I haven’t always been a wine fan… I actually got into it quite late, but I must admit that I’m now a true enthusiast and am even starting to know my way around (yes, I’m showing off, so what?), thanks in particular to my wine tourism trips to Burgundy. Indeed, amidst all the beauty and complexity of wine production worldwide—and especially in France—Burgundy really stands out as a unique region. The Burgundy vineyard is ancient, established 2,000 years ago during the development of the Gallo-Roman world and later gaining fame thanks to the work of monks and the Dukes of Burgundy during the Middle Ages.
This article is the result of several wine tourism trips to Burgundy (a genre that has been developing more and more in recent years) in 2018, 2020, and July 2023, during which I set off to discover Burgundy wines through various activities, places to visit… I therefore offer you a little wine tourism guide to Burgundy, as I usually do, with my suggestions for things to do and see to decipher the mystery of Burgundian wine production. And, of course, a selection of great addresses too!
Table of Contents
Burgundy Wines, a few explanations
In Burgundy, everything is different. You need to understand the layers of appellations (regional, village, 1er Crus, Grands Crus), the different wine regions (Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, Châtillonnais, and Chablis & Grand Auxerrois), know the two star grape varieties (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), grasp the concept of Climats and terroirs, and understand the proportions of wine styles produced (61% white wines, 28% red & rosé wines, and 11% Crémant de Bourgogne). All this to best appreciate the unique wines that Burgundy produces. And for that, the best thing is still to meet the winemakers to appreciate and understand their work through wine tourism, which is developing significantly in the region, as there are over 3,900 wine estates in Burgundy (yes, really…).
Of course, like all European vineyards, the Burgundy vineyard was heavily affected by phylloxera, an insect from the United States that caused a large part of the vineyard to perish in just a few years in the 19th century. Since that time, all Burgundian grape varieties have been grafted onto American rootstocks that are resistant to this insect (I didn’t actually know this, and it was during my first trip to discover Burgundy wines that I learned this information). I mention it because although I was familiar with this dark episode for the vines, I wasn’t aware of the massive scale of this grafting.
The Climats: in Burgundy, a ‘Climat’ refers to a specific plot of vines, delineated and often named for centuries. The wine produced in this plot takes the name of the Climat from which it comes. Since July 4, 2015, the Climats of the Burgundy vineyard have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne
The Cité consists of 3 cultural and tourist sites (Chablis, Beaune, Mâcon) designed as a network to help visitors discover Burgundy’s wine heritage. These 3 sites are located in 3 different cities, each representative of a part of the Burgundy vineyard. Furthermore, each ‘Cité’ specifically promotes its own terroir, wines, and identity. The various Cités opened their doors in May and June 2023, and we explored them for ourselves in July 2023.
On the program: sensory and educational experiences engaging the 5 senses, an immersive visitor path (including a specific route dedicated to children) with multimedia devices, an aroma palette, a wine tasting offered at the end of each tour, workshops, 200 annual activities and events (conferences, animations, meet-ups, concerts, shows), guided tours, afterwork events, spaces available for private hire, boutiques with a wide selection of local products, wine bars, and areas with wine tourism advice.
Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne
Rates: 3-Cité Pass €20 adult / €13 youth aged 6-17 / €15 reduced rate
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The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne / Beaune site
The site is located about a 20-minute walk from the city center of the ‘capital’ of Burgundy wines, as it is called (don’t hesitate to check out my article on visiting the city of Beaune!), in a landscaped setting of over 10 hectares in the heart of a new eco-district, the Parc de la Chartreuse. The eco-responsible building, with architecture inspired by a vine tendril, offers a surface area of 3,600 m². It offers a visitor path (to be discovered via guided or self-guided tour) from the origin of the terroirs to the wine in the glass, through a highly interactive scenography with videos, interviews, a sensory path, a tasting area…
The insider tip: Take the tendril (free, open access) to walk up to the belvedere, located on the 5th and top floor of the Cité, 24 meters high, to enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings and the Burgundy landscape! A perfect opportunity to take some beautiful photos of the area!
Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne / Beaune Site
21 Avenue Charles de Gaulle, 21200 Beaune
Expect about 1h to 1h30 for the visit to this 1,200 m2 exhibition path
Rates: €14 per person (wine tasting included)
Practical info: How to get there from the Beaune train station with an electric shuttle / also accessible by bike via the cycle path that passes nearby (there are also charging stations for electric bikes nearby)
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Take a food and wine pairing workshop
The team at L’École des Vins de Bourgogne (which I mention a bit further down in the article) offers workshops and tasting courses on-site for beginners, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs to complement the scenographic path. This workshop provides a few keys to give you ideas for food and wine pairings with Burgundy wines. It offers some interesting basics: to create a pairing, you generally start with the dish, but you must also take the sauce and accompaniments into account. And often, the pairing is ultimately achieved either through similarity or opposition.
Our pairings during this workshop: Crémant de Bourgogne (11% of Crémant in Burgundy is made using the traditional method) and gougère / a red Haute-Côte wine with a beef terrine / a Délice de Pommard (cheese) with a Bourgogne Aligoté (white wine) / and a more original pairing with a blackcurrant macaron and a red Mâconnais wine, 100% Gamay (a very successful pairing that I loved).
“Ateliers 45” Food and Wine Pairings
2nd floor of the Cité de Beaune
Rate: 5 wines / 5 dishes workshop, €32 per person
3 workshop themes: the art of tasting (3 wines to taste); food and wine pairings; sommelier advice (with tips for serving wine and how to buy it)
Approximately 18 spots per workshop
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Lunch at the Bar ‘Les Accords’
This address, located in the Cité des Climats, offers a bar/bistro where the chef proposes bites to enjoy with wine pairings suggested by the sommelier, or for you to create yourself from the menu.
To taste: the snails with 2 mustards (€8.90), very original and tasty, paired with a glass of Bourgogne Chitry Olympe 2020, Domaine Olivier Morin (white – €7.50); the trout gravlax (€8.90) paired with a glass of Vézelay L’impatiente 2022, Domaine de la Croix Montjoie (white – €7); the mixed board of local cheeses and charcuterie (€29); the dessert trilogy (€8.90).
Bar Les Accords
4th floor of the Cité de Beaune
Wine by the glass between €5 and €16
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The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne / Mâcon site
The Mâcon site is located on the banks of the Saône, in the heart of the vineyards of southern Burgundy. The building represents a wine press screw reaching 20 meters towards the sky. The visitor trail (spanning 370 m2) explores the history, terroir, and the “Climats” of the wines of the Mâconnais, Côte Chalonnaise, and Côtes du Couchois regions in greater detail. The “totem” promontory and its 14-meter altitude also offer a beautiful view of the Saône and part of the city.
Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne / Mâcon site
520 avenue Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny 71000 MâconVisit duration approximately 45 minutes with a multilingual connected bracelet and a tasting of 2 wines
Prices: €9 per person (wine tasting included) / €6.50 reduced / €4.50 youth between 6 and 17 years old
Practical info: how to get there from the Mâcon train station: 7 minutes by car or by bus
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The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne / Chablis site
The Chablis site is located in the heart of the town of the same name, in the middle of the vineyards of northern Burgundy and about a 20-minute drive from Tonnerre. The site is housed in a historic Petit Pontigny building dating from the 12th century (possibly a former Cistercian cellar), which has been renovated and expanded with a contemporary wing. The visitor trail (300 m²), which ends in a vaulted cellar, is quite similar to the one at the Mâcon site and also gives pride of place to the vineyards of Chablis, the Grand Auxerrois (which includes the vineyards of the Auxerrois, Tonnerrois, Vézelien, and Jovinien), and the Châtillonnais. At the end of the visit, you reach the Ponti Bar and its tasting area to sample a few wines.
Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne / Chablis site
1 bis rue de Chichée 89 800 ChablisPrices: €9 per person (wine tasting included) / €6.50 reduced / €4.50 youth between 6 and 17 years old
Allow about 45 minutes for the visit of this 300 m² trail with a connected bracelet
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Lunch at the Ponti Bar
This dining area allows you to have lunch in the heart of the Cité, at the Ponti Bar. The place is perfect for having a drink or grabbing a bite. On sunny days, you can even enjoy the sunshine by sitting on the terrace in the Serein garden and admiring the view. I especially recommend the large board that offers an assortment of regional charcuterie and cheeses (€28 for 4 people, and it is really super hearty).
