From 10 to 12 July 2026, the Saint-Joseph AOC will reach a historic milestone and celebrate 70 years of excellence in a completely unpretentious way. No stuffy speeches here, just a 100 per cent unique wine tourism experience: ‘La Belle Étoile’.
70 years of the Saint-Joseph AOC: An evening at La Belle Étoile!
Imagine a banquet set right in the middle of the vineyards, with your feet in the grass and a glass in your hand. What’s on the programme for this spectacular weekend? Intimate encounters with our winegrowers, local gems to sample, fine dining and a magical light show on the hillsides. It’s an unmissable event of summer 2026 in the Northern Rhône Valley.
A success story since 1956: Saint-Joseph is entering a new era!
Since 1956, Saint-Joseph has been delighting the palates of fine wine connoisseurs. Its secret? A distinctive terroir shaped by vertiginous granite slopes that plunge straight into the Rhône.
As for the grape varieties, we’re talking top-class:
- Intense, peppery Syrah to produce vibrant reds.
- A Marsanne–Roussanne blend so aromatic it’s to die for, producing whites of incredible freshness.
To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the winegrowers are breaking with tradition and throwing open the doors to their hilltop paradise. There’s just one motto for this anniversary weekend: sharing, conviviality and unpretentious enjoyment.
La Belle Étoile: A banquet that will delight you
Over three exceptional evenings, the event offers a vibrant, sensory journey into the heart of the vineyard. Get ready to enjoy this four-part experience:
1. The aperitif walk: Get a bird’s-eye view
We’ll start gently with a brisk walk through the legendary vineyards. The perfect opportunity to snap some Instagram-worthy shots of the appellation’s spectacular scenery whilst sipping your first glass of wine in the open air. Pure pleasure, simply put.
2. Dinner amongst the vines
Now for the highlight of the show: an open-air banquet set right amongst the rows of vines. Here, formalities are cast aside. You’ll share your table with the appellation’s winegrowers, who’ll enthusiastically (and with plenty of wit) share the history of their wines and the secrets of their craft.
3. The gourmet menu: When local produce really shines
Local chefs and restaurateurs are getting busy in the kitchen to create a gourmet menu that showcases local produce. Each dish is designed to create perfect food and wine pairings with wines from the Saint-Joseph AOC.
4. The light show: When the hillsides light up
As night falls, take your eyes off your glasses! The granite terraces light up to offer a unique visual spectacle. The play of light redefines the contours of the vineyard beneath the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere with your head in the stars.
Why you absolutely must book your place?
Whether you’re a wine tourism enthusiast, a die-hard foodie or simply looking for a memorable summer treat, this anniversary celebration is for you. A visit to La Belle Étoile means:
- Awaken your senses whilst celebrating the 70th anniversary of a legendary appellation.
- Chatting face-to-face with the inspired winemakers who are driving the vineyard forward.
- Tasting exceptional wines right where they’re made (the ultimate ‘ultra-short’ supply chain!).
- Savouring a gourmet dinner with your feet firmly planted in the terroir.
- Being captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Rhône Valley in a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
See you in the vineyards: Practical information
This is the event everyone will be talking about this summer. Places for this exclusive banquet amongst the vines are limited, so don’t rest on your laurels!
- Dates: Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2026.
- Prices: €80 per person (this price includes the guided walk, the grand gourmet meal and all tastings).
- The venue: In the heart of the magnificent hillsides of the Saint-Joseph AOC, in Mauves (07).
Pro tip: Make sure you book straight away! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate 70 years of expertise and elegance under the starlight. Book your places and come and join us for a grand celebration!