The Burgundy Region of France

Many wine lovers consider the dry red and white wines from Burgundy to be some of the most exceptional wines in the world. I’m one of those people. If you love wine and enjoy visiting wineries and tasting rooms, the region of Burgundy should be on your shortlist. The charm of this region is undeniable.

The Burgundy region is easy to reach, features rolling hills of vineyards, and is sure to provide the incredible delicacies for which France is famous. Those seeking to unwind in a relaxing environment but still have the opportunity to explore will find Burgundy to be an astonishing escape! There are many villages and sites that you can visit or relax at a corner cafe with a bottle of some of the most excellent wines the world has to offer.

 

The Burgundy Region

A Bit About It…

Burgundy is a region in eastern France, between Dijon and Lyon, that is famous for the dry wines produced from their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The villages of Irancy, Vézelay, Cluny, Meursault, are just a few of the most beautiful villages that you’ll find here.

When visiting the region, you can easily buy some of the best Pinot Noir or Chardonnay that you’ve tasted, at a fraction of the price you’d typically pay due to the cost of exporting.

For collectors and those with far more sophisticated palettes than mine, some of the most finest and most expensive wines in the world are found here. Thanks to the specification of appellations d’origins contrôlée (AOC), the Burgundy region is land-specific, and the labels make it easy.

The quality levels are also noted…

• Grand Cru - The best of the best. Less than 3 percent of wines produced in Burgundy receive this designation.

• Premier Cru - These wines are excellent in quality and are less than 15 percent of production in Burgundy. There’s a cost-saving here compared to the Cru but can still be pricey depending on the producer.

• Village Wines - These wines are village specific but feature grapes from more than one vineyard in the Burgundy Region. The soil and temp are often consistent, so these still provide some incredible options at super affordable pricing.

• Regional Wines - These are often referred to as ‘table wine’ and are more of a daily wine and make up half of the wine bottled from Burgundy. These are younger and aren’t meant to spend time in the cellar. Enjoy them now. They are excellent wines that are from the Burgundy region but are not required to be village consistent. These are the wines that are often labeled as Bourgogne.

How to Get Here

The most local airport is in Geneva, Switzerland. From there, it’s a beautiful drive into Burgundy. You’ll be driving from the most southern section of the region, but I tend to recommend staying central around the Beaune area. The best wines are most commonly found in the central and northern parts of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.

If you want to combine a major city into the trip, which we have done in the past, the drive from Paris was gorgeous! Driving in Paris, however, is not something I enjoy! Rent a car on the outside of town and go from there!

Where To Stay

Domaine de la Combotte, 39 Rue du Pichot, 21190 Nantoux, France

It’s impossible not to unwind in a location like this. Wake up to crisp cool air and enjoy breakfast and fresh coffee on the patio. Take a walk or ride a bike into Nantoux and past vines that have been maturing for decades. Nathalie and Denis, owners of the property, are the most lovely hosts and make it that much more special!

The property is surrounded by many vineyards and is a wine lovers paradise. Venture out to scenic rolling fields of grapes, take photos until your heart's content, schedule tastings at world-famous vineyards, and end up back at home on the patio sipping a bottle of Chardonnay while watching the sunset.

What To Do (i.e. Where to Taste…)

• Oenothèque Joseph Drouhin

  One of my personal favorites. The tour will take place beneath the town of Beaune and through their cellars. If you’re familiar with wines from Burgundy, you know the name. Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 and has produced some of the most exceptional wines out of Beaune. Be sure to take the tour though because it’s full of history and is far more interesting than your average tour!

• Domain du Chateau de Meursault

  This beautiful chateau is surrounded by what you know will one day be some of the most delicious wines. It’s just a beautiful place and is honestly breathtaking. The tour is excellent, and the wines are incredible! Don’t miss this one!

• Domaine du Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet

  Just nearby to Chateau de Meursault is the Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet. The Montrachet AOC are infamous for their wines. Schedule a tasting and be sure to try their Grand Crus. These are excellent examples of the exceptional wines that are produced from this soil!

• Domaine Prunier-Damy

  Pop into this adorable village for a tasting! The vineyard is located in a beautiful location and has excellent wines at affordable pricing.

• Chateau de la Rochepot

  This 12th Century castle was rebuilt in the 15th century. In the 19th century, the famous Beaune tiles were added to the roof. It is full of character and can be toured in roughly an hour. The views are remarkable, and the interior is classic! I loved the kitchen!

• Falaises de Baubigny

  Along a scenic route from Chateau de la Rochepot to Domaine de la Combotte is a gorgeous overlook that you can’t miss! Keep an eye out on D171 because there’s an area to turn off and there’s a 40-meter walk to the cliff where there’s a beautiful spot to take photographs. The cliffs look down into Saint Romain, and it’s worth stopping for a moment, or even a picnic if you have the time!

• Visit Dijon

  In just under an hour, you can easily reach Burgundy’s capital city of Dijon. This is the northern section of Burgundy, the Côte de Nuits. Download the app for the Owl’s Trail. I loved this! It’s an excellent opportunity to self-guide at your own pace through Dijon using the app and gold markers on the ground. It’s the best way to explore the city and also takes you by our lunch recommendation at Maison des Cariatides.

  On the way back, explore a bit! The wines found in this region are often incredible. Check out Domaine Romanée Conti if you have a large budget set aside for wine.

Where To Eat

Le Relais de Saulx - 6 Rue Louis Véry, Beaune

Be sure to reach out ahead of time and grab reservations here! The chef at Le Relais de Saulx serves up dishes that were more impressive than a nearby Michelin Star provided and at extremely reasonable pricing! This is one of those places that you visit every time you are in the area!

Le Bacchus - 6 Rue du Faubourg Madeleine, Beaune

Creativity and taste combine at Le Bacchus in Beaune. From an incredible cheeseburger (that features crispy potatoes cakes in place of bread) to classic French dishes like Bœuf Bourgogne and delicious escargot…. you will leave happy! We enjoyed lunch here while exploring Beaune and it was terrific!

Hotel Restaurant Montrachet - 10 pl du Pasquier de la Fontaine

After visiting a touring the cellars of Chateau de Marsault and a round of tasting at Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet, we enjoyed a masterfully prepared prix fixe meal with Chardonnay at Restaurant Montrachet. They offer indoor dining, but in early summer, outdoor is the way to go!

Maison des Cariatides - 28 rue Chaudronnerie, Dijon

Step through the doors of this 17-century in the middle of your self-guided Owl Tour and look to your feet. You’ll find another Owl there! This beautiful restaurant serves up fabulous regional fare that is guaranteed to satisfy!

at Home…

After having spent several hours exploring in the region, tasting wines, and touring vineyards, sometimes all you need is a relaxing sunset with delicious charcuterie and wine. Since we stayed at Domaine de la Combotte, this was an excellent option. We even prepared salads since they allow the use of their kitchen as long as you clean up after yourself!

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