Ponti Bar
Open from March 1st to November 5th
Price: jars at €15.90; crispy snails at €8.90 (for 12); café gourmand at €7; wines by the glass between €5 and €10
Oenotourism activities to do in Burgundy
The Burgundy Wine School
To better understand the complexity of Burgundy wines, the best solution is still to learn its specifics from a professional. The Burgundy Wine School (École des Vins de Bourgogne) has existed since 1974 and is based in Beaune. It allows you to familiarize yourself with this fascinating universe and gain some very useful reference points. It organizes tastings, classes, discovery stays, workshops, and thematic training sessions throughout the year. On the program: a dozen different formulas ranging from 2 hours to 5 days.
If you are coming to the region and want to understand the specificities of this vineyard a little better, it is truly an essential stop on your trip! Without it, you risk missing out on the magic of these products and their unique characteristics.
Burgundy Wine School
6 rue du 16ème Chasseurs, 21200 BeauneParking available on-site
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Walk between vines and wines
During our first time at the Burgundy Wine School, we tested the formula: Walk between vines and wines (2 hours), which is ideal during the warmer months and for a first approach to the Burgundy vineyard (in any case, the instructor will adapt to your level of knowledge). For 2 hours, we went on a guided walk through the Beaune appellation, and at the end of our walk, we tasted 3 different wines (a regional appellation wine, a Village appellation wine, and a 1st Cru). Even though I already knew a bit about wine (and Burgundy too), I must admit that these 2 hours were essential to fully appreciate and understand everything we saw and tasted afterward.
‘Walk between vines and wines’ formula
duration: 2 hours
price: €45 per person
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Oenology course ‘The Fundamentals’
In 2020, we went back to school (or almost) for a morning of classroom training entitled: ‘The Fundamentals’. During this training, we met up with our excellent teacher/sommelier with whom we had already done oenotourism in Burgundy the previous year, Nicolas. I really found this to be a perfect (very comprehensive) training to get a global vision of the history of viticulture in Burgundy. It also allows you to fully understand the concept of Climats, this expression of the Burgundy terroir, which I already explained to you last year.
You also get a better grasp of the importance of the geographical and geological factors that make this terroir so unique. At the beginning of the training, we were also given a brief summary of the wine history of Burgundy, which is truly fascinating. In addition to all this, at the end of the training, you receive very comprehensive documentation. For more information, here are the 3 parts of this training in detail with a description of the topics covered. We obviously end with a tasting session.
The fundamentals of Burgundy viticulture:
- Geographical location
- Vines and vineyards of Burgundy
- Surfaces and production
- The natural artisans of quality (terroirs, grape varieties, Climats, know-how)
Burgundy wines:
- Appellations d’Origine Contrôlées (Controlled Designation of Origin): Origin, history, classification
- The domains, houses, and cellars of Burgundy
Tasting Burgundy wines:
- Methodology and tasting techniques (visual, olfactory, gustatory aspects)
- The main organoleptic characteristics of Burgundy wines
- Illustration through a commented tasting of 6 Burgundy wines selected from the BIVB’s prestigious cellar
Tested in 2020
Oenology course ‘The Fundamentals’
duration: 3 hours
price: €95
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Vineyards seen from the sky: take a hot air balloon ride
I had my first hot air balloon experience in 2018 during an excursion in Eure et Loir and I absolutely loved it! So I was delighted to be able to do it again in Burgundy, and besides, it was a first for my favorite photographer who had never done it before. As I mentioned to you last time, to go hot air ballooning, you have to get up very early, because you should know that balloons can only fly at dawn or dusk under the effect of the breeze; the rest of the time, flying is more dangerous. Before takeoff, you get to witness the impressive moment when the balloon inflates… And obviously, you participate in preparing the balloon.
At this time of year, we therefore met our “balloon” team at 6:30 AM at the takeoff field. There were several balloons taking off because it is always more pleasant to do it with other teams. As for the flight itself, I still found it just as pleasant, and it is so magnificent to see the earth from that perspective! Personally, I am not afraid of heights, but my favorite photographer, who is slightly prone to vertigo, apparently didn’t feel it during this balloon flight, so it’s not a problem if you are prone to that kind of ailment.
The Domaine de l’Europe is a family-owned estate born from the meeting of a Belgian artist and a Burgundian winemaker, which explains the estate’s name. The size of the operation is intentionally kept small to best capture the expression of the Pinot Noir, with total control from the vineyard to the sales, including vinification, aging, and bottling carried out by the couple. In addition to their winemaking activity, the Domaine’s winemaking duo, Guy Cinquin (who is a French hot air balloon champion) and Chantal Cote, organize hot air balloon flights over their vineyard. An original way to experience wine tourism in Burgundy, I think!
