15 Burgundy Wines Chateau Pommard, Chablis Small-Group

An In-Depth Look at the Burgundy Wines & Chateau Pommard Small-Group Tour

If you’re dreaming of tasting some of France’s most celebrated wines without the hassle of planning or driving, this small-group Burgundy wine tour from Paris could well be your perfect day. Covering three distinguished domains, including the renowned Chateau Pommard and Chablis, it promises an immersive experience into Burgundy’s wine culture—in under 14 hours.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the intimate group size, limited to just 2 to 7 guests, which ensures personalized attention from guides and a more relaxed experience. The inclusion of luxury transport—via Mercedes E220 or minivan—means you get to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the French countryside, rather than navigating traffic or worrying about parking.

A potential consideration is the long driving hours, with nearly 7 hours on the road, which might be tiring for some. However, the comfort of the vehicle and thoughtful stops make the journey more enjoyable than a typical bus trip. This tour suits travelers eager to explore Burgundy’s top vineyards with a good balance of guided insights and free time, ideal for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to three distinguished wine domains, including Château de Pommard, with a total of 15 wine tastings.
• Premium transportation in a Mercedes, ensuring comfort during the lengthy drives.
• In-depth tastings of Grand Cru and 1-er Cru wines, paired with cheese plates for a true Burgundy experience.
• Expert-guided visits that provide detailed insights into Burgundy’s wine classifications and terroirs.
• Flexible itinerary with optional activities, like a local market visit or a gastronomic lunch in Chablis.
• Ideal for small groups, ensuring a personalized, less crowded experience.

The Full Experience: Analyzing the Itinerary

Early Morning Pickup and Drive to Chablis

The day kicks off at 7:00 AM with hotel pickup in Paris, which means you’ll start your adventure with a fresh mindset. The drive to Chablis spans approximately 2.5 hours, covering 190 km on the highway. Reviews mention the comfortable ride in the Mercedes, with travelers noting the vehicle’s cleanliness and the professional demeanor of the guide—an important factor when spending hours on the road.

A rest stop at a rest area allows for a quick stretch and freshening up, giving everyone a chance to prepare for the wine-tasting sessions ahead. The early start is necessary but feels worth it for the promise of a full, immersive day.

Jean-Marc Brocard Domaine Visit: The Heart of Chablis

Arriving around 10:00 AM, the first stop is the Jean-Marc Brocard Domaine, set amidst the vineyards—a perfect backdrop for your first tasting. Here, you’ll sample five Chablis wines, including Chablis, Chablis 1-er Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru, alongside a cheese plate. The guides are knowledgeable and take the time to explain winemaking processes, helping you understand what makes Chablis unique.

Reviewers highlight the quality of the tastings, praising the staff’s explanations. One user mentioned, “The staff at Jean-Marc Brocard was very helpful, and I learned a lot about the differences between the various Chablis classifications.” This kind of detailed insight elevates the experience from just drinking wine to learning about Burgundy’s terroirs.

Free Time and Lunch in Chablis

Following the tasting, you’re given around an hour and a half for free time to explore the charming village of Chablis or to indulge in a pre-arranged gastronomic lunch (paid separately). This break allows you to stroll the quaint streets, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the scenery—something that many reviews appreciated, as it balances structured visits with personal exploration.

Transition to Chateau de Pommard

Post-lunch, the journey continues with a 1.5-hour drive to Chateau de Pommard near Beaune, covering 135 km. The scenic drive through Burgundy is part of what makes this day special, with reviews emphasizing the luxury transport and the value of having a professional driver handle logistics.

Second Chablis Visit (Optional)

Before reaching Pommard, you have an option to visit another Chablis domain—either Domaine Céline et Frédéric GUEGUEN or Baptiste—where five additional wines are sampled, including Petit Chablis and Premier Cru. This flexibility allows you to tailor the experience slightly, depending on your preferences or what’s available that day.

