent and winemakers dates back to the 4th century. During the Roman Empire's crackdown on Christianity, one of the most severe persecutions of Christians, Vincent and Valerius were arrested for refusing to renounce their faith. While Valerius was exiled, Vincent faced a harsher fate. The Roman governor, Dacian, subjected him to brutal torture to force him to recant his faith. Despite the suffering, Vincent remained steadfast, using the ordeal to proclaim his unwavering faith. His resilience reportedly moved some of his captors and onlookers to convert to Christianity. He ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was martyred, becoming a symbol of endurance and spiritual fortitude.
In Champagne, where weather and soil demand constant resilience, St. Vincent’s story of endurance resonates deeply. His feast day, January 22nd, falls at a time crucial for vineyards—when pruning typically begins, ensuring healthy vines for the next harvest. His name, Vincentius, contains the Latin root vin (wine), making the association almost serendipitous. Over time, he became the region’s spiritual guardian, offering blessings for the vineyards and hope for an exceptional vintage.
A Day of Champagne Traditions St Vincent's Day is generally celebrated on the Saturday before or after the 22nd January, and unites growers and maisons from throughout the region with various traditions.
The Parade The day often begins with a colourful procession through Champagne’s cities. Local winemakers, walking in a procession organised by village and dressed in traditional robes, carry statues of St. Vincent alongside symbolic items like grape shears, barrels and a pyramid shaped brioche. Each champagne house takes pride in displaying its unique identity in the parade, creating a festive spectacle of community spirit on their way to church.
The Blessing of the Barrel One of the most significant moments of the day is the blessing of the barrel during the church ceremony. A freshly prepared champagne barrel, filled with wine from the previous harvest, is brought forward and blessed by local clergy. This act not only honours the past but also sets intentions for the future vintage.
The Blessing and Breaking of the Brioche
No St. Vincent celebration in Champagne would be complete without the brioche. A large, beautifully golden loaf is ceremonially blessed, often with a splash of marc de champagne or ratafia. The brioche is then broken and shared among attendees, symbolizing unity, gratitude, and the joy of communal celebration.
photo by M. Ruinart
The Feast As evening falls, the feast begins—a vin d'honneur aperitif, followed by a multi-course dinner where champagne flows freely. Traditional dishes like potee champenoise are served and winemakers share their bottles. The meal often ends with cheese platters and a final taste of the blessed brioche, paired with sweet ratafia or marc. These gatherings are held in different cities every year and coordinated by the Archiconfrerie de la St Vincent.
St. Vincent - from Reims to Singapore
Would you like to join the festivities? Join us for the first ever St Vincent celebration in Singapore! So this January, raise a flute to St. Vincent. Whether you’re blessing a brioche or simply enjoying a glass, you’ll be part of a tradition that celebrates the heart and soul of Champagne.
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