Wine Regions: Burgundy

Burgundy is a famous and historical region in east-central France. Other than its long and fascinating history, the region is also known for its charming towns, lovable cuisine and world-class wines.

The climate and geography of the Burgundy wine region are key aspects of its success. Many east-facing hills offer the perfect conditions for vines, where the grapes are sheltered from the rain and prevailing westerly winds. You’ll often find the best wines in Burgundy vineyards are grown from the higher slopes, where ample sun shines down on the vines and the grapes grow rich in flavour.

One of the more exciting variables when it comes to the Burgundy wine region is the soil. The relatively flat terroirs near the villages of the region produce remarkably different wines depending on the ground from which they are grown. Varying soil types actually favour the chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, meaning two villages next to each other may have remarkably different wines.

With a higher number of appellations than in any other region in France, the variety and excellence on offer here are astounding. From whites and reds to roses and even some sparkling, there’s a wine to suit your mood. Explore the Burgundy vineyards by bike on one of our Burgundy cycling holidays or read on to discover more.

Charming Towns

The towns and cities of the Burgundy wine region are wonderful cultural melting pots, filled with a mixture of Romanesque and medieval buildings that will leave you awe-inspired. Beaune, the capital of the Burgundy vineyards, is home to fantastic buildings such as the Hospices de Beaune. A former Gothic hospital turned museum, the building is a fine example of 15th-century Burgundian architecture; with bright colours and a vibrant, polychrome tiled roof.

Other charming towns we recommend you visit in the Burgundy wine region include Nuits Saint Georges, Rully, and Puligny-Montrachet. many towns like these will have farmers’ markets, showcasing the very best of the produce grown here, from local cheeses to jams and even home-made wines.

Rich History

With a history that stretches back over a thousand years, the Burgundy wine region has castles and churches galore. The Dukes of Burgundy eventually became kings of France when the Valois House took the throne. Bringing royal riches to the region, their decadence and wealth can be seen in the architecture and even the cuisine today. 

Visit Château de Germolles, a wonderfully preserved residence of the former Dukes of Burgundy. During a time when most palaces of the era had fallen into dilapidation, the Château de Germolles gives you a window into 14th-century court life in the eve of the Renaissance. With a fascinating tale of royal intrigue and grand Dukes, this attraction is one of the most exciting when visiting the Burgundy wine region. 

Extensive Vineyards

The Burgundy wine region is one of the most renowned in France. The region is famous for its dry red wines made from Pinot Noir grapes and its beautiful white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. One area that creates some of the finest ‘Grand Cru’ Pinot Noir wines in Burgundy is the Côte de Nuits. This particular wine-making area of the Burgundy vineyards is famed for producing some of the most expensive wine in France; to date, the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold, at a price of £430,400, came from the Côte de Nuits. On the first night of our Route des Grand Crus tour, you’ll have the chance to stay in the very heart of these Burgundy vineyards. 

On our tour, there will be ample opportunity to taste the very best wines from the Burgundy vineyards. On day 3, enjoy a delectable tasting at the Hotel-Dieu des Hospices in Beaune. This former Gothic hospital boasts over 60 hectares of vineyards. With a rich history and gorgeous architecture, this is a wine tasting we highly recommend. On the same day, you can also visit Aloxe Corton, where two famous wines are made. Be sure to have a tasting of the Corton red and the Corton-Charlemagne white from one of the many wine houses. 

If you’re in the mood to purchase a few bottles from the Burgundy wine region, then day 7 is the perfect chance to stock up your cellars. Heading directly into the Cote de Beaune vineyards, you’ll encounter many respected producers. As this is the last day of the tour, you won’t have to worry about lugging any extra baggage around. 

Delicious Cuisine

The cuisine in the Burgundy wine region is as excellent as its wines. Many dishes, such as the famed boeuf bourguignon and delightful coq au vin, incorporate full-bodied red wines into their cooking to make beautiful gravys. Traditional entrées like Escargots à la Bourgogne, cooked in the shell with a mixture of butter, garlic and parsley, also originate from the Burgundy vineyards and are best paired with a dry white wine, such as a Chablis. You’ll find the food incredibly delicious and perfectly paired with any local wine on offer. The restaurants have extensive knowledge of the flavours created in the Burgundy wine region, so don’t be afraid to explore their recommendations for your dinner. 

On our Burgundy’s Route des Grand Crus tour, you will meander around the scenic towns and vineyards of the region; dining on divine gourmet treats and tasting the fine, vintage wines of Burgundy.

For more recommendations about wine regions cycling holidays, give us a call on 020 7471 7760.