The renowned city of Dijon, internationally famed for its titular mustard, lies on the northern tip of France’s Burgundy wine region – the birthplace of some of the country’s most prestigious, and expensive, wines.
Unlike other regions in France, Burgundy wines are not blends but made almost exclusively from two grapes that originate from the area: Pinot Noir for the red wines and Chardonnay for the whites, although varietals such as Gamay and Aligote are also grown here.
Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, was once ruled by Dukes who made the city the centre of arts and architecture – leaving a legacy of impressive cathedrals, places, gardens, museums and gated town houses scattered across the cobbled streets. Dijon is also the closest main city to the noted Cote de Nuits wine sub-region. Named after walnut trees, the area boasts some of the world’s most expensive wine real estate – making Dijon France wine tours a must for visiting wine enthusiasts.
At Wine Paths, our local expert can organise exclusive Dijon wine tours of the surrounding regions, which can include elaborate tastings, luxury stays, fine dining experiences and some unique opportunities.
Our private Dijon wine tours can be tailor-made to your own specifications, ensuring every detail is taken care of so that you can relax and enjoy the matter at hand – sampling some of the world’s finest red and white wines. There are 24 Grand Cru vineyards – another regional difference in Burgundy is that wines are classified based on terroir as opposed to winemaker, creating four classes: the elite Gran Cru vineyards, Premier Cru from superior vineyards, then Village Wines and the most generic Regional Wines – in the Cote de Nuits.
During a typical Dijon wine tour, you will be taken to several premium vineyards accompanied by a professional guide to explain the grape’s characteristics and the wine making process before sampling the wines themselves, often paired with local cuisine. Most of the vineyards (80%) in the Cote de Nuits produce Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and rose – a speciality of Marsannay – making up the rest. The renowned expressions of Pinot Noir featuring classic full-bodied Burgundy notes of forest berries and spices can be aged for decades, while some cost a small fortune.
Among the best places to sample exceptional Pinot Noir as part of a Dijon wine tour are Fixin, Brochon, Premeaux, Comblanchien, and Corgoloin. Some wine estates in these communes date back to 10th century abbeys where monks raised vineyards (known as Clos) for producing sacramental wine. Further up the slopes, the wine growing country is referred to as Hautes-Cote de Nuits. Among our Dijon wine tours is an opportunity to discover the vineyards of the Cote de Nuits and Hautes-Cote de Nuits with a visit to the famous Chateau of Clos de Vougeot where you can sample several premium vintages while marvelling at the region’s untamed landscape and charming villages.
Dijon has also been the centre of mustard making since the Middle Ages and its eponymous produce known throughout the world, while term Dijonnaise refers to a dish that has been prepared using the country’s traditional mustard. The town is also the birthplace of the liquor crème des cassis.
Each year, the city plays host to one France’s most influential and lively food festivals attracting local and international visitors by the hundreds of thousands to this energetic and cosmopolitan city with a history of Burgundian aristocracy.
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