Flight taken in 2020
Domaine de l’Europe
7 rue du Clos Rond, 71640 MercureyReservation phone: 06 08 04 28 12
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Go for a bike ride in the Burgundy vineyards
It’s a nice way to discover the beautiful landscape of the Burgundy vineyards by cycling through them, while making bucolic stops to listen carefully to the explanations of our passionate and fascinating guide. In any case, it can be an original and sporty alternative to explore the vineyard!
Active Tours and Bourgogne Evasion
2-hour electric bike ride: €55 / person (including a wine tasting)
The different wine regions of Burgundy
Below I offer a brief presentation and ideas for things to see and do, accompanied by a selection of great addresses in the five wine regions of Burgundy (Côte de Nuits; Côte de Beaune; Mâconnais; Côte Chalonnaise; Chablis). To discover them, I recommend traveling by car along the Burgundy wine route. This route is full of magnificent vineyard landscapes as well as charming villages like Nuits-Saint-Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin, or Meursault.
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Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes de Nuits
The Côte de Nuits begins below Dijon and extends about twenty kilometers north and south of Nuits-Saint-Georges. This vineyard concentrates the majority of Burgundy’s Grand Cru red appellations because the geological conditions are ideal for Pinot Noir. The Côte de Beaune, for its part, extends around the city of Beaune and produces renowned reds and whites.
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Gevrey-Chambertin
We took advantage of one of our stays in Burgundy to spend a half-day in the heart of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, an evocative name and a guarantee of quality in terms of Burgundy wines. To visit the village, we opted for a tour via an electric bike with Burgundy Bike (€30 for a half-day electric bike rental or €40 for a full day). This allowed us to tour and see as much as possible in just one morning (and it also worked up an appetite for our lunch at Domaine Trappet). Especially since the electric option was not really a luxury, as we spent our time going up and down quite steep hills.
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Where to have a drink in Gevrey-Chambertin? La Jeannette Bar and Shop
A very nice place to stop during your ride in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. It’s also an opportunity to have a little drink in a super nice setting with a vintage American 60s vibe. And especially if you go visit Jeannette, give a little pat from me to Huguette, the adorable canine mascot of the house.
La Jeannette
1 rue du Gaizot 21 220 Gevrey-Chambertin
Open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM / Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM / Happy hour until 9 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday / Closed on Wednesday
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A wine estate to discover in Gevrey-Chambertin? Domaine Quivy
During your visit to Gevrey-Chambertin, I also advise you to make a stop at Domaine Quivy. Indeed, it is housed in a very beautiful building, an 18th-century private mansion listed as a historical monument. The estate’s very beautiful cellar is also worth a visit!
Domaine Quivy
7 rue Gaston-Roupnel 21 220 Gevrey-Chambertin
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Where to have lunch at a wine estate in Gevrey-Chambertin? Domaine Trapet
Domaine Trapet has a table and a bed and breakfast. For our part, we only tested the table d’hôte through a lunch titled “walk in our vineyards” with a hot meal “Like a Sunday!”. In addition to the lunch, we discovered four of the estate’s wines to accompany the meal. I must say it is a truly friendly and authentic experience and a good way to discover the estate’s wines which are of high quality! We unfortunately did not have time to visit the estate but we really enjoyed this lunch.
On the program: gougères as an appetizer (a Burgundy specialty), Dijonnaise parsley ham, beef bourguignon, cheese, and delicious organic bread from the Gauloise farm.
The estate consists of plots located in the heart of renowned appellations such as Chambertin, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Marsannay. It also has a mosaic of terroirs patiently assembled from father to son since 1897. Today, Domaine Trapet farms 14 hectares certified in organic agriculture and biodynamics and it perpetuates its ancestral know-how and produces very good Burgundy wines with passion and pride.
Domaine Trapet
4 rue du Chêne, 21220 Gevrey-ChambertinPrice of the “walk in our vineyards” lunch: €70 including the 4 wines
Reservation mandatory
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Where to have lunch in Gevrey-Chambertin? Bistro Lucien Restaurant
This restaurant is located in the Rôtisserie du Chambertin, a magnificent guest house located in the heart of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Here again, chef Thomas Collomb and his entire team offer fresh and organic cuisine made from products from the Dijon market and a menu that changes every 15 days.
The little extra: the small terrace with umbrellas for sunny days
Bistrot Lucien / Rôtisserie du Chambertin
6 Rue du Chambertin 21220 Gevrey-Chambertin
open 7 days a weekPrice: traditional menu appetizer + main course + dessert at €28 / discovery menu appetizer + main course + dessert at €38
The good tip: traditional lunch menu (weekdays only) at €23 appetizer + main course or
main course + dessert
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Nuits-Saint-Georges
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Visit to the Imaginarium in Nuits-Saint-Georges
Next to Nuits-Saint-Georges, known for its famous Crus, I advise you to go visit the Imaginarium site. The latter is a modern wine tourism site that offers a unique vision of the world of vineyards and wine. The presentation, which is perfectly suited to adults, but also to children, allows you to learn while having fun thanks to the two interactive and fun visits to the place. First, “Sacrée Vigne!” a sound and light show staging the odyssey of man and the vine told through an incredible staging of tools that come back to life. Plunged into darkness, voices with a Burgundian accent, screens, as well as tools emerge from the shadows to explain the work of the vineyard, vinification, cooperage.
Then “The Magic of Bubbles“, an interactive and fun journey into the world of sparkling wines, including the famous Crémant de Bourgogne. We discover the different production methods, the origin of the bubbles, the wall of aromas, food and wine pairings, anecdotes, and then the riddling workshop (very, very difficult to do)!
The place also has a shop where you can find a beautiful selection of large Burgundy estates but also sparkling wines. It is therefore the perfect place to bring back some Crémants de Bourgogne for the holidays and also to do some tastings.
Imaginarium
Avenue du Jura 21700 Nuits-Saint-Georges
open every day from 10 AM to 5:30 PMVisits “Sacrée Vigne” & “La Magie des Bulles”
Adults €8 / Youth (12 – 17 years old) €5 / Children (under 12 years old) free
Sensory Space Adults €14.90
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Visit and tasting at the Cuverie des Ursulines, Jean Claude Boisset
Maison Jean-Claude Boisset is a gem of wine tourism in Burgundy. Its itinerary began in 1961 in Gevrey-Chambertin, but its heart now beats at the Ursulines, an address recently refurbished in Nuits-Saint-Georges. The house policy is to make demanding wines that reflect the soul of their terroir with an intransigence regarding production methods from the vineyard to the cellar, including vinification.
The place itself is quite exceptional and worth the detour because it is housed in the heart of a former convent! The garden located behind the building is particularly well landscaped and it is a real pleasure to stroll through it. The winery, built on an 18th-century convent, is a unique building, with a design that is truly grandiose yet perfectly functional. It is also completely integrated into the wine-growing landscape of the Burgundy climats and the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Finally, the estate offers exciting guided tours of the premises, followed by a tasting of several wines, including a wine from a barrel.
Domaine Jean Claude Boisset
5 chemin des plateaux, 21700 Nuits-Saint-Georges
Guided tour and commented tasting by reservation only, featuring 6
wines including one wine from the barrel
Price: €32 per person
In French and English
Every day from Monday to Saturday at 10:00 AM
Tour duration: 1 hour 15 minutesTelephone reservation: 03 80 62 64 08 or by email: reservation@jeanclaudeboisset.fr
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Gourmet Walk in Nuits-Saint-Georges
On Sunday, June 23, 2019, we participated in the Gourmet Walk of Nuits-Saint-Georges, a friendly and gourmet day celebrating its 9th edition. In addition to the meal and wines, we received a walking stick, a hat, a tasting glass, a glass holder, and a map of the Gourmet Walk. And at the end of the walk, we arrived at a gourmet market where we found local winemakers and local products. The profits from this day are collected for the benefit of the AGEF Day Reception Service, which hosts people with disabilities. By participating in this day, we are also doing a good charitable deed!
On the program: a 7 km walk in the middle of the vineyards, on the hillsides of Nuits-Saint-Georges with 5 gourmet stops to create a full meal with wine tastings, of course; throughout the course, there are also some musical entertainment and concerts that warm the heart.
My advice: book your slot in advance so you are sure not to wait too long at the start, or on the route, because many people participate in this day.
