Masterclass Chardonnay – Wine tasting in Dijon

Diving into Burgundy’s Chardonnay: A Tasting Experience in Dijon

If you’re exploring the Dijon region, a Chardonnay-focused wine tasting offers an engaging way to understand what makes Burgundy white wines so revered. This tour, hosted by Les Clos Vivants, stands out as a compact yet immersive experience that balances expert guidance with a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll get to taste four distinctive wines, from village-level to the prestigious Grand Cru, all within a 45-minute session that packs in plenty of knowledge and flavor.

What really shines here is the personalized approach—small groups of up to 8 people mean you get plenty of interaction with the guide, making it ideal for those who want to ask questions and truly understand Burgundy’s terroirs. A highlight is the chance to purchase wines directly afterward, often from the same selection you’ve just enjoyed. However, the 45-minute duration is quite short, so if you’re looking for a lengthy tour or a deep dive into multiple wine regions, this might feel a bit limited. Still, for newcomers or those with limited time, it’s a perfect introduction to Burgundy’s white wines and the Climats UNESCO site.

This tour is especially suited for wine lovers eager to enhance their tasting skills, curious travelers wanting an authentic Burgundy experience, and those who appreciate high-quality, small-group settings. If you’re after an approachable yet insightful session—and value being able to purchase wines afterward—this is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personal attention and interaction.
• Expert Guides: Led by Maître Caviste & Ambassadeur des Climats, who share deep knowledge in an engaging way.
• Certified Quality: Awarded the national Vignobles & Découverte label, guaranteeing a high standard.
• Exclusive Tasting: Focused on Burgundy’s iconic Chardonnay, from village to Grand Cru, with wines from the host’s selection available for purchase.
• UNESCO Heritage Connection: Highlights Burgundy’s Climats, making the experience not just about wine, but also culture and geography.
• Flexible & Convenient: Book now with free cancellation up to 24 hours before; pay later options available.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting at Les Clos Vivants, a well-regarded wine shop in Dijon, the tour offers a 45-minute exploration into Burgundy’s white wines. The shop itself is part of the allure—an award-winning Maître Caviste operation that’s committed to quality and excellent advice, making it a fitting venue for such an intimate tasting.

The Tasting Breakdown

You’ll sample four wines, each representing a different level of Burgundy’s classification—ranging from Village wines to Grand Cru. These are carefully curated selections, allowing you to taste the full spectrum of Burgundy Chardonnay. The guides, including Mattéo, Guyonne, or Adrien, are recognized for their approachable yet expert explanations, making complex terroirs and classifications easy to grasp.

One reviewer, Kathryn from Spain, mentioned how Emily, one of the guides, was an absolute expert who answered all her questions patiently and provided recommendations for nearby dining. This highlights how the guides go beyond just pouring wine—they help you connect with the region’s culture and culinary scene.

What You’ll Learn

Expect to understand Burgundy’s unique Climats—the vineyard plots recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The guides emphasize the outstanding universal value of these sites, helping guests appreciate why Burgundy wines are so distinct. You’ll learn to detect differences in aroma, palate, and finish, along with insights into the classification system and what makes the Grand Cru wines the pinnacle of quality.

The Wines

All wines are sourced from the host’s carefully curated selection, meaning after the tasting, you can buy the exact bottles for yourself. Based on reviews, the wines are described as delicious and well-chosen, with guests often noting favorites like a premier cru that remains one of their best tasting memories. The boutique offers over 1,000 wines, so if you’re inspired, you can stock up—either for your trip home or as a gift.

The Price & Value

At $41 per person, this tasting delivers significant value. You’re getting expert guidance, four thoughtfully selected wines, and a cultural deep dive—all within 45 minutes. Compared to larger, less personalized tastings, this offers an authentic, high-quality experience at a fair price point. Plus, the opportunity to purchase wines immediately is a nice perk, especially if you fall in love with a particular bottle.

Why This Tasting Works Well

The small group size ensures a relaxed and interactive environment, with plenty of room for questions and personalized explanations. The guides’ expertise clearly shines through—one reviewer called Emily an “absolute expert,” highlighting how much knowledge and passion is packed into these sessions.

The focus on Burgundy’s unique terroirs and the UNESCO Heritage aspect adds an educational layer, elevating the experience from a simple tasting to a cultural journey. Guests appreciated the clarity of explanations, especially regarding classifications and terroir differences, which can be complicated topics for newcomers.

Considerations

The primary limitation is the short duration—45 minutes might not suffice for those wanting an in-depth exploration or to sample more wines. Also, since the tour is centered on Chardonnay, fans of Pinot Noir or other Burgundy varietals might need to look elsewhere. If you’re after a quick, quality-focused introduction to Burgundy wines, this fits the bill perfectly.

Practical Details & Tips

• The meeting point is Les Clos Vivants, a cozy yet well-regarded wine shop with an excellent reputation for advice and selection.
• The experience is conducted in English and French, making it accessible for international visitors.
• It’s wheelchair accessible, which is a thoughtful detail for inclusivity.
• Reservations can be made easily, with flexible cancellation policies allowing full refunds if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance.
• The small group size means booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel times.

For those interested, the shop also offers a premium shipping service—next-day delivery and tax-free export options—making it easy to bring home some Burgundy wines.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Burgundy’s terroirs and classifications without spending hours on a tour.
• First-time visitors looking for a guided, educational, yet fun experience in Dijon.
• Travelers with limited time who want a quick yet meaningful introduction to Burgundy wines.
• Those who appreciate small-group intimacy and expert guidance, ensuring questions are welcomed and answered thoroughly.
• Anyone planning to purchase Burgundy wines after the tasting, benefiting from the onsite selection and delivery options.

This tour probably isn’t the best fit for children or those seeking a long, comprehensive wine tour covering multiple regions or varietals.

FAQ

Is the tasting suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are experienced at explaining terroir, classifications, and tasting techniques in a clear, friendly manner, making it accessible even for those new to wine.

Can I buy the wines I taste?
Yes. All wines are from the host’s selection, and you can purchase them directly after the session. They also offer a premium shipping service for easy delivery.

What languages are available for the tour?
The experience is conducted in both English and French, ensuring a good fit for most international guests.

How long does the tasting last?
The session lasts about 45 minutes, making it a perfect quick introduction or a complement to other activities during your day.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, the experience is not suitable for children under 18 years old.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided tasting of four Burgundy wines, with expert explanations, in a small group setting. No additional fees are required for the tasting itself.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travelers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a focused, expertly guided wine tasting that highlights Burgundy’s renowned Chardonnay, this experience ticks all the boxes. The high ratings, knowledgeable guides, and quality assurance through the Vignobles & Découverte label make it a trustworthy choice. It offers a rare glimpse into the Climats—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the unique terroirs that define Burgundy’s white wines.

Ideal for beginners and seasoned wine lovers alike, this tour offers a balanced blend of education, authenticity, and enjoyment—all in an intimate setting that allows plenty of personal attention. While it’s a relatively brief experience, the depth of knowledge and quality of wines make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the opportunity to buy wines directly from the shop makes it a practical choice for wine collectors or gift-givers.

In short, this tasting is a solid, value-packed way to deepen your appreciation of Burgundy's finest white wines, with guides who genuinely care about sharing their passion. Whether you’re only in Dijon for a short visit or looking to add a special wine experience to your trip, it’s a choice worth considering.