Overview

Burgundy produces wines of the same name. The best-known wines come from the Côte d'Or, although also viticulturally part of Burgundy are Beaujolais, Chablis, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâcon.

The two most important wine regions in France are Bordeaux (on the South West coast, rather arid) and Burgundy (in the East towards Switzerland). Bordeaux wines are strict, weighty, academic, stentorian; Burgundy wines are varied, complex, human, and sophisticatedly homely.

Although "Burgundy" means red, the Burgundy region produces both white wines and red wines. In contrast Bordeaux sticks to red wines on the whole.

Typical Day Itinerary

Morning

• Buffet breakfast this morning either in the vaulted wine cellar or out on the sunny terrace of the hotel’s Renaissance courtyard.
  

Late Morning

A number of activities are arranged for this morning:

• Guided Visit of the Hospices de Beaune
  The brightly-colored tile roof and the stunning altarpiece by Roger van de Weyden are worth the visit.
  It was during the height of the power of the Dukes of Burgundy that Beaune’s most famous monument was built. The beautiful Hôtel Dieu was constructed from 1443 to 1451 by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor of Duke Philip the Good. This unique monument contains one of the greatest Flemish Altarpieces from the Renaissance, Roger van der Weyden’s Last Judgement.
• A walk in the Vineyards above Pommard
  5 miles following tiny vineyard trails with a talk and tasting among the vines.

Lunch

• Everyone meets to taste and lunch at the private home and cellars of Chris Newman, owner of Domaine Newman.
  Maker of a wonderful Pommard, a delicious white Beaune and 6 Grands Crus from the Côte de Nuits.

Afternoon

• Free-time. An opportunity to walk around the beautiful town of Beaune.
  The ancient capital of Burgundy, this small town has a population of just over 22,000 but, because of its prominence in the wine trade, has drawn international visitors for centuries. As a result, it is a very sophisticated town for its size with an active cultural life. There are summer music performances in the Hospices and the church of Notre Dame, a film festival every autumn and the famous Wine Auction in November, among other international events. Diplomats, bureaucrats, rock stars and wine lovers are always looking for a reason to come to Beaune and enjoy the good life.

Evening

• Dinner at the famous Ma Cuisine
  Open only 4 days a week, Ma Cuisine enjoys a reputation for well-prepared regional food and an impressively varied wine cellar. Fabienne Escoffier presides over the kitchen, and her husband, Pierre, maintains the dining room. The restaurant attracts local residents, many of them wine producers. The setting, a much-renovated 15th-century stable, is appropriately historic.
  

Overnight

• Hotel Le Cep
  This four-star property located in the heart of Beaune is composed of four 14th century townhouses surrounding two historically listed courtyards (14th and 16th centuries) and a small garden. The rooms are decorated in traditional Burgundian style with antiques and damask fabrics. All rooms are air conditioned and spacious. But it’s the location in the center of this historic town that makes this the spot to stay in Beaune. Le Cep is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels group.