Gourmet Walk in Nuits-Saint-Georges
Every year in June
Adult price €49 including meal, wine tasting, entertainment, gifts
Children’s price from 7 to 16 years old €22 / free for children under 6
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Vosne-Romanée
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Visit and tasting at Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion
This family estate, which has been passed down in the Rion family since 1896, was recently taken over by the 3 daughters of the lineage who now belong to the 5th generation. Armelle and Bernard Rion, their daughters Alice, Nelly and Mélissa, as well as their son-in-law Louis, invite curious passersby in the region to share their passions for Great Burgundy Wines but also for Burgundy Truffles. During our stop at the estate, we enjoyed a guided tour to discover the specifics of its production. The VIP tour (the one we tested) proceeds as follows: tour of the estate’s cellars with the producer and tasting of 5 wines selected by them, including the Clos Vougeot Grand Cru and a wine over 10 years old!
This visit is an opportunity to cross 120 years of history through a tour of the terroirs of Vosne-Romanée. The estate mainly produces red wine and has many old vines with numerous roots. It has also obtained the High Environmental Value label and advocates sustainable farming. As the family puts a lot of emphasis on its wine tourism offer, this allows them to export very little outside of Burgundy. So don’t hesitate to stop by their wine cellar if you are in the area!
Domaine Rion
8 route Nationale, 21700 Vosne-Romanée
Visits Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM by reservation (03 80 61 05 31)
VIP tour €30 / person (duration 45 minutes)Wine bottle prices: from €7 to €95
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Le Clos Vougeot
The Clos de Vougeot is particularly famous in Burgundy because it houses the headquarters of the confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. I already knew the place because during my studies, I had the chance to help one of my very good friends, who is an archaeologist, make some archaeological surveys of the building. But one evening in June, we went there with my favorite photographer for a quite exceptional evening, I must say, which will remain etched in my memory for a long time! We were lucky enough to attend a memorable concert as part of the “Musique & Vin au Clos Vougeot” festival. The evening began with a wine tasting in the Ancient Winery. Then we attended a great moment of classical music with a concert bringing together big names in the field: Lisa Batiashvili on violin, Gautier Capuçon on cello and Jean-Yves Thibaudet on piano. And it was, I must say, a very high-level concert with a trio by Maurice Ravel, a trio by Shostakovich and finally a trio by Mendelssohn!
Finally, after the concert, we were invited to participate in the traditional mâchon (meal) with the musicians, partners, and sponsors of the festival. This convivial meal, in the form of a buffet, took place in the Renaissance lounges of the Clos Vougeot. It was an incredible moment because prestigious bottles of Burgundy were circulating from table to table and the game consisted of trying to temporarily intercept the most remarkable ones in order to be able to taste these unique nectars!!!
Clos de Vougeot
rue de la Montagne, 21640 Vougeot
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Visit of the Gallo-Roman archaeological site of Ecartelot
During the months of June and July, the Burgundy vineyard Climats are celebrated through various events initiated by winemakers, tourism service providers, local authorities, and individuals whose projects have been selected by the Climats Association. This event is called the Mois des Climats Festival.
It is in this context that we went to discover the Gallo-Roman site of Ecartelot on the borders of the municipalities of Arcenant, Fussey, Détain and Bruant. This rural archaeological site was discovered in 1988 and it includes a small farm, a sanctuary, and a water supply basin. In high season, volunteers also offer activities around the history of these lithic remains, inherited from an important place of inter-regional commercial exchanges… where the vine certainly had its place.
Site de l’Ecartelot, 21700 Arcenant
There is a parking lot not far from the site to park, and then you have to go to the site on foot via hiking trails (GR 7 and 76)
For guided tours of the site, inquire with ACAHN Bourgogne
Site open from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in season
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Côte de Beaune and Hautes Côtes de Beaune
To learn more about this wine region and especially the town of Beaune, I’ll let you explore my full article to discover Beaune. Below, I’m talking more about the other villages in this wine region.
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Aloxe-Corton
Visit to the Comte Senard tasting cellar
The Domaine de Comte Senard has a total area of 9 hectares and the estate’s cellar is located in the heart of the famous village of Aloxe-Corton, 3 km north of Beaune. An interesting idea here, the estate’s sommeliers offer you to set off to discover the estate’s wines in the cellar, but also by taking a short tour in the vineyards through a guided tour. Aged in the property’s cellars, built in the 11th century by the Benedictine monks of the Sainte Marguerite abbey, the wines offer a great guarantee of quality.
