Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants Mandelieu-la-Napoule

The Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants—known in English as the Independent Winemakers Wine Fair—is a public event held annually to celebrate the authentic enjoyment and rich diversity of French wine culture. Since its inception in 2011, the fair has become a beloved meeting point for wine enthusiasts and independent vintners alike. It is organized by the Vignerons Indépendants de France, an association based in Paris dedicated to preserving and promoting independent winemaking across the country.

More than just a marketplace, the fair offers a sensory experience centered around wine. It takes place at the modern Centre Expo Congrès in Mandelieu-la-Napoule, a charming town on the Côte d’Azur near Cannes. The location is appreciated for its welcoming atmosphere and easy accessibility—appealing to both curious newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs.

Visitors can explore a wide selection of wines from nearly all of France’s major wine regions, including Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy-Beaujolais, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence and Corsica, the Rhône Valley, the Loire Valley, the Vendée, and the Southwest, home to the famed Armagnac. Every wine featured at the fair comes directly from an independent winemaker—a hallmark that gives the event its distinctive character. Guests are invited to taste, purchase, and engage in conversation with the producers, turning each interaction into a small voyage of discovery.

A special highlight is the professionally guided tasting sessions, where experts introduce visitors to the fundamentals of wine appreciation and the richness of grape varieties. These sessions also emphasize responsible alcohol consumption. The experience is rounded out by a culinary program featuring regional delicacies such as artisanal sausages, foie gras, cheeses, and fresh oysters—all offered directly by local producers.

A major moment of the fair is the awarding of medals as part of the prestigious Concours des Vignerons Indépendants, which honors the finest winemakers of the year—an unmistakable mark of quality and craftsmanship.

The Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants in Mandelieu-la-Napoule is far more than a traditional wine fair. It is a space for individuality, tradition, and genuine dialogue between producers and wine lovers. For those eager to discover authentic wines beyond the industrial mainstream, it offers a truly unique and memorable experience.

The Salon des Vins des Vignerons Indépendants takes place annually, and therefore for the 16th time previsibly in April 2026 in Mandelieu-la-Napoule.