Some of you may be aware of the tradional La Paulee which is a celebration of the end of vintage in Meursault, Burgundy. It’s where history and tradition meet on the streets to provide a memorable day for all involved.
La Paulée began as a humble harvest celebration in Burgundy, where winemakers would come together at the end of vintage to share a meal, their wines, and a well-earned sense of camaraderie. The tradition is rooted in Meursault, with credit often given to winemaker Jules Lafon, who formalised the event in the 1920s. What was once a local growers’ lunch has since evolved into a global celebration of Burgundy, still rustic at heart, but now often dressed in white linen and served with grand cru.
At its core, La Paulée is about generosity. Everyone brings wine,often their best bottles and the goal isn’t to impress, but to share. Bottles are passed freely, stories flow, and strangers become mates over Montrachet and magnums. It’s not a competition; it’s a communion of sorts, for those who live and breathe Burgundy.
These days, versions of La Paulée have popped up in New York, San Francisco, and beyond, keeping the spirit alive with big-name producers, sommeliers, and collectors all coming together in that same festive, egalitarian spirit. Whether it’s a cellar dinner in Beaune or a BYO Burgundy bash in Melbourne, La Paulée is a reminder that great wine is meant to be shared.
And that’s what chat GPT had to add to the origins of La Paulee, I feel it is very close but it really has become a little bit of a showy event. And that can be absolutely fantastic or completely not your cup of tea. It can be stressful and anxiety provoking due to the nature of not knowing if your wine is ‘good enough’ and so on. For me it is more about the people in the room and the chance to talk non stop about wine for 6 hours, forge friendships and strengthen bonds already made.
I’m very fortunate in my journey to have met many wonderful people, winemakers, somm’s and so fourth that it becones my mission to help introduce them to as many people as possible. Help the general wine consumer meet their idol’s, meet the makers of their favourite wines and just share amazing wines. If your thinking about attending next year or in years to come here are some things I would consider.
- It’s just a byo lunch, don’t overthink it.
- Bring what YOU want to share, not what others may suggest or you think they want to try.
- Hydrate from early on, use hydralite and so on to ensure you do not get to drunk too quick.
- It’s a marathon not a sprint, the excitement can overwhelm and the rush to finish and try as many glasses as you can is hard to ignore.
- Walk and talk, take your bottles around the room. Introduce yourself and share your story, you will be surprised how similar your story may be to others.
- Have the best time, take pics and exchange details, a new wine group awaits.
For now the 2025 La Paulee Melbourne edition is done, and for many that was the greatest wine day ever, for me it sure stands out as one I will never forget. The generosity of others is immense and the more I learn and understand the more I want these celebrations to become more frequent. Until next year, drink well.