Musée de la Confrérie des Vignerons

About the museum

The Confrérie des Vignerons is an ancient association of vineyard owners on Lake Geneva whose origins are obscure. Its oldest surviving document is the minute book of 1647, and a wooden cup bearing the names of abbots dates from 1618. The motto "Ora et Labora" and the patron saint Saint Urban point to a medieval heritage. Its main purpose to this day is the promotion of viticulture; it is best known as the organiser of the Fête des Vignerons, which has taken place roughly once per generation since 1797 and is part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage.

The brotherhood's seat is the "Château" in Vevey, a 16th-century building that arose on a medieval maison forte and was completed in 1599. From 1734 it served the Bernese authorities as a seat, and in the 19th century it was converted into a hotel. Saved from demolition after the Second World War, it was taken over by the Confrérie and the Musée historique de Vevey; in 1986 the Confrérie became the owner and had the mighty roof with its timberwork restored.

On the first floor the museum shows the history of the brotherhood and its festivals from the Middle Ages to the present. The renewed permanent exhibition draws on prints, documents, photographs, film excerpts since the early 20th century and numerous costumes; it also includes the meeting room of the Confrérie's council.

Highlights

• Costumes and objects from past Fêtes des Vignerons
• Prints, documents and photographs on the history of the brotherhood
• Film excerpts of the winegrowers' festivals since the early 20th century
• Meeting room of the Confrérie's council in the historic Château
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung zur Confrérie und zu den Fêtes des Vignerons – The renewed exhibition traces the history of the brotherhood and its winegrowers' festivals from the Middle Ages to the present, with prints, documents, photos, films and costumes.

Operated by

Confrérie des Vignerons de Vevey

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

Motorway exit Vevey, then follow the signs. The museum is on the first floor of the Château, in the same building as the Musée historique de Vevey.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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