Burgundy is one of France’s most well-known regions. A region with dozens upon dozens of rural hamlets where time has stood still. Burgundy is also home to some of the finest wines produced in the world.
Wine tours on river cruises are the most relaxed and luxurious ways to experience and explore Burgundy. Luxurious hotel barges meander up and down rivers and canals, stopping at some of the greatest vineyards and wineries where you get to taste the nectar of the grapes – amazing Burgundy wine.
Cruising from Vintage to Vintage
As you cruise gracefully along the Burgundy Canal on these wine tours, you’ll pass through many different areas – each producing their own unique varieties of wine. Each has a long tradition of wine making and when you try these amazing wines, you’ll be tasting years of love and devotion to just one thing – producing the best wine possible!
Château de Meursault – 900 Years of Excellence
This magnificent chateau has been producing wine for centuries. Some of its cellars have been in use since the 12th century and contain hundreds of barrels of premium wines. During your visit you can expect to sample a selection of both red and white wines and perhaps even their vintage Charmes and Perrières Premier Cru.
Maison Jaffelin – the “Newcomer on the Block”
As you continue your journey make sure you visit Maison Jaffelin in Beaune. A relative newcomer (founded in 1816), their wines are based on traditions going back centuries. What this winery lacks in size it makes up for with the quality of the wines stored in its impressive, vaulted cellars.
Domaine Bersan at Saint-Bris le Vineux
Stop off at the village of Saint-Bris le Vineux to explore Domaine Bersan. And we really do mean ‘explore’ because this maze of underground cellars was once used as defence system for the village. Today, however, they store exquisite wines with a bouquet and taste to die for!
Puligny-Montrachet
With more than 20 wineries, this village is a wine aficionado’s Mecca. The best known vineyard also gave it the second half of its name - Le Montrachet. If you want the ultimate taste experience, then Le Montrachet is where you need to be as this exclusive label produces some of the world’s rarest and most expensive wines.
Philippe Chavy & Coffinet-Duvernay – Boutique Wineries, International Standards.
In Puligny-Montrachet you should also take some time during to explore some of the smaller wineries. Two great examples are Philippe Chavy and Coffinet-Duvernay. With wines made from grapes grown in perfect conditions and produced with care and attention, you have a treat in store for you.
Explore Above and Not Just Below
Don’t miss the opportunity to see where it all starts – the fields where the juicy, sweet grapes are grown.
Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus in Beaune
This is one vineyard you have to visit! Known for the quality of the Pinot Noir grapes which produce some of the best vintages ever, you’ll get to see, at first hand, acres upon acres of grapes that are destined to grace your table as fine wine.
Chablis – Not Just a Wine but Also a Town
The town gave its name to the dry white wine produced from its succulent chardonnay grapes. Enjoy a quiet and leisurely stroll along the public footpaths that take you around some very impressive vineyards. This is one place you must stop at on any wine tours to sample the wine and food and to drink in the breath-taking scenery.
The Chevaliers du Tastevin
Since 1934 these bastions of Burgundy culture and heritage have been preserving and promoting all that this amazing region has to offer – wine, food, folklore, festivals and much more. Situated in the beautiful Château du Clos de Vougeot, an ancient winery dating back over 900 years.
Regardless of how many wine tours you enjoy, there will always be something new to see and discover in what is
one of the most beautiful regions of France.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury barge holidays. Offering holidays to France and other great destinations, itineraries include wine tours and other cultural and themed activities. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience