Small Group Wine Tasting Tour Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits

Discover Burgundy’s Premier Small Group Wine Tasting Experience

This 8-hour Burgundy wine tour priced at $456.94 per person offers an intimate exploration of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits regions. With a maximum group size of 7 travelers, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to visit both renowned wineries and smaller producers. The tour includes pickup options and a mobile ticket, making logistics straightforward and flexible.

Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—the two grapes that define Burgundy’s reputation. You will taste at least 15 outstanding wines across all classification levels, from village wines to Grand Crus. The experience is scheduled well, with most bookings made 88 days in advance, and it caters to those who appreciate a mix of education, tasting, and scenic visits.

Key Points

• Personalized small-group format with a maximum of 7 participants
• Visit to multiple wineries including both big names and independent producers
• Tastings of at least 15 wines, from village level to Grand Crus
• Includes a traditional lunch with wine pairings in Beaune
• Flexible itinerary with stops at key vineyards like Puligny-Montrachet and Vosne-Romanée
• Expert guides provide insight into terroir, classification, and winemaking practices

Exploring the Vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet and Montrachet

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the vineyards and ancient wine villages of the Côte de Beaune, focusing on the famous Grand Crus of Montrachet. Here, guides discuss terroir and the classification of wines, offering a foundational understanding of what makes Burgundy wines unique. This stop lasts around 30 minutes and is free of charge, setting the stage for the day ahead.

In Puligny-Montrachet, the guide points out the distinction of this prestigious wine area, renowned for its Chardonnay. The drive itself offers stunning views of the vineyard landscape, helping you appreciate the landscape’s role in shaping the wines. This introductory phase piques interest in Burgundy’s complex terroir.

Meet Independent Winemakers in Santenay

Next, the tour visits an independent winemaker in Santenay, where the focus shifts to hands-on experiences. You’ll walk through the vineyard and visit the winery’s cellar, learning about winemaking practices directly from the producer. This stop lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a tasting of 6 wines, which feature both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Puligny Montrachet, Chassagne Montrachet, and Santenay, including Premier Crus.

This visit highlights Burgundy’s small-scale craftsmanship and the diversity within the region. The personal interaction with the winemaker offers an authentic look at how different terroirs influence flavor profiles. Tasting Premier Crus provides insight into the quality levels achievable in Burgundy.

Discover Hidden Gems in Monthelie

The tour continues with a stop in Monthelie, an often-overlooked village that produces remarkable wines. Here, an independent winegrower opens their ancient winery and cellars, explaining their winemaking techniques and history. This stop involves a tour of the facilities and tasting 5 wines from nearby Meursault, Monthelie, and Beaune.

The focus on small producers emphasizes Burgundy’s variety and craftsmanship outside the more famous appellations. Tasting Premier Cru wines at this stop demonstrates the high quality available in lesser-known villages, broadening your appreciation for Burgundy’s terroir diversity.

Enjoy a Traditional Lunch with Wine Pairings

A highlight of the tour is a 2-hour lunch at a local restaurant in Beaune. This meal offers a chance to relax, enjoy regional cuisine, and savor wine pairings selected to complement the dishes. The break provides a well-deserved rest amid the day’s tastings and sightseeing.

The inclusion of a lunch in a local setting enhances the experience, allowing for conversation and reflection on the wines tasted so far. The pairing of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with regional dishes exemplifies how food and wine are intertwined in this region.

Explore the Grand Crus of Aloxe-Corton

Post-lunch, the tour visits the Grand Cru vineyards of the Hill of Corton in Aloxe-Corton. This 30-minute stop focuses on the different terroirs and landscape features north of Beaune. It’s an opportunity to observe the vineyard terrain and understand how geography influences wine quality.

Guides discuss what makes these vineyards some of Burgundy’s most prestigious. Walking through these Grand Crus allows you to appreciate the scale and beauty of the region’s top-tier terroirs.

Visit Vosne-Romanée and its Iconic Vineyards

The journey north through the Côte de Nuits takes you through Nuits St Georges to Vosne-Romanée, home to legendary vineyards such as Romanée Conti and La Tâche. The visit lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which an independent winegrower hosts a tasting of 5 wines, including Premier and Grand Cru selections.

This stop offers a closer look at the most revered vineyard sites of Burgundy. The expert guide explains the significance of each vineyard and the history behind the names. Tasting wines from Grand Crus here provides a rare chance to appreciate some of Burgundy’s most sought-after wines.

Scenic Return via Route des Grand Crus to Beaune

The final part of the tour involves a 30-minute drive back to Beaune along the Route des Grand Crus. This scenic route showcases the beautiful vineyard landscape and marks the end of the day’s visits. The tour concludes in Beaune, where you have the option for further exploration or transportation arrangements.

This return journey reinforces the visual beauty of Burgundy’s wine country, leaving lasting impressions of the region’s landscape and terroir.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour operates from April to October 2025, with Monday to Saturday hours from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received immediately at booking. The pickup service simplifies logistics, and the mobile ticket makes check-in easy.

Most bookings are made 88 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended to secure a spot. The tour is free to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled time, offering flexibility for planning.

Why Choose This Burgundy Wine Tour?

What sets this experience apart is its intimate size, allowing for meaningful interaction with independent winemakers and a balanced itinerary that includes major vineyards and hidden gems. The knowledgeable guides help clarify Burgundy’s complex classification system and terroir differences, making it ideal for those eager to deepen their wine understanding.

The tastings of at least 15 wines across all levels ensure a comprehensive view of Burgundy’s diversity and quality. The inclusion of a regionally-focused lunch enhances the overall value, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy local cuisine.

Final Thoughts on the Burgundy Wine Tour

This small group tour offers a well-rounded look at Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. Its personalized approach, with visits to both big-name wineries and small producers, makes it especially appealing for wine lovers wanting an authentic, educational experience.

While the itinerary may vary slightly depending on grower availability, the tour maintains its high-quality tastings and insightful commentary. The expert guides and scenic routes make this tour a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about exploring Burgundy’s world-renowned wines in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Is there a minimum group size for the tour to operate?
Yes, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers to run, but details are not specified. If canceled, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s suitable for those interested in wine, Burgundy’s landscape, and regional cuisine.

What is included in the price?
The price covers visits to multiple wineries, tastings of at least 15 wines, a regional lunch, and transportation.