Reuilly Wine and Gastronomy Festival

Reuilly: an exceptional vineyard in the heart of Berry

The Reuilly vineyard is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Berry. Located in the Arnon valley, on the border of the Indre and Cher departments, it has benefited from an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 1937 for its white wines and since 1961 for its rosé and red wines. Reuilly white wines, made from the Sauvignon grape variety, are distinguished by their freshness, minerality, and aromas of citrus and white flowers. The rosés, made from Pinot Gris, are among the most renowned in the Loire Valley with their characteristic salmon hue.

A festive tradition since 1953

In 1953, the winegrowers of Reuilly, the Festival Committee, and local elected officials decided to create the village's first wine fair, in order to promote the Reuilly wine region and bring the community together around a festive and friendly event. For over seventy years, this tradition has been carried on every Easter weekend, with a festival that has evolved while retaining its popular spirit and its roots in the Berry terroir.

The parade: a colorful spectacle

The grand parade is the highlight of the Reuilly Wine Festival. On Easter Sunday and Monday, a procession of decorated floats, designed by local associations and residents, winds through the village streets in a joyful and colorful atmosphere. The floats compete in inventiveness and creativity around a theme chosen each year. Musical groups, brass bands, and dancers accompany the procession, transforming Reuilly into a true spring carnival.

The Maîtrise des Échansons de Reuilly-en-Berry

Founded in 1962, the Maîtrise des Échansons de Reuilly-en-Berry is the village's famous wine brotherhood, dedicated to promoting the vineyard and its AOC. The term "échanson" traditionally refers to the person who pours drinks—a function considered one of the noblest at the French Royal Court. During the Wine Festival, the brotherhood performs solemn inductions of new members and actively participates in the parade, dressed in its ceremonial attire. This ceremony is a moment of solemnity and conviviality, perpetuating the centuries-old tradition of French wine brotherhoods.

Tastings and local gastronomy

Reuilly winegrowers open their cellars and estates for tastings of AOC Reuilly wines: dry and aromatic whites, delicate rosés, and fruity reds made from Pinot Noir. A gastronomic market offers the best specialties of the Berry region: goat cheeses (Valençay, Pouligny-Saint-Pierre), cured meats, honey, green lentils from Berry, and other local delicacies. Meals are also served under a marquee, combining local cuisine and Reuilly wines in a festive atmosphere.