If you are interested, the place also acts as a bed and breakfast and offers tasting lunches (from €69) featuring the estate’s wines, but we did not test this service.
Prices: guided tour of the cellar with tasting of 2 wines, €12 per person
Domaine Comte Senard
1 rue des Chaumes 21420 Aloxe-Corton
Open from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday
Closed from mid-December to the end of JanuaryThe tip: free 15-min tasting of 2 wines (1 regional and 1 village)
for a maximum of 5 people (but without a tour) until 5:30 PM max
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Pommard
Rootstock Festival at Château de Pommard
Château de Pommard has existed for 300 years, thanks to the Micault family, and today it belongs to the CarabelloBaum family, the fifth family since 1726 to operate the estate. Comprising 20 hectares of continuous Pinot Noir vines, this three-century-old clos, enclosed by a secular wall and surrounded by two châteaux, is the largest private monopoly in Burgundy.
In 2018, it was the 2nd year that the Château de Pommard organized this festival combining wine and music, held in the heart of Burgundy wine country during the month of July. Much more than just a music festival, the Rootstock Music Festival is an invitation to travel for an evening or a weekend. We were lucky enough during this festive weekend to attend a concert by Keziah Jones, a great moment! I was pleasantly surprised by the festival’s beautiful lineup.
On the program: a tasting to learn how to savor Château Pommard wines, a bar with a selection of Burgundy wines and the Rootstock rosé cuvée, a food court (we tried Mama & Papa and BAB), bike rides, and 3 days of music with 2 stages and 17 artists.
Practical information: for wine and food consumption, the festival works with a very small card that you wear on your wrist; you then load money onto it, and with this card, you can pay for all your expenses (which can help set a budget so you don’t overspend, even if you are feeling very joyful from the alcohol).
Rootstock Festival
2nd year from July 13 to 15, 2018
Price: 1-day pass €60 / 3-day pass €150 / 3-day VIP pass €250
Pro tip: free shuttles to Rootstock from Beaune
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Meursault
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Tour and tasting at Château de Meursault
The Château de Meursault estate stretches across the Côte de Beaune from Aloxe-Corton in the north to Puligny-Montrachet in the south, passing through the famous village of Meursault. A visit to this château, which has a thousand years of history, is an opportunity to see its very old vaulted cellars (the oldest dating back to the 12th century). You learn some general facts about Burgundy wines but also the specific characteristics of the Château’s wines. In addition to the cellar tour, you can also book a tasting to discover some of the Estate’s wines.
Tasting prices (by reservation only):
- Discovery Tasting with a selection of 4 red wines and 3 white wines: €21.50 per person
- Grands Terroirs Tasting with a selection of 5 prestigious red wines and 4 white wines: €27 per person
- Thematic Tasting in a VIP lounge with a sommelier featuring a horizontal tasting of Burgundy red 1st Crus and a vertical tasting of Burgundy white 1st Crus: €40 per person
Château de Meursault
Rue du Moulin Foulot 21190 Meursault
Open every day (guided tour times on the website) / annual closure in January and during the end-of-year holidays
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Dinner at restaurant La Cueillette, Château de Cîteaux
It was in the elegant and refined setting of the Château de Cîteaux in Meursault that we spent a romantic evening with our favorite photographer at restaurant La Cueillette. The philosophy of the La Cueillette restaurant, envisioned by Jean Garnier, is summarized by the “5 Bs”: “Bien Vivre, Bien Manger, Bien Boire, Bien-Être En Bourgogne” (Living Well, Eating Well, Drinking Well, Well-Being in Burgundy). The establishment also includes a luxury hotel and a spa based on Fruit therapy, not to mention the winemaking activities of the Château de Cîteaux.
One must go back to 1098 to discover the origin of the Château de Cîteaux, when Abbot Robert de Molesme decided to build an abbey in Cîteaux. Until the Revolution, the estate’s operations were managed by lay brothers. Today, winemaking continues, thanks to the “Vieux Clos” vines that surround the château. I also advise you to visit the Cistercian cellars of the château (covering more than 600 m2), as they are the oldest in Burgundy!
