MONDAY 23 JUNE 2025,

The organic winegrowers of Anjou gather in the heart of this historic region for their traditional Paulée. This year, Pascaline Lepeltier and Jeannie Cho Lee, the two guests of honour at the 13rd event, will be spreading the word about Anjou throughout the world. More than 100 member estates are inviting professionals from the world of wine to come and celebrate the history of the terroirs of the historic province of Anjou at the heart of the illustrious site that is the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud

THE PAULÉE D'ANJOU AT THE HEART OF UNESCO'S WORLD HERITAGE

A collective adventure that began in 2012, the Paulée d'Anjou today brings together winegrowers from Anjou Noir, Anjou Blanc & Saumur, Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil who want to showcase their rich and inimitable terroirs. Over the years and through the various editions, a common objective has remained: to promote the wines of Anjou through its history, its landscapes, its heritage of ‘beautiful stones’, its gastronomy and its culture, all with a profound respect for the environment. As one of the pioneering regions in responsible winegrowing and in the face of climate change, it is with a sense of purpose that the winegrower partners of the collective are all certified organic, biodynamic or in the process of conversion. With their rich geodiversity, the terroirs of Anjou are in themselves a unique heritage, giving birth to world-renowned wines presented in a convivial atmosphere by the members of the collective at the Paulée d'Anjou. The iconic Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud will be the venue for the 13th Paulée. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 12th-century abbey is a cultural jewel, embodying the history of Anjou in France and around the world.

This 13th Paulée d'Anjou is marked by a diversity of activities taking place in a unique location.

‘EAST MEETS WEST’

La Paulée is taking on an international dimension this year with the participation of Pascaline Lepeltier and Jeannie Cho Lee, two emblematic and influential sommeliers from the world of wine. Their presence and the complementary nature of their profiles will make for fascinating discussions on the wines and terroirs of Anjou.

Pascaline Lepeltier, the first woman to win the title of Best Sommelier of France in 2018, specialises in natural and biodynamic wines. An Angevine at heart, she is a true ambassador for Loire wines all the way to New York, where she runs the Chambers restaurant, where she works to showcase authentic wines that reflect the terroir and personality of the winemakers.

As for Jeannie Cho Lee, a South Korean sommelier and the first Asian sommelier to become Master of Wine in 2008, she is renowned for her expertise in linking wine to Asian culture and gastronomy. She has a special relationship with French wines and works to promote them in Asia.

A DAY OF DISCOVERY AND TRANSMISSION

The Paulée winegrowers' collective is delighted to invite all professionals who love Loire wines to share in this 13th edition of the event, with free tastings of organic and biodynamic wines. To better understand the history, heritage and terroirs of this historic wine-growing region, participants will also be able to attend lectures, a visit to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud and excursions into the vineyards to discover the landscapes and winemakers of the Saumur region. Following the success of last year's round-table discussions, this year the Paulée will also be organising a number of conferences and masterclasses, to provide more opportunities to exchange ideas and discover new aspects of the world of Anjou wines, and to offer a wide range of fascinating discussions on all aspects of the Paulée d'Anjou.

AN EXCEPTIONAL DINNER WITH LOCAL FLAVOUR

The gastronomic festivities at the end of the day will take place over an open-air dinner in the heart of the Abbey cloister. Just like in 2024, the three rising stars of Anjou gastronomy, chefs Romain Butet, Florent Mounier and Charly Mabileau, will be showcasing organic and local produce at a gala dinner that will be all about conviviality and sharing.

TWO STAR GRAPE VARIETIES : CHENIN BLANC AND CABERNET FRANC

Emblematic of the historic province of Anjou, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc will once again be in the spotlight this year. Guests will be able to taste these two Loire grape varieties and discover their diverse expressions, made possible by the region's varied terroirs. An opportunity to appreciate the beautiful mosaic of terroirs in Anjou!