I am enclosing here a few recommendations for Beaune and Burgundy tasting opportunities. Make sure you read them and book in advance, even if you have to cancel a few days before (please call and cancel if needed to leave space for another traveler). Make sure you are in time for any of the bookings you make and if you are late, please call and let them know. I do not get any discounts or have any partnership with any of the recommended estates or wine merchants. I have chosen them because I like their wines and their personalities. These are usually places where I buy myself wines for the school or for myself. To prepare your self to taste the wines please download the “ClimaVinea” Application with the Burgundy Maps. ( ask to be shown the wines you taste on the map) or you can use the free maps provided via burgmap.com . If you write ahead of time, do present yourselves and ask if you can also visit the cellars and perhaps speak to the winemaker or vineyard manager. You can also ship wines, free of 20% tax via Côte D’Or Imports ( email them to ask ahead of time the cost, discounts on volume, procedure for your country/ island – write to Carolyn Delelee <info@cotedorpdx.com>)
Recommendations within the town of Beaune, walking distance
Maison Joseph Drouhin
Location: 1, Cour du Parlement, 21200 Beaune
Why? The building where Joseph Drouhin ( click here to read more about their wines) is located is the old Parliament House of the Dukes of Burgundy, at the back of the “shop” you can still see the oldest standing up walls of the city of Beaune, dating back to Roman Times. Also, on the right hand side of the “shop” one can notice a 3D Map of Burgundy ( very rare), with the old classification of the 19th century. Make sure you take pictures of this map as it will turn very valuable to make use in searching for value wines. Then, One Hectare of cellars (2,5 acres), linking the Notre Dame Basilica to the Hospices de Beaune (!!!) full of wines. Make sure you ask for a Tasting and a Visit of the cellars. Take any of the proposed tastings that comes with a visit. The Oenothèque Joseph Drouhin is open continuously from 9.30 am to 6 pm every day from Monday to Saturday included. Closed on Sundays. The visits are at fixed times and upon appointment only. Visits at 10.00 am; 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm every day from Monday to Saturday included. Closed on Sundays. Click here to reserve a visit. You will find details of our different wine tasting options and other events by clicking here. For any other themed tasting or tailor-made event, please contact us at the address below: oenotheque@drouhin.com
Bouchard Pere & Fils
Location: 15 Rue du Château, 21200 Beaune
Why? The Castel de Beaune, a former royal fortress built in the 15th century by King Louis XI. Four of the five original towers of the fortress, as well as parts of the ramparts, still stand today and have featured on the list of historic monuments since 1937. The cellars run deep underground beneath the property providing ideal natural storage conditions for Bouchard Père & Fils’ fine wines ( click here to learn more about the estate). Up to 10 metres deep, the wines develop and age undisturbed. These include a unique collection of over 2,000 bottles from the 19th century. A priceless historical legacy with, as its icon, the oldest wine – a Meursault Charmes 1846 which still retains its luster. Click Here for Opening Hours & Booking Form
Bouchard Ainé et Fils
Location: 4 Bd Maréchal Foch, 21200 Beaune
At the time Hôtel du Conseiller du Roy was built, it was the town’s first residence to be built outside the walls. It was built under the initiative of Jacques Philibert Parigot de Santenay who, during the 18th century, was one of the richest inhabitants of the city. He was also one of the members of council to Louis XV. The Hôtel du Conseiller du Roy upholds its name from the brilliant function of its original proprietor. Discover wine through your 5 senses ! Since June 1998, the winemaking cellars at the Hôtel du Conseiller du Roy have been opened to visitors. This is a good tasting opportunity on a Sunday for example. Click here for Contact information.
Domaine Debray
Location: 1 Place Saint-Jacques, 21200 Beaune
Created in 2006 by Yvonnick Debray, the estate is based on 4 hectares divided on the terroir of the Côte de Beaune. Click here to read more and book.
Tasting Recommendations outside of Beaune, you need a car
Village of Aloxe Corton – 10 minutes North of Beaune
Domaine Comte Senard ( organic farming)
Location: 1 Rue des Chaumes, 21420 Aloxe-Corton
Visit and taste the wine with a lunch opportunity called Table d’Hôtes
In 1857, Jules Senard, great grandfather of the current owner created the original “Corton Clos Des Meix” vineyard. Covering a surface of 6 acres, the vineyard has been a “Monopole” (under exclusive control) ever since. Over the years, the acquisition of prestigious appellations such as Corton Clos Du Roi, Corton Bressandes and Corton Paulands has increased the prestige and high reputation of the Comte Senard Estate. This choice, carefully thought over and discussed among the family, has allowed them to offer an incomparable selection of the best wines, spread over 22 acres of prime vineyards. Aged in the Estate’s cellars built in the 14th Century by Benedictine monks from the Abbaye de Sainte Marguerite, our wines offer the guarantee of high quality. An enthusiastic believer of initial cold-soaking and temperature control during fermentation process since 1988, Philippe Senard passionately defends these wine-making methods which provide the Corton and Aloxe Corton appellations all the qualities necessary for good ageing. Since the year 2000, Lorraine Senard ( winemaker and vineyard manager)has followed on from her father. Her first white wine vinification was with the 2002 vintage and the 2005 vintage for the red. Lorraine’s approach is very much inspired from the previous generations’ respect in keeping the Corton spirit alive : deep robe, red fruit aromas, finesse and powerful. Click here to contact the estate.
Village of Meursault – 10 minutes South of Beaune
Domaine Boyer-Martenot (organic farming)
Location: 17 Rue de Mazeray, 21190 Meursault
Run by Vincent Boyer ( winemaker) and his sister Sylvie Boyer ( vineyard manager). The Domaine has in total 10 hectares of vineyards spread across various locations of the Côte de Beaune including Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Auxey-Duresses and Pommard. Organic Estate. From 1997 to 2007 the Domaine acquired more parcels of land giving them a wider selection of appellations including Meursault «Les Tillets» Meursault 1er Cru «Les Perrieres» and Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru «Le Cailleret». Click here to contact the Estate.
Village of Puligny- Montrachet, 10 -15 minutes by car South of Beaune
Olivier Leflaive
Location: Place du Monument, 21190 PULIGNY-MONTRACHET
Link to website: https://hotel.olivier-leflaive.com/en/wine-tourism/
Olivier Leflaive is a wine producer based in Puligny Montrachet. They offer a range of services including Paired Wine Tastings with Lunch, vineyard and cellar visits upon reservation. A fun way of discovering a producer.
Village of Gevrey- Chambertin, Côte de Nuits 35 minutes by car North of Beaune
