Wine Lover's Guide to Burgundy

A trip to Burgundy is a wine lover’s dream. In addition to bucolic scenery, château tours, and must-do tastings, you can learn the techniques involved in producing some of the world’s best wine. Red wine is the main focus in this region, yet there are a few white varieties as well. Here’s what to see, sip, and do in Burgundy.

Must-Try Varietals Folks in eastern France’s Burgundy region have been fermenting grapes into wine since the second century. What began as a practice among monks has flourished into one of the best and biggest winemaking industries in the world. The red heavy hitters here are made from pinot noir grapes, while chardonnays and lesser-known Aligotés lead the white-wine offering. Starting just south of Dijon is the Route des Grands Crus, a 37-mile (60-kilometer) journey through some of the top winemaking towns including Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Romanée Conti. Have an expert guide you through the winemaking process from start to finish, and give insight into the grapes and blends used to create the province’s renowned wines. Along the way, taste some of the area’s best wines from prized vintners, tour charming villages, feast on cheese and other local delicacies, and explore everything Burgundy has to offer.

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit prize-winning wineries and sample wines along the Route des Grands Crus to taste famous Burgundy red wines.
• Explore Beaune by bike and take in the scenic views while sampling wine and food from this subregion.
• Enjoy wine and cheese tastings as an introduction to the famous Dijon region.
• Discover special and limited Burgundy varieties that are not available outside of this district.
• Visit the magnificent Château du Clos de Vougeot, one of the oldest wineries in Burgundy.