Festival de la Saint-Vernier

La Saint-Vernier: A Winegrowers' Tradition in Château-Chalon

Each year, on the third Sunday of April, the village of Château-Chalon celebrates its patron saint of winegrowers, Saint Vernier (or Werner), through a traditional festival deeply rooted in the wine identity of the Jura. This annual event is an opportunity to pay homage to the work of the winegrowers and celebrate one of the most prestigious terroirs in France.

The Brotherhood of Winegrowers' Procession

The heart of the festival is the procession of the brotherhood of winegrowers of Château-Chalon, dedicated to Saint Vernier. The members of the brotherhood, dressed in their traditional attire, parade through the narrow streets of the perched village, from the Chapelle Saint-Vernier to the parish church, in a solemn and contemplative atmosphere. This procession perpetuates a tradition dating back several centuries, testifying to the deep attachment of Jura winegrowers to their protective saint.

Saint Vernier, Patron Saint of Jura Winegrowers

Saint Vernier is the patron saint of the winegrowers of the Jura vineyards, and particularly those of Château-Chalon. His cult is intimately linked to the wine history of this region, and the Chapelle Saint-Vernier, located in the village, is a place of devotion and pilgrimage for winegrowers from all over the Jura.

Wine and Cheese Tasting

After the ceremony and procession, participants are invited to a tasting of local wines and cheeses in a friendly atmosphere. It's an opportunity to discover or rediscover the wines of the Château-Chalon appellation, this exceptional Vin Jaune aged for six years and three months under a veil of yeast in the village cellars. Jura cheeses – Comté, Morbier – accompany this tasting in the purest Comtois tradition.

Château-Chalon: One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France

Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Château-Chalon offers a spectacular setting for this winegrowers' festival. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Vallée de la Seille, the village offers exceptional panoramas of the vineyards below and the Jura 'reculées' (karst valleys). Its medieval streets, winegrowers' houses, and the remains of its 7th-century Benedictine abbey create a unique backdrop for this celebration of wine heritage.

The Association Les Amis de Château-Chalon

The association Les Amis de Château-Chalon actively contributes to the animation and enhancement of the village throughout the year, organizing shows, exhibitions, and cultural events that complement the festive program of Saint-Vernier.