Full-Day Private Tour, 6 Premiers & Grands Crus, The Best of Burgundy

Imagine spending a day exploring France’s most celebrated wine region with a guide who not only knows their stuff but makes it feel like a personal adventure. That’s precisely what this full-day private Burgundy tour offers—an intimate dive into top-tier wineries, scenic vineyard walks, and a delicious regional lunch. It’s a carefully curated experience designed for wine lovers eager to see the best of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, all wrapped up in about 8 hours of expert-led exploration.

What we love most about this tour is its personalized touch—from the private tastings at Premier and Grand Cru wineries to the behind-the-scenes visits in private cellars. Plus, the well-organized itinerary means you get a broad yet detailed taste of Burgundy’s diverse terroirs. One potential point to consider: the price (at around $807 per person) might seem steep for some, but the excellent value lies in the exclusivity, the expert guidance, and the access to wineries usually off-limits to the public.

This tour suits travelers who crave more than just a generic wine tasting—those who want a deep, authentic encounter with Burgundy’s renowned wines, as well as some local charm. It’s perfect for wine aficionados, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who appreciates a mix of scenic beauty and expert storytelling.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Private tours provide personalized attention and behind-the-scenes experiences at elite wineries.
• In-depth Tastings: Sampling up to 20 wines, including rare Premier and Grand Crus, offers both variety and quality.
• Scenic Vineyards: Strolling through vineyards like Romanée Conti and La Tâche enhances the sense of place.
• Culinary Delight: A delicious, traditional French lunch paired with regional cheeses complements the wine experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Jérémie or Hubert bring the region’s stories, terroir, and wine classifications to life.
• Convenience & Comfort: Hotel pickup and round-trip transport make logistics seamless, freeing you to focus on the experience.

This tour is designed for those who want to maximize their time in Burgundy, combining scenic vineyard drives, insider visits, and tastings into one comprehensive experience. Beginning in Beaune, the tour quickly transports you along the famed Grands Crus Wine Road, a route famous for its iconic vineyards—Gevrey-Chambertin, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Vosne-Romanée, among others.

What makes this journey stand out is the expert guidance. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, your guide—often Jérémie or Hubert—begins weaving stories about Burgundy’s complex classification system, the significance of terroir, and the delicate aging process. It’s not just about tasting but understanding why wines from Romanée Conti or La Tâche command such respect and price.

The First Stop: Château du Clos de Vougeot

Your adventure kicks off with a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot, a historic castle and former monastery with roots dating back to the 12th century. Here, the focus is on exploring the wine-making facilities, vats, presses, and monks’ cellars, giving you a real feel for the area’s centuries-old tradition. Reviewers note that this stop is both informative and atmospheric, with one describing it as “the trail of the Cistercian monks,” which adds a charming historical depth to the visit.

Private Tastings at Premier and Grand Crus Wineries

Following this, your guide takes you to three different wineries—each offering a personalized tasting experience. These visits are tailored, often in private settings, to showcase Burgundy’s Premier and Grand Cru wines. Expect to sample up to 20 wines in total—ranging from lighter whites to rich reds, with plenty of opportunity to savor the nuances that make Burgundy wines so unique.

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Jérémie excel at sharing stories about each wine’s origin, grape varieties, and aging process. One guest mentioned that Jérémie even made dinner reservations, highlighting the level of thoughtful service. Another noted that the guides’ knowledge made complex topics like terroir and classifications accessible and engaging.

The Lunch Experience: Authentic French Cuisine

Midday, you’ll break for a delicious lunch at a family-run wine estate. The menu typically features a 3-course meal of classic French dishes, complemented by regional cheeses and wines. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and quality of the meal, with one mentioning that the lunch “paired perfectly with regional wines,” and another appreciating the intimate setting.

Lunch is an important part of the experience because it allows you to relax and truly savor the local flavors. Keep in mind that this is not available on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Exploring Côte de Nuit and Private Cellar Tour

Later in the afternoon, the tour shifts to the Côte de Nuits—home to some of Burgundy’s most celebrated reds. Stops at Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Morey-Saint-Denis mean you get to see a variety of terroirs and winemaking styles.

One standout moment, according to reviews, is the private cellar tour, where you get exclusive access to a wine cellar not normally open to the public. Sampling wines in these secretive, centuries-old cellars creates a sense of stepping into Burgundy’s hidden world. The guides’ ability to explain the aging process and the significance of cellar conditions is frequently praised.

Final Highlights and Reflection

The day concludes with a winery visit in a location where you’ll learn about the aging process firsthand. Guests mention that guides like Emmanuel and Nicolas are particularly good at balancing technical explanations with storytelling, making even complex topics engaging.

The overall experience is designed to leave you with not only a better understanding of Burgundy wines but also memories of stunning vineyard views, charming villages, and intimate tastings.

For those who value personalized attention, exclusive access, and a rundown of Burgundy’s top wines, this tour delivers. The 8-hour itinerary covers key appellations, offers plenty of tastings, and includes a delicious local lunch—all of which create a well-rounded day.

While the price might seem high, reviewers frequently highlight the value of private tastings, the expert guidance, and the chance to visit rare, private cellars. It’s especially ideal for wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding and expand their palate in an authentic, intimate setting.

However, the experience may feel a bit rushed if you’re not a big wine fan or prefer a more leisurely pace. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full immersion into Burgundy’s viticultural heritage, with quality and exclusivity as priorities.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Burgundy tour is a stellar choice for serious wine lovers who want more than just surface-level tastings. It offers intimate visits to top wineries, expert insights, and an authentic taste of Burgundy’s terroirs—all wrapped into a carefully curated experience. Expect scenic vineyard drives, historical sites like Château du Clos de Vougeot, and private cellar visits that many guests say are the highlight of their trip.

While the cost might be a consideration, the access to rare wines, expert guides, and exclusive locations makes this an experience worth considering. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate the nuances of wine classification, terroir, and craftsmanship, and who want a personalized, high-quality day in one of France’s most famous wine regions.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book this tour?
Most travelers book around 21 days ahead, ensuring availability for a personalized experience, especially during peak seasons.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup in Beaune, which helps make the day seamless and stress-free.

How many wines will I taste?
You can expect to sample up to 20 wines, including some of Burgundy’s most celebrated Premier and Grand Cru varieties.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a three-course lunch at a family-run estate, paired with regional wines and cheeses, is part of the experience (not available on Sundays).

Can I customize the tour?
Since this is a private experience, guides are happy to tailor the itinerary based on your interests, whether focusing more on reds, whites, or specific villages.

What is the typical duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, from pickup in Beaune to drop-off, ensuring plenty of time for vineyard visits and tastings.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and while the focus is on wine, families with younger children can inquire about suitable alternatives.

This private Burgundy tour offers a compelling blend of scenic beauty, top-tier wines, and expert storytelling. Perfect for those who want to experience Burgundy’s essence with personalized touches, it promises a memorable day in one of France’s most coveted wine regions.