Burgundy (France)

Burgundy: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

Burgundy, nestled in eastern France, is a world-renowned wine region boasting centuries-old winemaking traditions. Its picturesque landscapes and charming villages offer an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Wine Regions

Towns and Villages

Explore these must-visit towns in Burgundy:

  • Beaune: The wine capital of Burgundy, known for its annual wine auction and the stunning Hôtel-Dieu.
  • Dijon: The region’s largest city, famous for its mustard and rich history.
  • Chablis: Home to the renowned white wines of the same name.
  • Nuits-Saint-Georges: A charming town surrounded by prestigious vineyards.

Wine Producers

Visit these esteemed wineries for unforgettable tastings:

  • Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: Produces some of the world’s most expensive wines.
  • Domaine Leflaive: Known for exceptional white Burgundies.
  • Domaine Armand Rousseau: Offers tastings of their prestigious Gevrey-Chambertin wines.
  • Joseph Drouhin: A family-owned winery with a rich history and diverse portfolio.

Book tastings in advance, as many producers have limited availability.

Accommodations

Stay at these wine-centric hotels for a truly immersive experience:

  • Hôtel Le Cep (Beaune): A luxurious 16th-century mansion in the heart of Beaune.
  • La Maison d’Olivier Leflaive (Puligny-Montrachet): Combines fine dining with wine tasting and accommodation.
  • Château de Gilly (Vougeot): A converted 14th-century monastery surrounded by vineyards.
  • L’Hôtel de Beaune: A boutique hotel with a renowned wine bar and cellar.

Dining

Savor Burgundian cuisine at these top restaurants:

  • La Table de Léonce (Ladoix-Serrigny): Michelin-starred restaurant with an extensive wine list.
  • Ma Cuisine (Beaune): A cozy bistro popular among winemakers, known for its impressive wine selection.
  • Le Benaton (Beaune): Offers innovative takes on traditional Burgundian dishes.
  • Loiseau des Vignes (Beaune): Features a unique wine-by-the-glass program using Coravin technology.

Don’t miss trying local specialties like beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and escargots de Bourgogne.

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore these top wine shops and bars in Burgundy:

  • La Cave de l’Ange Gardien (Beaune): An extensive selection of local wines and knowledgeable staff.
  • Le Bar à Vins (Beaune): Cozy wine bar offering tastings and small plates.
  • La Maison des Vins de Bourgogne (Beaune): Features over 200 Burgundy wines for tasting and purchase.
  • Athenaeum de la Vigne et du Vin (Beaune): Bookstore and wine shop with a vast collection of wine literature.

Other Shops

Don’t miss these local specialty stores:

  • Fallot Mustard Mill (Beaune): Tour the factory and shop for authentic Dijon mustard.
  • Mulot et Petitjean (Dijon): Famous for traditional pain d’épices (spice bread).
  • La Boutique de la Truffe (Beaune): Offers a range of truffle-based products.
  • Fromagerie Gaugry (Brochon): Sample and purchase local Burgundian cheeses.

Attractions

Visit these must-see attractions between wine tastings:

  • Hospices de Beaune: A 15th-century hospital with a stunning tiled roof, now a museum.
  • Château du Clos de Vougeot: Historic winery and headquarters of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.
  • Abbaye de Fontenay: A beautifully preserved Cistercian monastery, UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts (Dijon): Houses an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Events

Plan your visit around these popular wine events:

  • Les Trois Glorieuses (November): A three-day wine celebration in Beaune, including the famous Hospices de Beaune wine auction.
  • Saint-Vincent Tournante (January): Annual festival honoring the patron saint of winemakers, held in a different village each year.
  • Tastevinage (March and September): Prestigious wine tasting event at Château du Clos de Vougeot.
  • Fête de la Vigne (September): Wine harvest festival in Dijon with parades, tastings, and concerts.

Appellations

Understand Burgundy’s key wine appellations:

  • Grand Cru: The highest classification, representing only 1% of Burgundy’s production.
  • Premier Cru: High-quality wines from specific vineyard plots within a village.
  • Village: Wines from a specific commune, often bearing the village name.
  • Regional: Broader appellations like Bourgogne or Mâcon.

Notable sub-regions include Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise.

Grape Varieties

Burgundy’s wine legacy rests on two primary grape varieties: Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for whites. These grapes thrive in the region’s unique terroir.

Other varieties include Gamay, used in Beaujolais, and Aligoté, a lesser-known white grape.

Main Wine Styles

  • Red Burgundy: Elegant Pinot Noir wines, ranging from light to full-bodied
  • White Burgundy: Rich, complex Chardonnays, often with oak influence
  • Crémant de Bourgogne: Sparkling wines made using the traditional method
  • Beaujolais: Fruity, light-bodied reds made from Gamay

Food Specialties

Burgundian cuisine complements its wines perfectly. Local specialties include:

  • Boeuf Bourguignon: Beef stew braised in red wine
  • Coq au Vin: Chicken cooked in wine sauce
  • Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails in garlic-herb butter
  • Epoisses: A pungent, washed-rind cheese

Drives & Walks

Explore Burgundy’s picturesque landscapes through scenic routes:

  • Route des Grands Crus: A 60km drive through prestigious vineyards
  • Vézelay to Beaune: A beautiful drive showcasing medieval villages
  • Sentier des Grands Crus: A hiking trail through Côte de Nuits vineyards

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

  1. Day 1: Explore Beaune, visit Hospices de Beaune, wine tasting in Pommard
  2. Day 2: Drive the Route des Grands Crus, stop in Nuits-Saint-Georges
  3. Day 3: Visit Chablis, tour cellars, enjoy a wine-paired lunch

Week-long Burgundy Experience

  1. Days 1-2: Dijon (museums, markets, mustard tasting)
  2. Days 3-4: Beaune and surrounding vineyards
  3. Day 5: Chablis and Auxerre
  4. Day 6: Mâcon and Beaujolais region
  5. Day 7: Vézelay and Morvan Regional Natural Park

Getting There & Around

Burgundy is easily accessible by train from Paris. The TGV reaches Dijon in about 1.5 hours.

For wine touring, renting a car is ideal. Major rental companies operate at Dijon’s train station.

  • Tip: Book a designated driver service for worry-free wine tasting
  • Local buses: Connect major towns, but have limited schedules
  • Cycling: Popular in flatter areas like Côte de Beaune

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer ideal weather for wine tours.

Harvest season (September-October) buzzes with activity but can be crowded.

  • Summer: Warm and busy, perfect for outdoor activities
  • Winter: Quieter, with festive markets in December
  • Events: Plan around wine festivals like Les Trois Glorieuses in November

Sustainability Efforts

Burgundy is embracing sustainable viticulture practices.

Many producers are shifting to organic and biodynamic farming.

  • Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: Pioneering biodynamic practices
  • Eco-tours: Available at select vineyards
  • Local initiatives: Reducing water usage and carbon footprint

Language Tips

Basic French goes a long way in Burgundy’s wine country.

Key wine terms to know:

  • Dégustation: Wine tasting
  • Domaine: Wine estate
  • Terroir: The environmental factors influencing wine
  • Cave: Cellar

Further Resources

Expand your Burgundy wine knowledge with these resources:

  • Books: “The Wines of Burgundy” by Clive Coates
  • Websites: Bourgogne Wines Official Site
  • Apps: Vivino for wine scanning and ratings
  • Local guides: Hire certified wine guides for in-depth tours

Explore Wine Regions