History
La Paulée de Meursault is a tranditional celebration in Burgundy that marks the highlight of the wine year. It is the grand finale of the harvest season and part of the famous “Les Trois Glorieuses” (The Three Glorious Days), held annually on the third weekend in November in the Côte d’Or. The other two days include the renowned Hospices de Beaune auction and a black tie dinner of the Confrérie de Chevalier de Tastevin at Château Clos de Vougeot.
La Paulée originated in the Middle Ages, when winemakers would celebrate the end of the harvest with a celebratory meal for their workers. In its modern form, the tradition was revived in the early 20th century by winemaker Jules Lafon. Today, La Paulée is a major celebration with 600 participants and a long waiting list. Winemakers, merchants, and wine enthusiasts gather to honor Burgundy wines together. During the event, a multi-course meal is served, and each participant brings fine Burgundy bottles, which are generously shared among the guests. It is a blend of culinary enjoyment and camaraderie, where wine lovers and winemakers alike come together to taste new vintages as well as rare, aged bottles.
La Paulée de Zurich
The concept of La Paulée has now spread internationally, with events like La Paulée in New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Hong Kong organized in the same spirit. When I returned to Zurich after 10 years in Asia, having experienced many memorable Paulées there as well as in Meursault, I knew that Zurich also deserved its own La Paulée. Luck had it that we quickly found a very suitable place Chez Smith, which provides an ideal setting for such an event.
So, take a look at the pictures below, and if you have even a spark of love for Burgundy wines, you will surely join us next year.
Author: Christian Raubach, WSET III, FWS, WSG Champagne Master
November 2023
