Burgundy has been synonymous with wine for centuries, often referred to as the Côte d\’Or, a popular region for wine lovers worldwide. This region boasts some of the world\’s most exquisite wines, including Pinot noir and Chardonnay.

While it may not be easy to trek through the vineyards of Burgundy, it is certainly an unforgettable experience. For many wine enthusiasts, visiting wineries to sample some of the world\’s most well-known and coveted vintages is a dream come true, and Burgundy is no exception. In this article, we aim to highlight some of the best Burgundy wineries to visit, complete with insider knowledge and in-depth analysis.

Be sure to start your wine-tasting journey at the heart of Burgundy – Dijon. Dijon is the cultural hub of Burgundy and is known for producing exceptional dry white wines. The Maison Olivier Leflaive is an excellent place to start, situated in Puligny-Montrachet; they offer a range of savory wines such as the Chardonnay, Beaune and Pommard.

Another must-visit winery is the Domaine de la Romanée Conti (DRC), producing some of the best Burgundy wines since the 18th century. The Domaine de la Romanée Conti strictly produces wines without any form of blending, which ultimately produces pure and unique wines. A bottle of their Romanée-Conti Grand Cru Vineyard could cost thousands, but a visit to the winery is a one-of-a-kind experience, with prices starting at €155 for six glasses during a tasting session.

Afterwards, we recommend making your way to one of the oldest wine producers in Burgundy, the Bouchard Père & Fils. Operating since 1731, this winery has centuries of experience under their belt, and their wines are just as exceptional today as they were centuries ago. During a visit, you can opt for the tasting sessions or tours that could cost as little as €10. Their winery dishes out some of the most revered Pinot Noirs in the region, hence their slogan, \”The oldest and finest wine merchant of Burgundy.\”

No journey through the wines of Burgundy would be complete without visiting the Hospices de Beaune. This site is a medical center founded in the 15th century and is regarded as one of France\’s most beautiful buildings. The hospice produces wine from the Côte d’Or\’s most exceptional vineyards and sells it at the annual auction in the third week of November. A fun fact about this winery is that the wine auction has been running non-stop for close to six centuries!

A visit to Burgundy is not complete without taking an informative and educational tour of the vineyards with a licensed guide. We recommend \’Burgundy Discovery Wine Tours.\’ With over 25 years of experience in the tours and wine industry, they make navigating the vineyards considerably more comfortable for tourists.

Winery With Stunning Views: Chateau de Pommard

A visit to Burgundy\’s winery will undoubtedly enlighten you to the unique winemaking culture and history of the region. However, for those seeking out esteemed landscapes and a luxurious ambiance, there\’s no better place to experience that than the extraordinary Chateau de Pommard.

Over 300 years old, the Chateau boasts lush greenery and beautifully-manicured gardens that provide a perfect backdrop for sipping some of the region\’s finest wines. Visitors can expect to enjoy an array of premium Burgundy wines during their winery tour, including the popular Clos Marey-Monge, which is the heart of the vineyard.

Tours at the Chateau de Pommard last around 90 minutes and cost €50 per person, while the premium tour and tasting cost €120 per person. With a captivating 360-degree panoramic view of the vineyards and an exceptional wine-tasting experience, Chateau de Pommard is undoubtedly well worth a visit.

Wine Tour by Bike

A fantastic way to explore the fascinating wine region of Burgundy is on a bike tour. Burgundy on a Bike offers scenic bike tours through some of the region\’s most beautiful vineyards, providing a unique perspective on the winemaking culture and practices of the region.

Burgundy\’s bike tours are ideal for small groups of people, ensuring that visitors get the personalized experience they deserve. The tours start at €170 per person and include an expert guide, a rental bike, and helmet. Visitors can expect to stop at local wineries for tastings and gain insight into the fine art of wine-making in the region.

The History of Burgundy Wineries: A Brief Overview

The Burgundy region lies in Eastern France, covering over thirty thousand hectares of land. The region has been making wine since the Roman era, where winemaking practices were brought over from the Southern Rhone valley. The production of wine was highly prevalent in monasteries, and monks played a significant role in the diffusion of viticulture knowledge throughout Europe.

Burgundy\’s highly acclaimed Appellation d\’Origine Controlée (AOC) wine classification system was established in 1935; this was to certify that a wine is of the highest quality and has been produced in Burgundy according to the AOC regulations. A Burgundy wine that is sold without AOC certification is known as a vin de table, which is of lesser quality and without regulated grape variety.

Wine Tasting and Food Pairing

Wine-tasting and food pairing complement each other, enhancing the wine-tasting experience tremendously. With so many fantastic restaurants in Burgundy, finding the perfect food-wine pairing could make a whole lot more difference than one might think.

The recommended food pairings for the region\’s most remarkable wines are quite extraordinary. As an example, a caramelized onion and goat cheese tart, paired with a Burgundian Chardonnay, is the perfect combination. The tart\’s sweetness brings out the wine\’s fruity aspect, while the tart\’s savory quality elevates the wine\’s aroma.

The Perfect Time To Visit Burgundy

The best time to visit Burgundy is between April and November, especially in the summer and autumn months. During this season, the weather is mild, and the vineyards are at their greenest and vibrant.

However, bear in mind that some wineries might be closed for the summer season; hence it is good to confirm with the winery beforehand. Burgundy can get fairly busy in the peak season, hence it is advisable to book your tours and winery visits ahead of time to ensure availability.