Château de Pommard Winery Tour & Tasting

Arriving at Château de Pommard around 4:00 PM, the highlight is the guided tour and tasting of five Burgundy wines, including Grand Cru and 1-er Cru. The setting is stunning—surrounded by vineyards, with a professional sommelier providing insights about Burgundy’s subregions and how Pinot Noir and Chardonnay express themselves across different terroirs.

Guests have raved about the depth of knowledge shared, with one reviewer noting, “The guide really explained how the natural factors influence the taste, making each sip more meaningful.” The tasting itself is well-structured, allowing guests to appreciate the nuances of Burgundy’s famous grapes.

Return to Paris

By 5:30 PM, you start the 3.5 to 4-hour drive back to Paris, with another rest stop along the way. Arriving around 9:00 PM, the day concludes with hotel drop-offs—perfect for unwinding after a full day of wine discovery.

Transport and Group Size: Why It Matters

The choice of Mercedes E220/E300 or minivan ensures comfort, especially since the day involves multiple long drives. Reviews consistently mention the cleanliness and professionalism of the vehicle and driver, making the experience more relaxing. The small group limit (2-7 people) means less crowding and more personalized interaction, a feature that many travelers find invaluable.

Pricing and Value

At $497 per person, the tour offers an all-inclusive experience—covering transportation, all wine tastings, and taxes. Notably, the tour includes 15 glasses of wine, spanning several prestigious classifications, which adds significant value for wine lovers. The price also encompasses the guided visits and cheese pairings, elevating it beyond a simple tasting tour.

While lunch and souvenirs are not included, the flexibility to choose a nearby restaurant or explore on your own allows for customization based on your preferences and budget.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One review from a traveler in the US mentioned, “Long drives but very comfortable ride and lovely stops along the way. Really enjoyed the three wine tastings and the lunch.” Another from Hong Kong praised the professionalism and helpfulness of the guide, highlighting the high-quality vehicle and the informative visits.

These authentic comments underscore the balance this tour strikes—long driving hours are offset by comfort and expert guidance, making it a worthwhile option for those eager to learn and taste Burgundy’s best wines.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of Burgundy’s classifications and terroirs without the hassle of organizing multiple visits themselves. It’s perfect for small groups looking for an intimate, guided experience and for travelers who appreciate luxury transport and a structured itinerary that balances guided visits with free time.

However, it might not be suitable for families with young children, wheelchair users, or those who prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter travel times. The full-day commitment also requires good stamina and patience for the long drives.

The Sum Up

This Burgundy wine tour from Paris offers a thoughtfully curated experience that combines expert-guided tastings, scenic drives, and flexible options for exploration. It’s designed for those who want to taste the best of Burgundy’s vineyards without the stress of planning or navigating alone. The inclusion of Grand Cru and 1-er Cru wines at renowned domaines like Château de Pommard makes it a standout value, especially for wine lovers eager to expand their palate and knowledge.

While the long travel hours may challenge some, the luxury transport, small group setting, and expert guides help make the experience both comfortable and enriching. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply curious about Burgundy’s wines, this tour captures the essence of the region’s viticulture and offers an authentic taste of France’s wine mastery.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy guided visits at Jean-Marc Brocard and Château de Pommard, with a total of 15 wines tasted, including Grand Cru and 1-er Cru wines, and cheese plates.

How long is the drive from Paris to Chablis and Pommard?
The trip involves approximately 2.5 hours to Chablis and 1.5 hours to Château de Pommard, with additional driving time on the return journey.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll ride in a luxury Mercedes E220/E300 or minivan, both praised for their cleanliness and comfort.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, there is flexibility for an optional visit to another Chablis domain and a lunch break, which you pay for separately.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for some flexibility in your travel plans.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old or wheelchair users.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, providing clear and informative commentary throughout the day.

How many people will be in my group?
The group is limited to 2 to 7 participants, ensuring a personal and intimate experience.

This tour is a fantastic way to experience Burgundy’s wines in a single day, blending education, scenery, and exceptional tastings—perfect for those looking to indulge in France’s wine capital without all the planning fuss.