The city of Dijon reflects the finest characteristics of France’s prestigious Burgundy wine region – stunning medieval architecture, an intriguing historical legacy and some of the country’s most renowned, and expensive, wine real estate.
Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is the closest main city to the noted Cote de Nuits wine sub-region. Named after walnut trees, the region boasts some of the country’s most illustrious wines – raising the popularity of wine tasting in Dijon. 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.
There are 24 Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote de Nuits; another regional difference here 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.
At Wine Paths, our local expert can organise exclusive wine tasting in Dijon trips that travel to the surrounding vineyards and can include elaborate tastings, luxury stays, fine dining experiences and some unique activities. Our private wine tasting in Dijon 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.
Among our experiences 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. The XII century Chateau is the largest single vineyard in the Cotes de Nuits – where most of the estates (80%) produce Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and rose – a speciality of Marsannay – making up the rest.
The renowned expressions of Pinot Noir that can be enjoyed during our wine tasting in Dijon tours typically feature classic, full-bodied Burgundy notes of forest berries and spices with bottles that can be aged for decades, while some cost a small fortune. If time is of the essence, we also offer a half day tour of the Cotes de Nuits that visits two of the region’s most influential Gran Cru AOCs – the Chateau of Clos de Vougeot and the Romanee Conti vineyard.
Visitors will be given tours of both vineyards accompanied by a professional guide where you can sample a variety of vintages. There are also cheese and wine pairings at a traditional, family owned cheesemaker and a final cellar visit and tasting in Nuit-Saint-George.
Dijon itself is also regarded as one of France’s most appealing cities and is definitely worth exploring, especially for culture enthusiasts. 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. 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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