Aux Vignobles! La Rochelle

Aux Vignobles! is more than just a name with a nice ring to it – it’s an open invitation to immerse yourself in the world of French wine and gourmet produce. Held annually at the Espaces Congrès Encan in La Rochelle, right on the harbour of this historic Atlantic city, the event takes visitors to the very heart of France’s culinary and terroir culture. Organised by GL Events Exhibitions Opérations, based in Brest, this seasoned trade fair organiser also brings the “Aux Vignobles!” format to other cities across north-western France.

Industry professionals – including restaurateurs, sommeliers and independent retailers – come together with a discerning public eager not just to sample, but to buy directly from producers. This direct interaction is what sets the event apart: visitors meet winemakers, cheesemongers, chocolatiers, butchers and other artisan producers who proudly present their goods in person – knowledgeable, approachable and true to the direct producteur spirit.

At its core, the fair showcases wines from across France – from celebrated regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne to distinctive gems from lesser-known areas like the South-West or the Loire Valley. Whether it’s a bold red, a delicate rosé, a crisp white or a luscious dessert wine, the variety of appellations on offer reflects the remarkable breadth of French viticulture.

Complementing the wine is a rich selection of regional specialities: aged cheeses, air-dried charcuterie, chocolate, pastries, tea, honey and seasonal delicacies – all rooted in place and crafted with the expertise of small, often family-run producers.

Yet “Aux Vignobles!” is far more than a traditional trade fair. Themed zones – focusing on topics such as organic viticulture, sustainable farming or the rise of wine tourism – cater to visitors with a deeper interest in specific subjects. Workshops and panel discussions explore traditional production methods, regional differences and the cultural significance of terroir. The result is a dynamic exchange that weaves together knowledge, flavour and human connection.

Most exhibitors hail from the fields of winemaking, fine food, agriculture and artisanal gastronomy – many of them longstanding family businesses. The audience includes hospitality professionals, retailers and tourism experts, as well as wine lovers, food enthusiasts and advocates of the Slow Food movement.

As part of a wider series of events under the “Aux Vignobles!” banner, the fair represents a conscious counterpoint to industrial standardisation. It champions authenticity, craftsmanship and the rich regional diversity of France.

La Rochelle, with its modern and well-connected Espaces Congrès Encan – just a short walk from the train station and city centre – offers the perfect setting: maritime charm, a historic backdrop, and a city that lives and breathes the art of good living like few others on the French coast.

For those who love wine, enjoy discovering new tastes, and want to experience France with all the senses, this is a fair as distinctive, vibrant and flavourful as the products it celebrates.

The Aux Vignobles! will take place on 3 days from Friday, 06. March to Sunday, 08. March 2026 in La Rochelle.