La Paulée San Francisco 2025
La Paulée is one of Burgundy’s most cherished traditions—a post-harvest celebration that unites vignerons and wine lovers in a spirited expression of generosity, camaraderie, and exceptional wines. While this convivial gathering was once common across France, today it is most famously associated with the legendary La Paulée de Meursault, where growers and collectors come together to share bottles, stories, and the fruits of their labor.
Inspired by this Burgundian tradition, sommelier Daniel Johnnes and his team at Pressoir—also the minds behind La Fête du Champagne and La Tablée—have brought the magic of La Paulée to the United States. What began in 2000 as an intimate homage to Meursault’s festivities has since grown into an internationally recognized event, rotating between New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Each edition draws an extraordinary assembly of winemakers, collectors, and sommeliers for a multi-day celebration of Burgundy’s finest.
In 2025, La Paulée San Francisco unfolded from February 27th to March 1st, offering an unparalleled lineup of tastings, masterclasses, and exclusive dinners. The event culminated in the Gala Dinner, a spectacular evening where rare bottles were poured, toasts were raised, and Burgundy’s enduring spirit of generosity took center stage.
Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé Musigny Lunch on February 27th
Guests embarked on an exclusive vertical tasting of eight vintages of Musigny Vieilles Vignes, culminating in the legendary 1985. Hosted by Jean-Luc Pépin, the lunch began with a rare Musigny Blanc Grand Cru 2017 before transitioning into an extraordinary lineup. Chef Michael Tusk curated a menu to complement these exceptional wines.
Rising Stars of the Côte de Beaune Dinner on February 27th
That evening, The Morris welcomed two of Burgundy’s brightest young winemakers, Pierre-Henri Rougeot and David Croix, for an intimate dinner exploring the terroirs of the Côte de Beaune. Rougeot’s Meursault Sous la Velle was presented both with and without sulfur, alongside a vertical of Meursault Charmes, while Croix showcased brilliant reds, including Beaune Premier Cru Pertuisots and selections from Corton. Chef Gavin Schmidt created a thoughtful menu to match these elegant wines.
The Legends Dinner on February 28th
One of the most prestigious events of the weekend, The Legends Dinner, took place at the two-Michelin-starred Saison, where Jean-Marc Roulot and Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac presented rare verticals of their revered wines. Saison’s open-hearth cuisine provided an unforgettable stage for these masterful wines.
A Natural Approach to Chablis with Athénaïs de Béru on March 1st
In a rare seminar at The Conservatory at One Sansome, winemaker Athénaïs de Béru led guests through a biodynamic exploration of her Clos Béru monopole wines, featuring vintages 2017, 2013, 2010, and 2007. Her low-intervention philosophy and dedication to Chablis' terroir shone through in this exceptional tasting.
The Grand Tasting and the Ultimate Gala Dinner on March 1st
The weekend’s grand finale took place at The Conservatory at One Sansome, where the 2022 vintage from Burgundy’s top domaines was unveiled in a walk-around Grand Tasting.
Later that evening, the San Francisco Gala Dinner brought together culinary luminaries Daniel Boulud (DANIEL), Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski (The Progress, State Bird Provisions), Michael Tusk (Quince), and the team from the late Charles Phan’s Slanted Door. In true La Paulée tradition, guests were encouraged to bring treasured bottles from their cellars, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled generosity and conviviality. Rare and aged Burgundy wines flowed freely alongside fine Champagnes.
A Milestone Year: La Paulée’s 25th Anniversary
In 2025, La Paulée celebrated 25 years with events spanning three iconic locations: San Francisco, Blackberry Farm (Walland, TN), and New York City. The world’s finest Burgundy domaines joined forces with Michelin-starred chefs and top sommeliers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
La Paulée is more than an event—it is a cultural bridge between Burgundy and the U.S. wine market. A heartfelt thank you to Daniel Johnnes, the La Paulée team, the dedicated winemakers, sommeliers, chefs, and wine enthusiasts who made this year’s celebration truly unforgettable. Until next time—Santé!
