History

The “Best Beaujolais Bistro Cup“ was founded in Lyon in the 1950’s by two gastronomes, Henri Clos-Jouve and Marcel Grancher. The quality of Beaujolais wines served and the atmosphere of the bistro are the two most important judging criteria of the competition.

After returning from a trip to Paris, Clos-Jouve and Grancher decided to start the competition in the capital. Now, more than forty years later, the “Best Beaujolais Bistro Cup“ has become Parisian. Each January, the Rabelais Academy chooses an establishment that exemplifies the great French bistro tradition (or as Jean Herbert calls it: “the exchange of friendship oath”).

Since 1986, the “Tradition of Wine” association has been giving out an award for the bistro with the best wine. The association looks for Bistrots that “share the love of wine with their customers” and present a “Golden Bottle” trophy that is sized to measure for the bistro owners.

In the spring of 1995, the “Best Beaujolais Bistro Cup” was recreated in Lyon and a new network of enthusiastic bistros was formed.

Beaujolais bistros are getting back to their roots with the creation of a network in The Pays Beaujolais. In them you’ll be able to taste the wines in their own setting, a land where welcome, a good spread and good living are paramount. The proprietors will be give you a true Beaujolais welcome and share their love of their land with you.