La Paulée 2026 in Solomeo, the “convivium” of wineries-icon of world wine by Brunello Cucinelli

Founded in 2000 by renowned sommelier Daniel Johnnes, La Paulée mission, in keeping with the original joyful spirit of celebrating wine and wine culture embodied by La Paulée de Meursault, Burgundy oldest and most important end-of-harvest festival from which it takes its inspiration - is to bring together the finest wines from some of the world greatest estates, offering wine lovers unforgettable experiences that transport them to the iconic terroirs of France and Italy. At the same time, its symposiums are regarded as some of the most important wine events in the world, true gatherings where prestigious La Paulée producers from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne and beyond come together. The name “La Paulée” itself derives from poêle (frying pan), from which food was traditionally served during harvest celebrations, a symbol of conviviality in France. These producers meet to discuss the future of the industry, including the balance between “land” viticulture and “brand” viticulture (as WineNews will explore in a forthcoming video, ed), with a particular focus on the global luxury sector. They will do so once again tomorrow and on November 6th, returning to Italy and, once again, to a place which epitomizes Italian “know-how” and excellence: Solomeo, where they will be welcomed by Brunello Cucinelli, the humanist entrepreneur and one of the most celebrated figures in Italian fashion, whose name has become synonymous worldwide with Made in Italy excellence. Cucinelli is also a wine producer through Castello di Solomeo, a project inspired by the principles of Humanistic Capitalism and Human Sustainability, brought to life in his native Umbrian village, now the center of both his family and entrepreneurial life and restored by him as the “hamlet of Cashmere and Harmony”.
Here, “La Paulée di Solomeo” 2026 will celebrate the meeting of cultures, where wine becomes an authentic expression of territory, memory and identity, a shared heritage defined by excellence, passion and craftsmanship.
The participating wineries? From Château Lafleur to Champagne Laurent-Perrier, from Champagne Salon & Delamotte to Maison Krug, from Domaine Leflaive to Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat, from Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem (LVMH) to Domaine Fourrier, and even Bauzuan & Dan Sheng. They will be represented by leading figures including Brice de la Morandière, owner of Domaine Leflaive; Pierre Lurton, president of Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem; Jean-Marie Fourrier; and HuangEn Zhan, alongside La Paulée founder Daniel Johnnes. Johnnes will also host a gala dinner featuring these great wines paired with the cuisine of three-Michelin-starred chefs Mauro Colagreco and David Kinch, with remarks from Riccardo Stefanelli, ceo of Brunello Cucinelli, and Zara Ismail, Global Head of Client & Broker Distribution - Claims at Liberty Specialty Markets.
All of this will take place against the backdrop of Solomeo, birthplace of Brunello Cucinelli own wine venture (a subject frequently discussed with WineNews in conversations about the future of made in Italy and its tradition of outstanding craftsmanship, and one that we explored during our first visit to the village, editor note). The project produces 9,000 bottles from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, complemented by Sangiovese, the variety traditionally associated with this part of Italy. The wine is grown on five hectares of vineyard-gardens within a 100-hectare estate in Cucinelli native Umbria, a land renowned not only for great wines but also as the home of Saint Francis of Assisi, a perennial source of inspiration for the designer. Available exclusively online through Fine+Rare, a global benchmark for fine-wine collectors, the wine is crafted under the direction of renowned winemaker Riccardo Cotarella. Talking with WineNews, Cucinelli, whose company recorded 1.4 billion euros in revenues in 2025 (+11.5% over 2024) and growth of more than 10% in the first nine months of 2026 (1.12 billion euros in revenues), explained that: “there will always be 9,000 bottles, and no more. The proceeds will be used to fund cultural projects and books,” particularly supporting the creation of a major library in Solomeo, among other initiatives.