Discover the Enchanting Côte de Nuits
The Côte de Nuits, a renowned wine region in Burgundy, France, is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. This narrow strip of land produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir wines.
Stretching from Dijon to Corgoloin, the Côte de Nuits is home to prestigious Grand Cru vineyards and picturesque villages. Its limestone-rich soils and unique terroir contribute to the exceptional quality of its wines.
Towns and Villages
Explore charming villages that dot the Côte de Nuits landscape, each with its own character and wine heritage:
- Gevrey-Chambertin: Known for its powerful, full-bodied red wines
- Chambolle-Musigny: Produces elegant, aromatic Pinot Noirs
- Vosne-Romanée: Home to some of the most expensive wines in the world
- Nuits-Saint-Georges: The namesake town of the region, offering excellent wines and a rich history
Take time to wander through these villages, admiring the traditional Burgundian architecture and soaking in the local atmosphere. Many offer wine tastings and cellar tours.
Wine Producers
The Côte de Nuits boasts numerous esteemed wine producers. Here are some notable domaines to visit:
- Domaine de la Romanée-Conti: Produces some of the world’s most sought-after wines
- Domaine Armand Rousseau: Renowned for its Gevrey-Chambertin wines
- Domaine Georges Roumier: Famous for its Chambolle-Musigny production
- Domaine Meo-Camuzet: Offers exceptional Vosne-Romanée wines
Many domaines offer tastings by appointment. Book in advance to secure your spot and experience these world-class wines firsthand.
Accommodations
Choose from a range of accommodations to suit your preferences and budget:
- Château de Gilly: A luxurious 14th-century castle hotel in Vougeot
- La Cuverie: A charming bed and breakfast in Nuits-Saint-Georges
- Hôtel Le Richebourg: A modern 4-star hotel with spa facilities in Vosne-Romanée
- Les Deux Chèvres: A boutique wine hotel in Gevrey-Chambertin
For a unique experience, consider staying at a wine estate guesthouse. Many offer wine tastings and vineyard tours as part of your stay.
Dining
Indulge in Burgundian cuisine at these excellent restaurants:
- Chez Guy: A Michelin-starred restaurant in Gevrey-Chambertin
- La Cabotte: A cozy bistro in Nuits-Saint-Georges serving traditional dishes
- Le Millésime: An elegant restaurant in Chambolle-Musigny with an extensive wine list
- Castel de Très Girard: A gastronomic restaurant in Morey-Saint-Denis with vineyard views
Don’t miss trying local specialties like beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and escargots de Bourgogne. Pair your meals with exceptional Côte de Nuits wines for a complete culinary experience.
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these local wine shops and bars to taste and purchase Côte de Nuits wines:
- La Cave de l’Ange Gardien (Gevrey-Chambertin): Offers a wide selection of local wines and expert advice
- Le Cellier de la Cabiote (Nuits-Saint-Georges): A charming wine bar with an extensive list of regional wines
- La Cave du Chapitre (Dijon): Stocks rare and collectible Burgundy wines
- Wine Bar Le Verre Galant (Beaune): Perfect for sampling various Côte de Nuits wines by the glass
Many shops offer shipping services, allowing you to send your favorite wines home.
Other Shops
Discover local products and souvenirs in these unique stores:
- La Boutique de Madame Vin (Nuits-Saint-Georges): Wine accessories and gourmet foods
- Mulot et Petitjean (Dijon): Famous for traditional Burgundian pain d’épices (spice bread)
- Fromagerie Gaugry (Brochon): Local cheeses, perfect for pairing with Côte de Nuits wines
- Fallot Mustard Mill (Beaune): Artisanal Dijon mustard and mustard-based products
Look for wine-related souvenirs like corkscrews, glasses, and books about Burgundy wines.
Attractions
Experience these must-visit attractions in the Côte de Nuits region:
- Château du Clos de Vougeot: A historic winery and symbol of Burgundy winemaking
- Route des Grands Crus: Scenic drive through prestigious vineyards
- Imaginarium (Nuits-Saint-Georges): Interactive wine museum perfect for families
- Cassissium (Nuits-Saint-Georges): Museum dedicated to blackcurrant and Crème de Cassis production
Many attractions offer guided tours in English. Book in advance during peak season.