We started this evening with a little aperitif of Crémant de Bourgogne outside on the terrace, facing the vines (the must!). With the sunset, it was a particularly pleasant moment. We then sat down to eat in a room of the château, adorned with an exceptional 19th-century decor featuring magnificent frescoes, paintings, and period tapestries. Then came the round of dishes, each accompanied by an interesting selection of wines from Burgundy and elsewhere.
We opted for the Cueillette menu, which offers a great overview of the restaurant’s menu (with a choice of fish or meat for the main course). As for the cuisine, the team prepares a creative menu throughout the seasons using the best local products, some of which even come directly from the Château’s garden.
Restaurant La Cueillette
18 rue de Cîteaux, 21190 Meursault
open from Tuesday evening to Saturday evening, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM in high season
open only on Friday evenings and Saturday evenings from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in low seasonCueillette Menu: starter + main course + dessert or cheese for €50
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Puligny-Montrachet
Food and wine pairing dinner at Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet
The advantage of this place in its magnificent setting is that you can taste the wines of Domaine Olivier Leflaive perfectly paired with dishes prepared at the restaurant of the 4-star hotel located in the heart of the prestigious wine village of Puligny-Montrachet, which also belongs to Olivier Leflaive. I also loved the charming little interior terrace of the venue, which allowed us to have a candlelit dinner in an extremely romantic setting.
For our part, we tested the Emotion Tasting Meal at €65 with an appetizer + starter + main course + dessert and 6 glasses of wine (6cl) to accompany the meal.
Restaurant Olivier Leflaive
10 place du Monument 21190 Puligny-Montrachet
Rates: menus with wine tasting between €65 and €150 with exceptional wines
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Saint-Aubin
Stay at Château de Saint-Aubin
In September 2021, I was lucky enough to have a quick stay at Château de Saint-Aubin, whose guest rooms (there are 4) had just been renovated! This magnificent 18th-century château in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, which is located facing the vineyards in the charming village of Saint-Aubin in Burgundy, was taken over by the Prosper Maufoux house in 2015, founded in 1860 and held since 2010 by the Piffaut family. For my part, I stayed in the room located on the top floor of the house, under the eaves (I have always been very sensitive to the charm of attic rooms). The place is also attentive to the planet and is committed to an eco-responsible approach (water, energy, selective sorting…).
The little extra: a relaxation area on the 1st floor with a selection of herbal teas and a coffee machine available to guests.
The place has also recently started offering oenotourism activities such as a bike ride through the vines punctuated by a tasting (independently, thanks to miniature bottles of the estate’s wines), but also a series of guided tastings at the château. For my part, I tested the “Prestige Experience” tasting which offers the chance to discover 6 Prosper Maufoux wines. As for the wines, the Prosper Maufoux house cultivates its vineyards in a reasoned, eco-responsible, and sustainable way and has obtained the Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Value) certification for all its family estates.
Château de Saint-Aubin
Prosper Maufoux Wines
3 rue des Lavières 21190 Saint-Aubin
Room rates: €250 breakfast included
La Saint-Vincent Tournante
Conceived by the Confrérie du Tastevin, this event centered on wine tourism and Burgundy has taken place every year since 1938. The very first edition was hosted by the town of Chambolle-Musigny. I have personally been lucky enough to participate in three editions of the Saint-Vincent Tournante, and it truly is a beautiful celebration of Burgundy wines! If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend attending at least one edition, as this winemaker festival is one of the true highlights of the Burgundy vineyard region. On January 25 and 26, 2020, the commune of Gevrey-Chambertin hosted the 76th edition of the Saint-Vincent Tournante.
Many thanks to Mathilde, the AirPur agency, the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, and the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) for these experiences centered on wine tourism in Burgundy.
I hope that with all this, I have made you want to discover wine tourism and the wines of Burgundy. If you also have your own favorite spots and tips for this destination, feel free to share them in the comments!
Find all my travel articles below:
⇒ All my articles on Burgundy-Franche-Comté
⇒ All my articles about wine
⇒ All my articles about wine tourism
MY WINE TOURISM DISCOVERIES
⇒ The Burgundy Wine Route
⇒ Lirac Wines
⇒ Vacqueyras Wines
⇒ Cognac: discovering the city and its spirit
⇒ Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
⇒ The Percée du Vin Jaune in the Jura
⇒ Luberon Wines
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Melle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free; the photographer's authorization is mandatory before any use.
