Exquisite Wines Tasting Chateau Pommard, Chablis Small-Group Trip

Discover the Charm of Burgundy’s Wine Region in One Day

This small-group Burgundy wine tour from Paris offers an immersive day exploring the renowned vineyards of Chablis and the historic town of Beaune. Priced at $459.61 per person, the tour includes visits to two distinguished wineries—Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard and Chateau de Pommard—where you sample a total of 15 wines. The trip is designed for those who appreciate expert-guided tastings and prefer a comfortable Mercedes Minivan with extra legroom and adjustable seats for a smooth ride. With a max group size of 7, this tour balances intimacy with expert attention.

An audio guide accompanies the journey, providing rich insights into Burgundy’s wine-making process and regional classifications. The tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive day trip that combines tastings, sightseeing, and cultural insights. The roundtrip transport from Paris makes it a hassle-free way to explore Burgundy without the need to plan logistics yourself, although it’s best suited for those comfortable with a long day of about 14 hours.

Key Points

• Full-day Burgundy tour from Paris, including Chablis and Beaune
• Tastes of 15 wines at two top vineyards, including Grand Cru options
• Roundtrip transport in a Mercedes Minivan with professional driver
• Small-group size (up to 7 travelers) for a personalized experience
• Guided winery visits with audio commentary and expert guides
• Optional lunch in Chablis available, with arrangements made for you

Starting Point and Convenient Pickup Options

The tour begins at 7:30 am at the Opera Garnier Steps in central Paris or can include hotel pickup if booked. The journey to Burgundy covers approximately 190 km on the highway, lasting around 2.5 hours in an air-conditioned Mercedes minivan. A rest stop is scheduled for comfort and refreshment, ensuring a relaxed start to the day.

Visiting Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in Chablis

The first stop is at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard, arriving around 10:15 am. Surrounded by vineyards, this estate offers a cave visit and a tasting of five wines, including Chablis, Chablis 1-er Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. The staff explains the wine-making process in Chablis and highlights the differences between the appellations. The tasting also features cheese, enhancing the experience.

This visit provides clear insight into Burgundy’s unique terroir and the classification system. The admission fee is included in the tour price, and the tasting lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Exploring Chablis Village and Its Local Wineries

The second stop is at Domaine Celine & Frederic Gueguen or a similar local producer like Baptiste. Here, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, visitors taste five wines, including Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Grand Cru. The focus is on showcasing the varieties and quality levels that Burgundy offers.

This wine tasting provides a deeper understanding of regional differences and vineyard classifications. The admission is included, and the winery visit lasts about 1 hour.

Free Time and Optional Lunch in Chablis

From 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, there’s free time in Chablis village. Visitors can explore the charming town, with its historic streets and scenic views. Alternatively, an optional gastronomic lunch can be arranged, with payments made directly to the restaurant. This is a good chance to enjoy local wine and cheese or regional cuisine before heading to Burgundy’s wine capital.

Traveling to Château de Pommard Near Beaune

Post-lunch, the journey continues with a 1.5-hour drive to Château de Pommard, arriving around 4:00 pm. This world-famous estate is surrounded by vineyards and is a key highlight of the tour. Visitors enjoy a tasting of five wines from Château de Pommard and Famille Carabello-Baum’s “La Route des Grands Crus” collection, guided by a professional sommelier.

The learning focus here is on how Pinot Noir and Chardonnay express themselves across different villages and terroirs. The guide explains Burgundy’s five subregions and the significance of the La Route des Grands Crus. The visit provides insights into Burgundy’s classification system and the influence of natural factors.

An Evening Return to Paris

The return trip begins around 5:30 pm, covering approximately 312 km back to Paris. A rest stop is again scheduled for comfort. The journey concludes around 9:00 pm at Opera Garnier or your hotel if booked with the optional pickup service. The total duration of 14 hours encompasses travel, tastings, and sightseeing.

Special Notes for Sunday Tours

On Sundays, the tour offers an additional visit to the local food market in Chablis. However, visits to Jean-Marc Brocard and Regnard are not available on Sundays; instead, alternative wineries like Domaine Baptiste and La Chablisienne are included, maintaining the same number of tastings. Château de Pommard continues with visits on Sundays, making it a good option for weekend travelers.

Included Features and Practical Details

The tour price covers roundtrip transportation in a Mercedes E220/E300 or Minivan, depending on group size, along with guided winery visits, five wine tastings at each major stop, all fees and taxes, plus bottled water. Tips and souvenirs are not included, nor are meals and drinks outside the arranged lunch. The group size is limited to 7, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Suitability and Booking Considerations

This tour is best suited for wine lovers who want a comprehensive day trip with expert-guided tastings and comfortable transport. It’s designed for those comfortable with a long, full day of activity and travel. The advance booking period averages 70 days, and the tour is fully refundable with 24-hour cancellation notice.

Final Thoughts on the Burgundy Small-Group Wine Tour

This 14-hour experience combines scenic drives, educational tastings, and visits to some of Burgundy’s most notable wineries. The small-group format and professional guides ensure a personalized experience that appeals to serious wine enthusiasts or those looking to deepen their understanding of Burgundy’s appellations and terroirs.

While the long day might be challenging for some, the quality of wines and insightful guides make it worthwhile. The option for private trips adds flexibility for personalized experiences. This tour provides a rich snapshot of Burgundy’s wine culture in one exceptional day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers roundtrip transport in a Mercedes vehicle, guided winery visits, five tastings at each winery, all fees and taxes, and bottled water.

Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes, the tour can be arranged as a private trip for a more personalized experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
The total approximate duration is 14 hours, starting from 7:30 am and returning around 9:00 pm.

Is lunch included?
Lunch in Chablis is optional and paid separately. The tour offers to reserve a meal for you, but you pay directly at the restaurant.

What stops are made during the tour?
Stops include Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard, Domaine Celine & Frederic Gueguen or other local wineries, the free time in Chablis village, and Château de Pommard near Beaune.

Are the wine tastings suitable for all?
Yes, tastings feature a variety of Burgundy wines, including Grand Cru options, with expert guidance to help you understand each.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing for walking and taste testing is recommended. Bottled water is provided, but bring any additional drinks or souvenirs if desired.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information does not specify accessibility details, but the tour involves vineyard visits and walking in towns, so consider mobility needs when booking.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked around 70 days before the scheduled date. Early booking is advised, especially during peak seasons.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

This small-group Burgundy wine experience offers a detailed, engaging day exploring some of France’s most celebrated vineyards, perfect for wine aficionados eager to deepen their knowledge while enjoying scenic views and excellent tastings.