Events
Plan your visit around these annual wine events:
- Saint-Vincent Tournante (January): Rotating wine festival celebrating Burgundy’s patron saint
- Les Trois Glorieuses (November): Three-day wine celebration in Beaune, including the famous Hospices de Beaune wine auction
- Tastevinage (Spring and Autumn): Public wine tasting event at Château du Clos de Vougeot
- Nuits-Saint-Georges Wine Festival (May): Local wine fair featuring tastings and traditional Burgundian entertainment
Check event dates and book accommodations early, as these popular festivals attract many visitors.
Appellations
Understand the key wine appellations in the Côte de Nuits:
- Grand Cru: The highest classification, including famous vineyards like Romanée-Conti and Chambertin
- Premier Cru: High-quality wines from specific vineyard plots
- Village: Wines named after their village of origin, such as Gevrey-Chambertin or Vosne-Romanée
- Bourgogne: Regional wines from anywhere in Burgundy
Look for these classifications on wine labels to understand the wine’s quality and origin.
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir reigns supreme in Côte de Nuits, producing world-class red wines. This delicate grape thrives in the region’s limestone-rich soils and cool climate.
Chardonnay, while less common, is used for white wines in some areas. It contributes to the production of Bourgogne Blanc and occasional village-level whites.
Main Wine Styles
- Red Wines: Elegant, complex Pinot Noirs with aromas of red fruits, earth, and spices
- White Wines: Limited production of crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays
- Rosé: Rare but delightful Pinot Noir rosés with bright acidity and red berry flavors
Food Specialties
Côte de Nuits’ cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Boeuf Bourguignon: Classic beef stew cooked in red wine
- Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in wine with mushrooms and bacon
- Epoisses: Pungent, washed-rind cheese that pairs well with red Burgundy
- Escargots de Bourgogne: Snails prepared with garlic and parsley butter
Drives & Walks
Scenic Drives
The Route des Grands Crus offers a picturesque journey through the heart of Côte de Nuits. This 60-kilometer road winds past famous vineyards and charming villages.
Vineyard Walks
- Vosne-Romanée Trail: A 3-kilometer path through prestigious vineyards like Romanée-Conti and La Tâche
- Gevrey-Chambertin Circuit: A 7-kilometer loop showcasing the area’s top Grand Cru sites
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
Day 1: Explore Gevrey-Chambertin, visit Domaine Armand Rousseau, and dine at Le Clos du Cèdre.
Day 2: Tour Clos de Vougeot, taste at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (if possible), and enjoy dinner in Vosne-Romanée.
Day 3: Visit Nuits-Saint-Georges, explore the Cassissium museum, and conclude with a tasting at Domaine Faiveley.
5-Day Burgundy Immersion
Extend your stay to include visits to Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis, and nearby Côte de Beaune. Mix wine tastings with cultural experiences like the Hospices de Beaune.
Getting There & Around
The closest major airport is Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS), about 2 hours drive from Côte de Nuits. Alternatively, fly into Paris and take a high-speed TGV train to Dijon.
Renting a car is ideal for exploring the region’s vineyards and villages. Major car rental companies operate at airports and train stations.
Public Transportation
- Trains: Regular service between Dijon and Beaune, stopping at major wine towns
- Buses: Limited options connecting villages, mainly useful for short trips
Best Time to Visit
September to November: Harvest season offers vibrant colors and winery activities
May to June: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and blooming vineyards
Seasonal Considerations
- Winter (December-February): Cold, with some wineries closed for visitors
- Summer (July-August): Peak tourist season, higher prices, and busy tasting rooms
Sustainability Efforts
Many Côte de Nuits wineries embrace sustainable practices. Look for certifications like:
- Agriculture Biologique (AB): Organic certification
- Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE): High Environmental Value
- Demeter: Biodynamic certification
Eco-Friendly Wineries
Domaine Dujac: Practices organic and biodynamic viticulture
Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair: Certified organic since 2005
Language Tips
Basic French phrases enhance your wine tasting experience:
- Je voudrais goûter… (I would like to taste…)
- Quelle est la cuvée la plus populaire? (What is the most popular cuvée?)
- Pouvez-vous me parler de ce vin? (Can you tell me about this wine?)
Further Resources
- Books: “The Wines of Burgundy” by Clive Coates MW
- Websites: Bourgogne Wine Board (www.bourgogne-wines.com)
- Apps: Vivino for wine ratings and reviews
Local Wine Schools
École des Vins de Bourgogne: Offers courses for all levels in Beaune
Sensation Vin: Provides tastings and short courses in Beaune
