Concours des Grands Vins de France
Thanks to a group of local winegrowers and négociants, the Concours des Grands Vins de France was born in the heart of Burgundy in 1954 and is now one of the oldest and most prestigious wine competitions in France. What began as an initiative to give visibility to vineyard work and promote the quality of French wines has evolved into a major national event, bringing together thousands of wine labels from every corner of the country each year.
A wine fair that tells the story of France
Alongside the competition, the Salon des Vins de Mâcon has become an unmissable event for wine lovers and professionals. The 2024 edition welcomed more than 70 exhibitors representing the most essential French appellations. From Bordeaux crus to aromatic Alsatian whites, from the structured reds of the Rhône Valley to wines from Corsica and the South-West, the whole wine map of France is laid out among the stands, offering visitors a true sensory tour of the nation.
But the fair isn’t just about wine. Spirits and fortified wines also take the spotlight, with Cognac, Armagnac, Floc de Gascogne, and Pineau des Charentes tastings. An entire section is dedicated to regional gastronomy, with about twenty stands offering traditional products. Visitors can sample pognes, ravioles, artisanal charcuterie, and fine cheeses—perfect for exploring food and wine pairings or enjoying a gourmet break between tastings.
A competition with an International reach
Behind the scenes of the competition is a highly professional organization led by the Comité des Salons et Concours de Mâcon. Every year, more than 20 nationalities are represented among the judges, including experts from the United States, China, Ukraine, Belgium, Switzerland, and beyond. These tasters are tasked with evaluating thousands of samples with precision and professionalism.
Over time, the competition has continued to evolve, maintaining its prestige thanks to a meticulous set of rules approved by the French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF). It’s an accurate benchmark in the French wine competition landscape, even earning a place in the Guinness World Records in 1989 for hosting the most extensive wine tasting ever held, with over 10,500 samples.
The value of recongnition
The medals awarded by the Concours de Mâcon are far more than decorative: they are symbols of excellence that follow the wine to the shelf, marked by an official seal on each awarded bottle. Nearly 30 million bottles a year proudly carry this mark, becoming ambassadors of the competition and the city of Mâcon worldwide. Furthermore, the competition’s president is also the driving force behind the Association des Concours de France, which brings together the country’s most prestigious wine competitions. The aim is to harmonize practices and ensure ever-higher standards in wine judging.
An experience for everyone
Beyond the competitive side, the salon is designed to welcome a broad and diverse audience united by a passion for wine and the desire to explore new labels. The atmosphere is festive and warm, a celebration of taste where producers and consumers meet, exchange stories, and share glasses. As president of the organizing committee, Bernard Rey says: “The Salon des Vins is above all a place of warm and convivial encounters, where you can discover and taste wines from all over France and build a quality wine cellar at accessible prices.”
Key figures
- 1954: Creation of the competition
- 1964: 450 samples submitted; 1,200 by 1970; nearly 4,000 by 1975
- 1989: Entry into the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s largest tasting: 10,520 samples
- 2010: A record year with 11,048 samples, a clear sign of industry recognition
- 2019: Competition opens to French IGP wines
- 2023: Competition opens to fortified wines
Masterclasses and tastings
Fabrice Sommier, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in sommellerie, and Claire Monnier, WSET 2 certified, will host a series of thematic Masterclasses covering regional discoveries, food and wine pairings, and spirit tastings.
They’ll lead eight 30-minute workshops from Friday, April 25, to Sunday, April 27, free of charge and held in the event space at stand No. 9. Spots are limited—make sure to register! Click here
Masterclass program
Friday, April 25
White Wine Tasting: Sparkling Wines from Champagne and Beyond — 3:00 to 3:30 PM
Tea Served Like Wine: Grands Jardins Teas, led by Fabrice Sommier — 5:00 to 5:30 PM
Food & Beer Pairings: Smoked Charcuterie and Carnacus Beers with Fabrice Sommier — 8:00 to 8:30 PM
Saturday, April 26
Red Wine Tasting Along the Loire — 2:00 to 2:30 PM
Food & Wine Pairings: Truffle and Friends (Corsica, Bordeaux…), led by Claire Monnier — 7:00 to 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 27
White Wine Tasting: Chardonnay at the Heart of Mâcon — 12:00 to 12:30 PM
Food & Wine Pairings: Like a French Afternoon Snack with Claire Monnier — 3:00 to 3:30 PM
Practical information
Dates: Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Friday, April 25: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday, April 26: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday, April 27: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Place: Parc des Expositions de Mâcon
198 Avenue Pierre Bérégovoy – 71000 MÂCON