Saint-Vincent des Vignerons
Patronal festival of the winegrowers of Pouilly-sur-Loire
About Saint-Vincent
The Saint-Vincent des Vignerons is the patronal festival of the winegrowers of Pouilly-sur-Loire, celebrated each year around January 22nd. Organized by the Confrérie des Baillis de Pouilly, this tradition, perpetuated for decades, pays homage to Saint Vincent, patron of winegrowers. After a solemn mass, the Baillis and aspirants gather at the town hall for a gala dinner where Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire wines are honored. The ritual of the "nail ceremony" sees a winegrower plant a dated medal into the wooden statue of the saint.
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A centuries-old wine tradition
Each year, around January 22nd, the winegrowers of Pouilly-sur-Loire celebrate Saint Vincent, their patron saint. This festival, deeply rooted in the wine culture of the Loire Valley, is a moment of communion between the producers of the famous Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire vineyards.
The Confrérie des Baillis de Pouilly
The event is orchestrated by the Confrérie des Baillis de Pouilly, guardian of local wine traditions. Since 1958, a winegrower from Pouilly has been designated each year to mark the arrival of Saint Vincent by welcoming the saint's statue into their cellar for a year. During the nail ceremony, they plant a personalized and dated medal into the wooden statue, perpetuating a unique tradition.
The inductions
Each edition features about twenty inductions during which candidates receive a personalized speech before being admitted into the Confrérie. This solemn and convivial ritual demonstrates the winegrowers' attachment to their heritage and their terroir.
Festival program
The day begins with the Saint Vincent mass at the church of Pouilly-sur-Loire, followed by a procession through the village streets. The Baillis, dressed in their ceremonial robes, parade to the town hall where the Saint Vincent chapter is held.
The gala dinner
The highlight of the celebration is the gala dinner held in the evening. Guests enjoy a gastronomic meal accompanied by the best vintages from the Pouilly vineyards, in a warm atmosphere mixing traditional songs and speeches.
The Pouilly vineyard
The Pouilly-sur-Loire vineyard stretches along the slopes overlooking the Loire River, between Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire and Tracy-sur-Loire. It produces two appellations: Pouilly-Fumé, a Sauvignon Blanc grape variety globally recognized for its gunflint aromas, and Pouilly-sur-Loire, made from Chasselas. Saint Vincent is an occasion to celebrate this exceptional wine heritage.
A unifying event
Beyond its religious and wine-related dimensions, the Saint-Vincent des Vignerons is a moment of sharing and conviviality that brings together winegrowers, elected officials, restaurateurs, and wine lovers around their common passion for the Nivernais terroir.
Saint-Vincent — edition 2026
2026 edition of the Saint-Vincent des Vignerons in Pouilly-sur-Loire. Traditional celebration with mass, Baillis procession, nail ceremony, and gala dinner.
Prices Saint-Vincent 2026
Practical information — Saint-Vincent
Access and transport
Pouilly-sur-Loire is located in the Nièvre region, on the right bank of the Loire River, 30 km north of Nevers and 20 km south of Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire.
- By car: Via the A77 (Pouilly-sur-Loire exit) or the N7/D907. Free parking in the village and around the town hall.
- By train: Cosne-sur-Loire station (Paris-Nevers line, TER Bourgogne-Franche-Comté), then a 20-minute drive or taxi.
- By bus: Bus lines from the Nièvre et Loire network from Nevers and Cosne-sur-Loire.
Celebration venue
The festivities take place at the church of Pouilly-sur-Loire for the Saint Vincent mass, then at the town hall of Pouilly-sur-Loire for the Baillis chapter and the gala dinner. The procession goes through the village streets, offering a colorful spectacle with the ceremonial robes of the Baillis.
Date and times
Saint Vincent is celebrated around January 22nd each year, the liturgical feast day of Saint Vincent. The mass takes place in the morning, followed by the procession and the chapter. The gala dinner is held in the evening from 7:30 PM.
Prices and reservations
The mass and procession are free and open to all. The gala dinner is reserved for members of the Confrérie, invited guests, and attendees who have made a prior reservation with the Confrérie des Baillis de Pouilly. Limited places, reservation required.
Accommodation
Pouilly-sur-Loire and its surroundings offer numerous accommodation options: hotels, bed and breakfasts, and rural gites within a 15 km radius. It is highly recommended to book in advance during the Saint-Vincent period as accommodation capacity is limited.
Dining
Restaurants in Pouilly-sur-Loire offer gastronomic cuisine accompanied by local wines (Pouilly-Fumé, Pouilly-sur-Loire). Several tasting cellars are open year-round and offer refined food and wine pairings.
To discover nearby
Take advantage of your visit to explore the tasting cellars of Pouilly-Fumé winegrowers, the Tour du Pouilly-Fumé (wine interpretation center), the banks of the Loire River and its UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. The Sancerre vineyard is accessible 15 minutes away on the other side of the river.
Contact and information
Tourist Office Destination Sancerre Pouilly Giennois
Website: sancerre-pouilly-giennois.com
Pouilly-sur-Loire site: pouilly-sur-loire.com
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Saint-Vincent
Église et Mairie de Pouilly-sur-Loire
Mairie de Pouilly-sur-Loire, 58150 Pouilly-sur-Loire