WINE TOURS IN BURGUNDY

An overview of Burgundy wines, appellations and 'climats'

Surprisingly enough, the Burgundy wine region is home to only two grape varieties – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. However the region stretches over 250 kilometres in length, from Chablis in the north to the Mâconnais in the south, and has over 80 Appellations d’Origine Controlé. That’s more AOCs than any other French region! Classifications in the Burgundy vineyards focus on geography, rather than on producers, which is why the region has designated 1,247 climats. The term “climat” refers to a specific small area devoted to wine growing.

What’s on the menu in Burgundy?

Each of Burgundy’s five wine regions has its own unique identity. In the Côte de Beaune, the lovely white wines pair wonderfully with Burgundy escargots and truffles. In the Côte de Nuits, be sure to try some beef bourguignon stew – cooked slowly and paired with a Pinot Noir red Burgundy – or why not experience a Burgundian mâchon, traditionally eaten as a mid-morning breakfast snack, but now served as a starter with a glass of wine. And in the Côte-d’Or, don’t forget to taste the local cheese Epoisses de Bourgogne! Whether you choose to dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant or have lunch in a family-run bistro, you won’t be disappointed on your Burgundy wine tour!

Burgundy tour highlights

Burgundy, and Beaune in particular, with its medieval heritage: every wine tour in Burgundy should include a stroll down the medieval streets of Burgundy’s historic and economic capital. A visit to the famed Hospices of Beaune, once a charitable hospital for the poor, is a must! Founded in 1443, it is an outstanding example of historical, philanthropic and winemaking heritage.

How to get to Burgundy

By plane: Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may want to fly into the Dijon-Burgundy or Lyon airport and then drive yourself to the Burgundy vineyards, or VINOTRIP can arrange your airport transfer.

By train: Dijon is about 1 hour 30 from Paris (Gare de Lyon) by high-speed train (TGV) and another 40 minutes to Beaune. Click here for French train timetables and prices.

By car: the region is about a 3.5-hour drive from Paris or a 2-hour drive from Lyon. Car rentals are also readily available in Dijon and Beaune for self-drive tours throughout the Burgundy region.