Burgundy, A Spring FeastTerroir, Memory, and Sharing—The 36th Paulée de Printemps

In the heart of the Côte-d'Or in the Burgundy region lies Meursault, a village where, with the arrival of spring, the vines awaken, and the community’s culture comes vibrantly to life. This historic village is renowned not only as a globally acclaimed source of Chardonnay, but also for its timeless architecture, artisanal winemaking craftsmanship, and a palpable warmth that draws people in from all over.

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On March 15, 2025, Meursault hosted the 36th edition of the Paulée de Printemps. GEN DE ART was on the ground to observe how this emblematic Burgundian tradition continues to evolve—anchored in community collaboration, culinary excellence, and cultural transmission. As part of our coverage, we spoke with Mayor Denis Thomas and two of the key organizers: winemakers Vincent Bouzereau and Philippe Ballot.

From Humble Harvest Feast to a Village’s Pride

The word Paulée comes from poêlée—a dish cooked in a frying pan, often involving meat or fish. Historically, it referred to the meal that winemakers offered to their workers after the grape harvest—a moment of gratitude and shared joy among those who toiled side by side.

The transformation of this gathering into a cultural tradition began in 1923, when Jules Lafon, then mayor of Meursault and a respected winemaker, hosted a private banquet for 35 friends. What started as a small celebration soon gained momentum, driven by local enthusiasm, and eventually became one of the village’s key annual events.

In 1986, the spring edition of the Paulée was established to mark a seasonal milestone in the winemaking calendar. The Paulée de Printemps now stands alongside its autumn counterpart as a seasonal rite deeply embedded in village life. “The Paulée is our cultural laboratory,” Mayor Thomas explains. “It honors tradition, while opening itself up to local expressions and new ideas.”Today, the event has come to symbolize the spirit of Meursault itself.

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A Spring Celebration that Shines as One of Burgundy’s Great Traditions

Meursault’s Paulée de Printemps is also one of the Trois Glorieuses—the “Three Glories” of Burgundy. These are three major events that represent the cultural heart and pride of the region:

• The banquet at Clos de Vougeot

• The charity wine auction at the Hospices de Beaune

• And Meursault’s own Paulée de Printemps

Among these, the spring Paulée is a particularly beloved occasion, drawing people from near and far to this small village each year. This time-honored tradition, however, took a slightly different form in 2025.As the Château de Meursault—its usual venue—was under renovation, the event was moved to the Hubert Rougeot Gymnasium. Yet this shift did nothing to diminish the energy of the celebration. On the contrary, it became a striking showcase of local unity and creativity. In just three days, local winemakers transformed the space into a warm and inviting reception hall.

The banquet was curated by Michelin two-star chef Patrick Henriroux. This year’s award went to Christophe Quéant, chef of the acclaimed restaurant Le Carmin in Beaune. “In Burgundy,” he said, “any innovation must take root in the land and culture.” His words were steeped in the time and pride passed down through this soil.

The meal was created by Maison Huez. For instance, a tender scallop dish served with beetroot evoked the gentleness of spring’s arrival. This was followed by a gingerbread spiced with Sichuan pepper and a cheese selection featuring the famously bold Époisses. The dessert was crafted by pastry champion Marie Simon, winner of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie. Her dish—a bright, blood-orange creation—offered a dazzling, refreshing close to the feast.

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Local ingredients and the ingenuity of artisans came together to create a dinner that felt like a fleeting work of poetry. On this night, international critics, culinary journalists, and local dignitaries gathered under one roof, united in a spirit of wholehearted sharing.

Wine in Motion, People in Connection—The Spirit and Philosophy of the Paulée

At the heart of the Paulée de Printemps lies its unique rhythm—the way wine moves from table to table.Magnums and Jeroboams pass effortlessly from one group to the next, passed hand to hand without formality.People rise to toast, laughter bursts across the room, and conversations intertwine. Over and over, the traditional La Ban Bourguignonne rings out, turning the space into a spontaneous theatre of celebration.

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“The Paulée is a ritual of gratitude. Passing it down is proof of who we are,” says Vincent Bouzereau, one of the event’s main organizers.His son Louis continues,“To ‘convey’ something is to translate the land with fidelity. Just as we do that through our wines, we do the same through this event.”

Mayor Thomas also spoke about another aspect of the Paulée:“The Paulée is a kind of cultural diplomacy. Meursault is known for the quality of its tourism. This autumn, we will travel to Japan to share our village with the world.”

One Bottle, A Bridge to the World

"How gentle the world becomes when wine is poured into the soul."

This line was printed on the menu’s cover this year. The Paulée de Printemps is far more than a festive gathering. It embodies the soul of Burgundy itself. Through it, the village of Meursault speaks—to its land, to the dignity of good work, to the art of hospitality.

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In November 2025, during the wine auction at the Hospices de Beaune, the Paulée d’Automne will once again be held. GEN DE ART will be there too, to continue documenting this living story of terroir and sharing.