Foire du Vignoble Nantais

The Foire du Vignoble Nantais: Over 75 Years of Tradition in Vallet

Since 1948, the town of Vallet, the capital of Muscadet, has hosted its exhibition fair every third weekend of March, which has become a regional and even national event over the decades. Originally known as the Salon des Vins de Nantes, the event's aim was to showcase the economic activities of the canton, particularly the Nantais vineyard and its emblematic grape variety, the Melon de Bourgogne.

The Wine and Gastronomy Show

The wine show is the historical heart of the fair. For its twelfth consecutive year, it partners with the gastronomy show to offer visitors a true tour of France of flavors. The Palais de l'Or blanc features nearly 200 AOC Muscadet and Gros-Plant wines to discover, accompanied by the ten communal appellations that have replaced the old communal crus. High-end Muscadets are showcased alongside wines from other French regions in a space dedicated to tasting and direct sales.

The Wine Competition and the Pipette d'Or

Created in 1951, the Pipette d'Or is the most prestigious trophy awarded at the fair. The Vallet wine competition is the most important in Loire-Atlantique: around 200 professional tasters evaluate the wines in eleven distinct competitions. The winners also receive the Clémence-Lefeuvre prize, named after the famous female winemaker from Vallet. An auction of vintage Muscadets completes this oenological program.

The Trade Fair

Under the marquees of the Parc du Champilambart, the trade fair brings together professionals from the housing, personal services, landscaping, car dealerships, and agricultural and wine equipment sectors. More than 200 exhibitors liven up the aisles of the fair, making this event the major economic gathering in the south of the Loire.

Events and Conviviality

Each edition revolves around an original animation theme that permeates the entire event. Shows, artistic parades, and concerts punctuate the two days open to the public. The funfair offers an activity area dedicated to children and young people, while the guinguette, open to the general public, allows for dining in a cabaret atmosphere. A gastronomic meal, by reservation, traditionally marks the opening of the fair on Friday evening.

A Fashion Show and Themed Events

A fashion show is organized on Sunday afternoon, highlighting local designers. The themed events, which vary each year, add a cultural and festive touch: traditional music and dances, art crafts, and skill demonstrations complete the program.

ExpoVall': The Organizing Association

The Foire du Vignoble Nantais is organized by ExpoVall', an association from Vallet that has been perpetuating the tradition of this popular event for over seven decades. ExpoVall' mobilizes the entire Nantais wine industry, local economic actors, and numerous volunteers to make each edition a success. Admission is free, which contributes to the accessibility and popularity of the event.