100 years of Burgundy’s finest wines

Discover 100 Years of Burgundy’s Finest Wines in Beaune

If you’re passionate about wine or simply curious about Burgundy’s legendary vineyards, a 2-hour tasting experience offered by Millésimes à la Carte promises a unique journey through a century of wine craftsmanship. With a carefully curated lineup of seven rare and prestigious wines—including a 1923 Beaune and select Grands Crus—this tour encapsulates Burgundy’s rich oenological story in an intimate setting.

What sets this experience apart is the chance to sample vintages that are no longer available in stores, served in optimal conditions, and explained by a knowledgeable guide who loves sharing stories behind each bottle. The small-group format ensures personalized attention and lively conversations, making it perfect for both serious wine lovers and those new to Burgundy’s famed terroir.

One potential consideration is that the focus is on older vintages, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women or children under 18. However, for travelers keen to explore Burgundy’s history through its wines, this experience offers depth, authenticity, and a touch of magic.

If you enjoy educational tastings, historic wines, and expert insights in a cozy atmosphere, this tour will likely become a memorable highlight of your Burgundy trip.

Key Points

• Exclusive Tasting Lineup: Sample 7 rare wines spanning 100 years of Burgundy’s winemaking.
• Prestigious Vintages: Experience iconic bottles like a century-old Beaune from 1923 and select Grands Crus.
• Educational & Friendly: Led by a passionate expert who shares anecdotes, tasting tips, and insights into wine preservation.
• Intimate Group Setting: Limited to 10 participants for a personalized, engaging experience.
• Prime Location & Convenience: Close to the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, with private parking.
• Value for Enthusiasts: Enjoy wines in magnums and bottles unavailable elsewhere, in a relaxed yet informative environment.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

The Venue and Atmosphere

The tour takes place at Millésimes à la Carte, situated at 1 rue du Moulin Noize in Beaune. The cozy tasting space is just a short walk from the famed Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne, providing a perfect setting that balances intimacy with a welcoming vibe. The private parking lot makes arrivals straightforward, which is handy in a city known for its narrow streets.

The small group size—no more than 10 people—means you’ll never feel like just another face in the crowd. Instead, you’ll find yourself part of a convivial, interactive session where questions and discussions are encouraged. The experience is designed to be as much about learning as it is about savoring wine.

What You’ll Taste

The lineup of wines changes depending on availability, but it generally includes:

• Chablis Blanchots Grand Cru 2015 J. Moreau & Fils — served in a magnum bottle, offering a generous pour and a chance to appreciate Chablis’ mineral elegance.
• Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 1994 — a classic from Olivier Leflaive, showcasing the age-worthy potential of Burgundy’s most celebrated whites.
• Beaune 1923 — perhaps the highlight for many, this bottle offers a rare glimpse into a vintage that’s been aging for a century, with aromas that will surprise and intrigue.
• Volnay 1955 J. Roussel — capturing the delicate finesse of a revered terroir.
• Pommard ‘Cuvée Dames de la Charité’ 1975 from Hospices de Beaune — embodying centuries of tradition from Burgundy’s charitable wine sale.
• Corton Bressandes Grand Cru 1985 — representing the timeless robustness of aging Burgundy reds.
• Volnay 1er Cru Cuvée Gauvain 2023 — a recent vintage from a respected vineyard, providing contrast and perspective.

The Wines and Their Stories

The guide’s expertise shines when he explains each wine’s unique background. For instance, the 1923 Beaune isn’t just about the vintage but the stories it carries—crisp, with unexpected aromas that challenge expectations for a wine this old. Several reviewers note the emotional and educational value of tasting such rare bottles, with one commenting that “each glass felt like a bridge to the past.”

The selection of Grands Crus, like Corton Charlemagne and Corton Bressandes, exemplifies Burgundy’s ability to produce wines that age gracefully. The guide shares insights into how climate, soil, and tradition contribute to their exceptional quality, helping guests appreciate why Burgundy’s wines are so sought after.

The Tasting and Instruction

The guide, a true connoisseur of old vintages, provides tasting tips and anecdotes that deepen your understanding. He discusses how to discern subtle aromas, the importance of serving wines at the right temperature, and how to spot signs of aging. The experience is as much about education as enjoyment, making it ideal for those eager to learn about wine evolution over time.

Guests often remark on the approachable yet detailed explanations—”the guide’s enthusiasm made complex concepts easy to grasp.” The focus on vintage preservation also offers practical insights, especially valuable for collectors or those interested in wine storage.

The Value and Practicalities

At $128 per person, the experience offers excellent value considering the rarity of the wines and the personalized guidance. The inclusion of a souvenir tasting sheet allows you to remember the details long after the session ends, and the cozy setting ensures a relaxed pace.

The tour lasts around 2 hours, providing ample time to savor each wine without feeling rushed. The booking process is flexible—free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand—and the option to reserve now and pay later adds convenience for planning your Burgundy itinerary.

Accessibility and Considerations

The experience is available in both English and French, catering to a diverse audience. Wheelchair accessibility is noted, although the specific venue features aren’t detailed. It’s important to note that this tasting isn’t suitable for pregnant women or minors under 18, given the focus on alcohol.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to taste rare vintages, this tour is a treasure. It caters to those wanting a deep dive into Burgundy’s history through its wines—especially for connoisseurs interested in older bottles and Grand Crus. The small-group setting makes it perfect for intimate, engaging conversations and personalized insights.

Travelers seeking an educational experience with a relaxed vibe will find this a standout activity. It’s especially fitting if you enjoy stories behind the bottles, want to understand how wines evolve over decades, or simply want a memorable tasting in Beaune.

However, if you prefer more casual wine tasting or are traveling with children or non-drinkers, this might not be the best fit. The focus on old vintages and the depth of discussion may not appeal to those looking for light-hearted, quick tastings.

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Is a Solid Pick

This “100 years of Burgundy’s finest wines” experience offers a compelling blend of rare vintages, expert guidance, and a cozy environment that makes wine tasting both educational and emotionally satisfying. The inclusion of a century-old Beaune and wines from prestigious appellations ensures that you’ll be tasting history in a glass.

The value is clear when you consider the rarity and quality of the wines served—many of which are impossible to find elsewhere. The small-group format fosters genuine conversations, allowing you to pick up expert tips and hear stories that breathe life into each pour.

Overall, for serious wine lovers, collectors, or those wanting to understand Burgundy’s terroir through a curated, intimate tasting, this experience hits the mark. It’s a chance to connect with Burgundy’s past, taste like a local, and walk away with a deeper appreciation of what makes this region’s wines so legendary.

FAQs

How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts about 2 hours, giving enough time to savor each wine and engage with the guide fully.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll sample 7 wines, typically including a 1923 Beaune, some Grands Crus like Corton Charlemagne and Corton Bressandes, as well as older vintages of Volnay and Pommard.

Is the experience suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, the tours are available in both English and French, ensuring clear explanations and lively discussions regardless of your language preference.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. The booking is flexible with free cancellation permitted up to 24 hours before the tour date.

Where is the meeting point?
You’ll meet at Millésimes à la Carte, at 1 rue du Moulin Noize in Beaune, where parking in their private lot is provided.

Is this experience appropriate for children or pregnant women?
No, the tasting is designed for adults, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women or minors under 18.

To sum it up, this tasting in Beaune offers a rare opportunity to experience a century of Burgundy’s wine heritage in an intimate setting. It’s perfect for those who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and well-aged wines, making it a worthwhile addition to any Burgundy itinerary. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveler, this tour promises a memorable and educational sip of Burgundy’s soul.