🍷 Saint Vincent of Saragossa

Saint Vincent, or Vincent of Saragossa, is a Christian saint of the early 4th century. In France he is regarded as the patron of winemakers and grape growers. His feast is on 22 January.

Vincent was a deacon who died for his faith around 304. Why he became patron of winemakers is explained in different ways. One version links it to the sound of his name, which in French resembles the word for wine (vin). Whether or not that is so, the tradition took hold. His day falls in winter, when vines are being pruned, which is a convenient time for a festival.

In many wine areas, especially Burgundy, festivals in the saint's honour take place in January: processions, masses, wine tastings. Growers form brotherhoods and take turns hosting the feast. For growers, Saint Vincent is part of professional culture, alongside pruning, harvest and work in the vineyard.