Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu

Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu is an annual festival held in Beaujeu, a commune in the Beaujolais region of France. The festival is closely associated with the release of Beaujolais Nouveau wine and has successfully operated for 30 years. Les Sarmentelles has grown in to a significant occasion run by over 300 volunteers and encompasses five days of wine-related festivities.

The term “Sarmentelles” refers to the vine shoots or branches, and the festival traditionally marks the end of the grape harvest season.  

Usually commencing the day before Beaujolais day (which by French law is always the third Thursday of November) the festival finishes on the Sunday of the same week.

During Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu, the town comes alive with various events and celebrations. Some of the highlights include parades, concerts, street performances, and a ceremonial cutting of the first vines of the season. The festival is a joyful and lively occasion, with locals and visitors alike participating in the festivities.

The festive atmosphere of Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu adds an extra layer of excitement to the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau, turning it into a global celebration of French wine culture. It also provides an opportunity for the local community to showcase their cultural heritage, attracting tourists and wine lovers from different parts of the world.