It is in Vevey, at the Place du Marché (Market Square), that an event which is highly symbolic for the whole region has been taking place since 1797. The Fête des Vignerons (the Winemakers’ Festival) is organised approximately every 25 years in order to celebrate the world of viticulture and winemaking. The impetus for the creation of this event came from the ‘Confrérie des Vignerons’ (the Brotherhood of Winemakers), whose primary objective was to control the quality of the work taking place in the vineyards.

Originally it was just a simple procession through the town, which was subsequently transformed into a public crowning of the best vineyard workers. In 1999, during the last occasion, the festivities lasted for two weeks and attracted over 16,000 spectators!