Les Vinées Tonnerroises

Les Vinées Tonnerroises: Thirty Years of Wine Passion in Tonnerre

Founded on April 25, 1992, on the initiative of the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB) and a few passionate winemakers from Tonnerre, Les Vinées Tonnerroises was born with a clear objective: to support and celebrate the viticultural revival of the Tonnerrois region, which was undergoing a renaissance after decades of abandonment. Initially named "Salon des vins de l'Yonne" (Yonne Wine Fair), the event quickly found its identity and ideal setting by moving, as early as 1994, into the sublime walls of the Hôtel-Dieu Notre-Dame des Fontenilles in Tonnerre.

Since then, each edition – traditionally organized during the Easter weekend – has made this former almshouse one of the most beautiful wine settings in France. The fair now welcomes over 3,000 visitors per edition, confirming its place as an essential event for the Yonne wine region.

The Hôtel-Dieu Notre-Dame des Fontenilles: A Medieval Gem Dedicated to Wine

Built in 1293 at the initiative of Marguerite de Bourgogne, Countess of Tonnerre, the Hôtel-Dieu Notre-Dame des Fontenilles is the longest medieval hospital in Europe. This visionary founder had herself donated vineyards to the establishment to support her caregivers – a tradition that continues to this day, as the Centre Hospitalier du Tonnerrois still owns the Hospices' wine estate.

The grand Gothic nave, the period furniture, the reliquary of Marguerite de Bourgogne, and the listed interior decorations make it an exceptional monument. During Les Vinées Tonnerroises, this place steeped in history becomes the setting for a celebration of wine and terroir where past and present blend with elegance. Tonnerre is also located on the Way of St. James and only two hours from Paris via the A6 motorway, further enhancing the site's appeal.

Wines of Tonnerrois: Three Appellations to Discover

The Tonnerrois vineyard covers approximately 240 hectares and is structured around three flagship appellations, all part of the Burgundian hierarchy:

• Bourgogne Tonnerre: A white wine exclusively from Chardonnay, with floral and fruity aromas, fresh and mineral, perfect for pairing with river fish and Yonne cheeses. The appellation celebrates its 20th anniversary at the 2026 edition.
• Bourgogne Épineuil: Fruity red and rosé wines from Pinot Noir, which experienced a true renaissance after nearly disappearing in the 1960s. Light, aromatic, and easy to drink.
• Crémant de Bourgogne: A sparkling wine with fine bubbles, made using the traditional method, ideal for festive occasions.

Alongside the winemakers from Tonnerre, producers from Chablis, Irancy, Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, and the entire Burgundy region join the fair, bringing the number of represented appellations to over thirty-six. It is one of the most comprehensive wine festivals in the region in terms of terroir diversity.

A Rich Two-Day Program

Tastings and Meetings with Winemakers

At the heart of the event, free tastings with around thirty winemakers are the main reason for Les Vinées. Entry (€2) grants access to the site, and purchasing the official silkscreened glass (€6 online, €8 on-site) allows free movement from stand to stand, asking producers questions, and filling your tasting notebook. The 13 local producers – Yonne cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, honey, jams, spirits – and the 9 artisan creators pleasantly complement the visit.

The Oenological Hike

A true highlight of the weekend, the 5 km oenological hike takes participants through the vineyards of Tonnerrois with tasting stops along the way. Organized on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., it allows participants to explore the appellation's terroirs in their natural context. Price: €15. Please wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.

Charity Auction of the Hospices de Tonnerre Wines

Inspired by the model of the famous Hospices de Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges, the charity auction of the Hospices de Tonnerre wines has become one of the most anticipated moments of the event. During the 2026 edition, the second auction will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the Courtanvaux room of the Hôtel-Dieu. The wines, donated by winemakers from Burgundy and Champagne, are auctioned both in person (mandatory registration: [email protected]) and online via the Interenchères and Drouot platforms. All proceeds are donated to the restoration of the Hôtel-Dieu.

Activities and Guided Tours

Les Vinées Tonnerroises also offers a program of family and cultural activities:

• Guided tour "Legends of Tonnerre and Fosse Dionne" departing from the fair (Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m.) — €5. The mysterious Fosse Dionne, a blue water spring whose depths have never been fully mapped, is one of the most unique sites in the Yonne.
• Live cooperage demonstrations to understand the making of oak barrels.
• Tasting workshops to introduce the senses to the aromas and flavors of Burgundy wines.
• Family activities: carriage rides, street performances, folk music throughout the weekend.
• Photo exhibition on the vineyards and people of Tonnerrois.

Chevalier d'Éon and the Wines of Tonnerre

The 2026 edition pays tribute to an exceptional figure from Tonnerre: Chevalier d'Éon (1728-1810), a diplomat, spy for Louis XV, and a personality with a unique gender identity that still fascinates historians. Born in Tonnerre, Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-André-Timothée d'Éon de Beaumont owned vineyards in the local area and used Tonnerre wines as diplomatic gifts at the French court and in London. A tribute is paid to this unexpected ambassador of Tonnerrois, with dedicated exhibitions and activities.

A Commitment to Terroir and History

What makes Les Vinées Tonnerroises unique compared to other Burgundian wine fairs is its deep heritage anchoring. Hosting a wine fair in a 13th-century medieval hospital, whose vineyards were donated by a countess to feed the sick, is a striking mise en abyme between the art of healing and the art of living. Every glass raised in the grand nave of the Hôtel-Dieu echoes seven centuries of wine and human history.