From Beaune: Burgundy Day Trip with 14 Wine Tastings

Burgundy Day Trip from Beaune with 14 Wine Tastings: An Expert-Led Voyage

This full-day Burgundy wine tour costs $293 per person and lasts approximately 8.5 hours, departing from the heart of Beaune. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, the tour offers a chance to sample 14 wines, including Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru classifications, making it a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience.

You’ll explore some of Burgundy’s most renowned vineyards, including a visit to the iconic Romanée-Conti and the historic Clos de Vougeot castle. The small group size—limited to 8 participants—ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, making this trip ideal for those wanting a detailed look at Burgundy’s wine world.

While the tour includes many highlights, travelers should note that lunch is not included, with a recommended local restaurant for regional cuisine on your own. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, but it offers a well-paced exploration of Burgundy’s celebrated wine landscape with ample tastings and scenic stops.

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Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Beaune featuring 14 wine tastings
• Visits to Romanée-Conti vineyard and Clos de Vougeot castle
• Tastes include Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru wines
• Led by expert local guides with extensive Burgundy knowledge
• Small group size ensures personalized experience and interaction
• Lunch not included, but excellent local restaurant suggestions are provided

Departure from Beaune and Transportation Details

This tour departs promptly at 9:30 AM from the Beaune tourist office at 6 Boulevard Perpeuil. The group travels in an air-conditioned minivan that comfortably accommodates up to 8 guests. The limited size fosters a more intimate environment, allowing for personalized explanations and interaction with the guide.

The journey begins with a guided visit to a winery near Beaune, where a variety of wines from Village to Grand Cru are tasted. The transportation timing is carefully planned to maximize vineyard visits and sightseeing stops, including a 20-minute drive to Beaune and subsequent scenic drives through Burgundy’s famous vineyards.

Exploring the Vineyards Near Beaune and Nuits Saint Georges

After the initial winery visit, the tour winds through the beautiful vineyards of Burgundy, with stops at Saint-Aubin, Meursault, Les Charmes, and Corton-Charlemagne. These vineyard areas are known for their exceptional terroirs, which influence the quality and character of Burgundy wines.

The scenic drives along the Route des Grands Crus showcase Burgundy’s lush landscapes, with stops at key landmarks like Romanée-Conti, where the most expensive wine in the world is produced, and the Chateau of Clos de Vougeot. At Clos de Vougeot, founded in 1098, the vineyard’s castle houses the Knights of the Tastevin, and the wines produced here, including Le Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, are among the region’s most celebrated.

The Winery Visits and Tasting Highlights

The tour includes visits to local wineries near Beaune and in Nuits-Saint-Georges. At the Nuits-Saint-Georges location, an intimate wine cellar visit allows for direct interaction with a winemaker. You’ll sample the winemaker’s best Pinot Noir wines, gaining insight into Burgundy’s signature grape and winemaking techniques.

In addition, a wine tasting at a local wine shop in Chambolle-Musigny wraps up the day. This tasting offers a chance to try a variety of Burgundy wines in a charming village atmosphere, consolidating the region’s diversity and complexity.

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The Iconic Stops: Romanée-Conti and Clos de Vougeot

Two stops stand out for their prestige and history. The Romanée-Conti vineyard, famous for producing Burgundy’s most expensive wine, is a key highlight. Although the tasting here is not detailed, the stop provides a photoshoot opportunity and a glimpse into the region’s luxury wine world.

The Clos de Vougeot castle, established in the late 11th century by monks, covers 50 hectares of vineyards. Visitors learn about the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Tastevin and see the historic cellars where some of Burgundy’s finest wines are aged. These stops exemplify Burgundy’s deep-rooted traditions and the importance of terroir.

Lunch Options and Regional Cuisine

Following the winery visits, the guide recommends a local restaurant for lunch, where regional Burgundy dishes are served with local wines. Guests pay for their meals separately, offering flexibility to choose establishments that suit their preferences. The lunch break lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing time to relax and enjoy regional specialties like beef bourguignon or other Burgundy classics.

Nuits-Saint-Georges and the Burgundy Pinot Noir Experience

In Nuits-Saint-Georges, the tour offers a visit to a wine cellar that is perfect for tasting Burgundy’s iconic Pinot Noir. Sharing time with a winemaker allows for deeper appreciation of Burgundy’s winemaking craft, particularly the nuances that distinguish different vineyards and producers.

This part of the tour emphasizes the importance of terroir and craftsmanship, giving visitors a more personal connection to the wines. The 75-minute tasting session here is filled with expert explanations and multiple tastings, often more than the initially advertised 14 wines in total.

Final Stop at Chambolle-Musigny

The last tasting takes place in the village of Chambolle-Musigny, renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir wines. The wine tasting at a local shop offers an opportunity to try varied expressions of Burgundy’s signature grape, often including some lesser-known but excellent producers. This relaxed final stop leaves guests with a comprehensive taste of Burgundy’s diversity.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Flexibility

The tour begins at the Beaune Tourist Office and ends back there around 5:45 PM. The small group limit—up to 8 guests—ensures a personalized experience. The activity is conducted in English, with live guides leading the way.

Guests benefit from free cancellation if they cancel at least 24 hours in advance, and can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, and lunch is not included, allowing for personal dining choices.

Why Choose This Burgundy Wine Tour?

This tour emphasizes expert guidance, with guides like Emmanuel and Virginie praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging style. Multiple reviews highlight the guides’ ability to explain complex topics simply, share regional stories, and connect personally with guests.

The variety of stops, including prestigious vineyards, historic castles, and local cellars, offers a deep dive into Burgundy’s wine culture. The 14 wines are often complemented by additional tastings, making this tour a generous and in-depth exploration for those wanting to learn and taste Burgundy’s best.

Final Thoughts on the Burgundy Day Trip

The $293 price tag reflects the tour’s comprehensive nature, expert guides, scenic drives, and plentiful tastings. This experience is best suited for wine lovers eager for a detailed tasting journey and history buffs interested in Burgundy’s heritage. The small group setting and personalized approach enhance the overall quality of the tour.

While the lunch expense and limited mobility options are considerations, the tour’s educational value and access to iconic vineyards make it a memorable way to experience Burgundy in a single day. Travelers who appreciate quality guides, scenic landscapes, and exceptional wines will find this tour offers a satisfying and enriching experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. The guide recommends a local restaurant where guests can enjoy regional Burgundy dishes on their own.

How many wines are tasted during the tour?
The tour features 14 wines, including Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru selections. Visitors often experience more than initially expected, with some reviews noting as many as 26 wines across different venues.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking and vineyard terrain.

What is the size of the group?
The activity is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small-group experience with personalized guidance.

What are the key highlights of the stops?
Major highlights include Romanée-Conti, Clos de Vougeot, scenic vineyard drives, and Pinot Noir tastings in Nuits-Saint-Georges and Chambolle-Musigny.

How flexible is the booking?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and reserve now, pay later for added flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby