La Paulée was once a widespread practice throughout France. The harvest festival is reminiscent of the Czech tradition of "Dožínky" (harvest home). Winemakers gathered with the workers who helped them with the harvest and invited them to dinner and wine as a thank you for their dedicated and hard work.

The modern version of La Paulée was initiated by Jules Lafon, one of the most respected winemakers in Burgundy, in 1923 when he decided to revive the traditional medieval harvest festival, during which Cistercian monks hosted their vineyard workers. Lafon organized the first Paulée on his estate, inspiring other winemakers in Meursault. Within a few years, the celebration spread throughout Burgundy. Since 1932, La Paulée de Meursault has become an annual event, held every November after the work in the vineyards and cellars is completed.