La Paulée Celebrates 25 Years Of Burgundy Wine In San Francisco 2025

Forbes

01-04-2025

(San Francisco, CA) Athénaïs Béru, Owner/Winemaker - Château de Béru is "camera" ready for La Paulée
Michel Joly
La Paulée just celebrated 25 amazing years of honoring Burgundy wines in San Francisco this March, and what a celebration it was! This iconic event brought together wine lovers, sommeliers, and collectors for an unforgettable tribute to some of the finest Burgundy vintages.
The spirit of Burgundy came alive as La Paulée returned to San Francisco in style, marking its milestone anniversary with plenty of generosity, community, and, of course, incredible wines. It's the ultimate event for wine enthusiasts—a chance to rub shoulders with renowned winemakers, top chefs, and passionate wine fans. From grand tastings to multi-course dinners and expert-led seminars, every experience was designed to showcase the magic and diversity of Burgundy wines.
Founded in 2000 by Daniel Johnnes, La Paulée takes inspiration from Burgundy's traditional post-harvest festival, La Paulée de Meursault. This centuries-old French tradition celebrates camaraderie and a shared love of wine, and La Paulée has brought that same spirit to a modern, global audience.
La Paulée celebrates 25 years with a stop in San Francisco at The Conservatory at One Sansome
Michel Joly
This year's 25th-anniversary event was something special. It wasn't just about the wines (though they were spectacular); it was about celebrating the people, stories, and traditions that make Burgundy such a cornerstone of wine culture.
La Paulée de Meursault, the festival's original muse, dates back to 1923 and is firmly established as one of Burgundy's most cherished wine traditions. It brings together winemakers and wine enthusiasts to celebrate the completion of the harvest, creating an atmosphere of warmth, gratitude, and shared joy.
When Daniel Johnnes began La Paulée in the U.S., his vision was clear—to capture the generosity and community spirit of the original and weave it into a series of luxuriously festive events. Over the past 25 years, La Paulée has grown into an internationally acclaimed celebration of Burgundy's rich wine culture.
"It was such a thrill to return to San Francisco in celebration of La Paulée's 25th anniversary. The enthusiasm for Burgundy was palpable all weekend. Thank you, San Francisco, for coming out for a convivial celebration!"
The 2025 La Paulée events spanned three cities across the U.S., with San Francisco shining as a standout destination. The week-long celebration of world-class experiences reached its pinnacle at the Gala Dinner, hosted in the stunning Conservatory at One Sansome Street. This unforgettable evening showcased culinary excellence with acclaimed chefs Michael Tusk and Charles Phan, complemented by the expertise of sommeliers Loris Anne Jones-Randolph and Elizabeth Harcourt.
The Gala Dinner brought together food, wine, and fellowship in a breathtaking display of culinary artistry and Burgundy's legendary winemaking tradition. Attendees mingled with producers, shared wines from their personal collections, and reveled in a dining experience that fully embraced Burgundy's convivial spirit.
(San Francisco, CA) Elizabeth Harcourt was one many sommeliers pouring large format wine bottles
Michel Joly
Caught up in the vibe, I grabbed the unopened 2015 Clos Béru Chablis in front of me and tapped the woman two seats over on the shoulder. 'Mind showing me the proper way to open this bottle?' I asked with a grin. Before she could respond, the guy across from me froze mid-conversation, his eyes wide. 'Do you even know who that is?' he whispered, clearly horrified.
I glanced at him, then back at her, and smirked. 'Of course I do. I may be two glasses in, but I know exactly who she is—Athénaïs Béru, Owner/Winemaker of Château de Béru and the genius behind one of my favorite Chablis.'
The whole section erupted in laughter as Athénaïs stood up, her amused smile matching mine. We hugged, and naturally, I poured us both a glass of her wine. Because what's better than sharing a bottle with the winemaker herself?
(San Francisco, CA) The pouring techniques get creative as the night goes on at La Paulée
Michel Joly
1. Exclusive Vertical Tastings:
Guests got a rare treat tasting different vintages from some of Burgundy's most iconic producers. These guided tastings were all about diving into the depth, complexity, and evolution of the region's legendary wines.
2. Incredible Dinners with Top Chefs:
The food was next-level, with culinary stars like Tusk and Phan creating stunning menus that felt like pure art. Every dish was perfectly paired with Burgundy wines, making each meal an unforgettable experience.
3. Burgundy's Best Wines:
Burgundy truly stands out as one of the world's top wine regions, and attendees got to experience it all. Producers like Domaine Dujac, Château de Béru, Domaine Anne Gros, and Champagne Salon brought their finest wines, sharing their craft and passion for a once-in-a-lifetime tasting experience.
4. A Sense of Community and Generosity:
One of the coolest aspects of La Paulée is how everyone brings wines from their personal collections to share alongside the winemakers' contributions. This spirit of generosity and a shared love for great wine created a warm, celebratory vibe that you just don't find at other festivals.
La Paulée isn't just a wine festival—it's the heart and soul of Burgundy brought to life. It's a way to connect two continents and bring together people who love the art of winemaking and the joy of sharing it. Every event is rich in tradition but always has something fresh and exciting to offer.
For 25 years, La Paulée has been celebrating Burgundy's wine culture here in the U.S., creating an unmatched experience for wine enthusiasts.
Missed La Paulée in San Francisco or New York? No worries—check out its sister event, La Fête du Champagne. The difference? La Fête is all about the bubbles! Learn more about the upcoming fall event here.