Imagine having to wait 20 years to attend a national event… Well, this is what is happening right now in Vevey, Switzerland.
Please let us introduce to you La Fête des Vignerons or FdV or FeVi for the connoisseurs. Although not very often translated into English it is known as the “Winegrowers’ Festival”. As the name holds, la FeVi is an event organized by La Confrérie des Vignerons and held in Vevey (VD) Switzerland by the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). The region boasts a pretty important wine culture since its vineyards in the Lavaux region are included in UNESCO Heritage.
As for la FeVi be aware that itself was also classified as UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage in 2016 — making it the very first Swiss tradition to the list. This once-in-a-generation happening is highly expected nationally and is also recognized internationally given its timing! This year’s edition set July 18th throughout August 11th 2019 is succeeding to its last occurrence that was held in 1999! From the New York Times to the Guardian all ranked it as the “place to go in 2019” or “where to go in 2019”…
This one-month-long event embodies all of the Swiss tradition of winemaking and in general the Helvetian folklore linked to the cultural identity that wine represents. You probably all know about the French wines from Bordeaux but trust us when we say that if you have never tried any — you’re truly missing out on Swiss wines! Many are also highly classified on Parker wine list or the Wine Spectator.
This year’s show held day and night in a ephemeral arena was a true wonder! It beautifully narrates the story of the vineyard. Part of the participants were mere amateurs that took part in the event coupled to a small percentage of professionals. Not all shows are sold out and tickets are ca. in the hundreds Swiss francs and more. Food stalls from various cuisines are settled by the lakeside of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). You ought to yourself to travel to the region in order to stroll within the Festival settings, taste a ballon de vin and/or attend the show in order to discover the Swiss patriotic “Lyoba” chant and many more Swiss cultural traditions. We tried to capture the atmosphere over there. If you would still like access to the best seats for the last days of the event and witness Switzerland’s heritage in all its marvelous beauty — one word — LeCircles.
And if not during this edition — see you in 20 years for the next one!
Nestlé’s Terrace by Lake Léman, Fête des Vignerons(FeVi), Vevey (VD), Switzerland. ©LeCircles
VIP’s Area at Terrace “de la Confrérie des Vignerons”, FeVi, Vevey (VD), Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Fête des Vignerons’ Billboard, FeVi advertisement, Lausanne (VD), Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Main Show’s inception at the Arena, FeVi, Vevey (VD), Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Main Show - the Armaillis “Lyoba Chant” at the Arena, FeVi, Vevey (VD), Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Main Show “Les Cent-Suisses”, FeVi, Vevey (VD), Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Main Show ending acts at the Arena, FeVi, Vevey (VD), Switzerland. ©LeCircles