Originally, paulée comes from the patois "paule" meaning shovel, and refers to the last shovelful of grapes that was poured into the press. It therefore signifies the end of the grape harvest..
Nowadays, it's a traditional meal, even a celebration, that brings all the winegrowers together, grape-pickers and other wine lovers and enthusiasts.
Burgundy is home to France's most famous paulée, held in the commune of Meursault every third weekend in November.
The paulées have nevertheless developed throughout Burgundy and the Côte d'Azur. Chalonnaise is one of the most popular.
