It's the traditional and famous village wine festival!
On the program: celebration of Saint Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers followed by a joyful procession led by the Bacchic brotherhoods, fifes and drummers, the Tarascon revival band, horse-drawn carriages and costumed villagers...
Has this short walk whetted your appetite? The village producers invite you to taste their wines and other local culinary specialties in the village square!
Who is Saint Vincent?
Saint Vincent is the patron saint of winemakers. The Feast of Saint Vincent is an important date for all winemakers, who celebrate it every January 22nd. The Feast of Saint Vincent has been held annually in Jonquières-Saint-Vincent, in the Gard department, since 1989. It celebrates the traditions, customs, and world of winemaking. The village is a wine-growing community with about fifteen local producers.
Why is Saint Vincent the patron saint of winegrowers Several legends circulate. Some say that its name gives it meaning: “Vin” (wine) for the vines, “cent” (hundred) for the blood of the earth and its generosity. Others recall that January 22nd once marked the beginning of pruning, an essential step to ensure a good harvest.
Saint Vincent's Day Festival Program
The Saint Vincent procession
Rain or shine, the Friends of Saint Vincent climb to the Peïre Fioc Cross after mass. They carry the bust of the saint, singing the Coupo Santo… and raising a glass!
Brotherhoods
The procession always brings together numerous brotherhoods. Among them are the Mange Tripes d'Alès, the Consuls de Manduel, the Chevaliers de l'Olivier, the Consuls de Beaucaire and de la Terre d'Argence… Guardians of the land and traditions!
The Knights of the Order of the Drink of the Strict Observance of the Costières de Nîmes
Each year, new knights are inducted into the Order of the Drink of the Strict Observance of the Costières de Nîmes. This tradition keeps alive the history and know-how of the Gard vineyards.
But beyond the rituals, it's above all a wonderful, convivial day. Wine flows freely around a festive banquet. Winemakers and wine lovers come together to share their passion and raise a toast to a new year of work and hope for the vineyard.
At the end of the procession, several personalities become knights of the Order of the Drink of the Strict Observance of the Costières de Nîmes.
Saint Vincent, well-watered protector!
Saint Vincent's Day is first and foremost a convivial gathering . In many wine-growing regions, it gives rise to processions, masses, tastings, and festive banquets . In Jonquières-Saint-Vincent in the Gard department, the various brotherhoods, in their ceremonial robes, honor their saint, proudly displaying the colors of their appellations. Mass is celebrated with meticulous care, and the bust of Saint Vincent is reverently carried to the Peir Fioc cross on the hills above the village.
If you love wine and its traditions, attending the Saint-Vincent festival is a unique experience! It's an opportunity to meet winemakers, discover unique vintages, and delve into the soul of the terroirs. Each region has its own way of celebrating its saint, but everywhere, the watchwords remain the same: passion and conviviality.
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