Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu
The historic Beaujolais Nouveau festival in the capital of Beaujolais
About Les Sarmentelles
Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu: Global Cradle of Beaujolais Nouveau
Every year, on the eve of the third Thursday of November, the wine world holds its breath: it is in Beaujeu, the historic capital of Beaujolais, that the signal is given for the sale of Beaujolais Nouveau. And it is Les Sarmentelles that have orchestrated this moment of popular celebration for over thirty-five years, making this small town in the Rhône the epicenter of a celebration that resonates far beyond French borders.
Five Days of Celebration in the Heart of the Vineyards
Les Sarmentelles is not just an evening of tasting: it is a true five-day festival that takes over the streets, squares, and cellars of Beaujeu. From Wednesday to Sunday, the program includes tastings of the 12 Beaujolais appellations (including Beaujolais Blanc and Rosé), local producer markets, artisan fairs, exhibitions, children's shows, evening concerts, gala dinners, and heritage tours.
The Midnight Ritual
The most anticipated moment is undoubtedly the "mise en perce" (tapping of the first barrel) at midnight on Wednesday night. At the exact hour when the sale of Beaujolais Nouveau is legally authorized, the first barrel is opened in an electric atmosphere, to the cheers of thousands of revelers. Bands accompany the tasting of the first glass, marking the official start of the Beaujolais Nouveau season worldwide.
An Event Driven by Volunteer Passion
Les Sarmentelles is the work of nearly 300 passionate volunteers, grouped within the association Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu. Winegrowers, merchants, residents, and friends of Beaujolais mobilize each year to offer a warm welcome to visitors from all over France and abroad. This human and friendly dimension is the event's hallmark.
A Showcase for the Beaujolais Terroir
Beyond the celebration, Les Sarmentelles plays an essential role in promoting the Beaujolais vineyards and its gastronomic heritage. The tasting trail allows visitors to discover the diversity of crus and terroirs, while the markets and fairs highlight local producers. The inductions into the brotherhood of the Compagnons du Beaujolais add a solemn and picturesque touch to this celebration of the terroir.
With tens of thousands of visitors each year, Les Sarmentelles is the highlight of the Beaujolais wine season and contributes to the international renown of this emblematic vineyard.
Les Sarmentelles — edition 2026
The 38th edition of Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu will take place from November 18 to 22, 2026, in Beaujeu, the historical capital of Beaujolais. Five days of festivities centered around the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau: a tasting tour of the 12 appellations, farmers' markets, exhibitions, concerts (tribute to Johnny Hallyday, Génération Hits 80 evening), festive dinners, and the traditional 'mise en perce' ritual at midnight on the night of Wednesday, November 18, to Thursday, November 19, marking the global launch of the 2026 vintage.
38th edition — November 18 to 22, 2026
Les Sarmentelles return for their 38th edition from Wednesday, November 18, to Sunday, November 22, 2026. Beaujeu will once again welcome thousands of visitors to celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau, whose commercialization is legally authorized on the third Thursday of November (November 19, 2026).
What's new in 2026
The 2026 edition brings several changes announced by the organization: the fireworks display is moved from the hotel park to Place des Sires, tasting stands are repositioned on the sidewalks to improve traffic flow, and the stage changes from an arc configuration to a linear arrangement with a giant screen for better visibility. The musical program features French songs, a tribute to Johnny Hallyday, and a "Génération Hits 80" show.
The 'mise en perce' ritual
A highlight of the festival, the 'mise en perce' takes place at midnight on the night of Wednesday, November 18, to Thursday, November 19, on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. At the exact moment when the commercialization of Beaujolais Nouveau is authorized, the first barrel is opened in an electric atmosphere, accompanied by a sound and light show, fireworks, and a free tasting of the new vintage, followed by a grand ball.
Programme Les Sarmentelles 2026
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- 4:45 PM — Opening ceremony with children (Place de l'Hôtel de Ville)
- 5:00 PM — 9:00 PM — Tasting tour of the 12 Beaujolais appellations (Beaujolais white and rosé included) — 15 €
- 6:00 PM — Inductions by the Compagnons du Beaujolais — 200 €
- 7:00 PM — Prestige Evening (dinner show): Gold package 147 €, Silver 120 €, Bronze 85 €
- 7:30 PM — Gourmet Evening (animated meal) — 52 €
- 7:00 PM — 11:00 PM — Festive Evening (dinner dance) — 47 €
- 11:00 PM — Torchlight procession then, at midnight, 'mise en perce' of Beaujolais Nouveau with sound and light show, fireworks, and grand ball
Thursday, November 19, 2026
- 10:00 AM — 5:00 PM — Gourmet producers' market and guided tours
- 12:00 PM — 2:00 PM — "Midi Beaujo'" meal — 28 €
- 8:00 PM — Beaujolaise Evening with charcuterie boards: entry only 10 € / entry + board 25 €
Friday, November 20, 2026
- 12:00 PM — 2:00 PM — "Midi Vins" bistronomic lunch with tastings — 38 €
- 5:00 PM — Wine Fair opening (until Sunday)
- 8:00 PM — Johnny Hallyday tribute concert — adults 42 €, children 14 €
Saturday, November 21, 2026
- 10:00 AM — 6:00 PM — "Côté Nature" exhibition
- 12:00 PM — Beaujolais lunch — 28 €
- 6:00 PM — Organ concert at the church
- 8:00 PM — "Génération Hits 80" show — adults 42 €, children 14 €
Sunday, November 22, 2026
- 10:00 AM — 6:00 PM — Creative market (artisans)
- 11:00 AM — Mass with blessing of Beaujolais Nouveau, then family meal (adults 20 — 28 €, children 15 €)
Program and times subject to change — details and reservations on the official website sarmentelles.fr.
Highlights Les Sarmentelles 2026
- 'Mise en perce' of Beaujolais Nouveau at midnight (night of November 18 to 19) with fireworks and sound and light show
- Tasting tour of the 12 Beaujolais appellations
- Johnny Hallyday tribute concert (Friday, November 20)
- "Génération Hits 80" show (Saturday, November 21)
- Wine Fair and producers' and artisans' markets
- Inductions by the Compagnons du Beaujolais
Prices Les Sarmentelles 2026
Practical information — Les Sarmentelles
Practical Information
Access
By car: Beaujeu is located 60 km north of Lyon. From the A6, take the Belleville-en-Beaujolais exit, then the D37 towards Beaujeu (20 km). Free parking is available around the town center.
By train: Belleville-sur-Saône station (TER from Lyon Part-Dieu), then shuttle or taxi to Beaujeu.
Prices
Prices vary depending on the activities:
- Tasting trail: 15 EUR
- Themed dinners: 28 to 52 EUR
- Show evenings: 42 EUR (adults), 14 EUR (children)
- Inductions: 200 EUR
Ticketing
Book online at sarmentelles.fr
Contact
Association Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 69430 Beaujeu
Website: sarmentelles.fr
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Where does it take place — Les Sarmentelles
Centre-ville de Beaujeu
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 69430 Beaujeu