2019 is an exceptional year for the Jurade de Saint-Emilion. It is celebrating both its 820th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the inscription of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion on the World Heritage List. A double anniversary that will be celebrated on Sunday, May 12, during the gala dinner to open Vinexpo Bordeaux, signed by chef Hélène Darroze.
The Jurade de Saint-Emilion is the oldest wine brotherhood in the world. Since its creation in 1199 and its rebirth in 1948, it has celebrated the greatness of Saint-Emilion wines and the highlights of the vine and wine. Today, it brings together more than 130 Jurats and 3,000 inductees and contributes to the influence of Saint-Emilion wines within a community bound by the values of sharing and solidarity.
Thanks to its 10 chancelleries around the world, it organizes numerous actions, tastings and dinners to promote the wines of Saint-Emilion. In France, it organizes two main chapters: the Spring Festival on the 3rd Sunday in June and the Ban des Vendanges (Harvest Proclamation) on the 3rd Sunday in September.
In the years when Vinexpo Bordeaux is held, it gives a gala dinner to open the show.
A gala dinner in Château Soutard, Saint-Emilion
On May 12, 750 guests will join the Jurade in the magnificent grounds of Château Soutard, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé. Some forty personalities will be inducted near the Château’s cellars, including Nicolas Florian, Mayor of Bordeaux, who succeeded Alain Juppé, and Sir Clive Woodward, former player and coach of the English rugby team. Guests will then be able to enjoy a cocktail in the courtyard of the Château before heading to the dinner tent, set up in the gardens.
Nine wines will be served to accompany the delicious dishes created by Hélène Darroze, chef owner of the eponymous restaurant in Paris “Hélène Darroze – Paris”, awarded a star in the Michelin Guide and chef/director of the gourmet restaurant “Hélène Darroze at the Connaught” in the Hotel Connaught in London, awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide, in collaboration with Jean-Guy Humblot’s teams.
This evening is an important part of a major year of celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the inscription of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion on the World Heritage List.
La Jurade in the spotlight for the 20th anniversary of Saint-Emilion’s inscription in UNESCO
On June 28, 29 and 30, three exceptional days of celebration will be organized throughout the Jurisdiction to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its inscription on the World Heritage List as a Cultural Landscape.
Saint-Emilion Fête le Vin, Saint-Emilion Jazz Festival in the Moats of the Palais Cardinal and 25 concerts throughout the Jurisdiction, inaugural banquet by the river, reading tables spread over the 8 unlisted communes to discover exceptional points of view, exhibitions, children’s workshops, conferences, musical activities… everything is planned to make these 3 days an unforgettable experience!
At the time of Jean Sans Terre (12th century), the Jurade marked the barrels of Saint-Emilion wines with its seal after tasting. Every evening at 7pm, the Jurade will revive the tradition. In the city, troupes of actors will perform scenes to call on visitors to follow the ascent of the barrels pulled by a team of oxen from Place Bouqueyre, along rue Guadet. The procession of Jurats will be led by musicians, fire-eaters and actors until the final moment when the fire mark will be affixed by a blacksmith.
The Jurade de Saint-Emilion will have an important place in the event.
To close these three exceptional days in style, the Jurats in procession will parade with torches from the Maison Guadet to the Tour du Roy. All eyes will then be turned to the sky to contemplate a magnificent closing firework display.
More information on https://vins-saint-emilion.com/en/events/20-years-3-days-of-events/
