From Beaune: Burgundy Day Trip with 14 Wine Tastings

Exploring Burgundy through a guided day trip from Beaune offers a blend of exceptional wine tastings, stunning vineyard views, and fascinating historic stops—all in a small group for a more intimate experience. While it’s a full-day commitment, the carefully curated itinerary and expert guides make it a worthwhile adventure for wine lovers and curious travelers alike.

What really stands out about this tour is the variety of wines tasted—from Village and Premier Cru wines to a Grand Cru—and the insider knowledge the guides bring, making every sip and stop meaningful. However, a potential consideration is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for that on your own. This tour is best suited for those eager to learn about Burgundy’s unique climats and terroirs in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Incredible wine variety: Tastes of 14 different wines, including top-tier Grand Cru.
• Expert guidance: Guides like Emmanuel and Virginie bring a wealth of knowledge and personality.
• Beautiful scenery: Scenic drives along the Route des Grands Crus showcase some of France’s most picturesque vineyards.
• Historic highlights: Stops at Clos de Vougeot and Romanée-Conti add historical depth.
• Small group experience: With only 8 participants, there’s room for questions and personalized attention.
• Good value: Tasting sessions and site visits are included, offering a comprehensive Burgundy experience for the price.

Pickup and Introduction in Beaune

Your day begins at the Beaune Tourist Office around 9:30 AM, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and comfortably transported in an air-conditioned minivan. With a cap of 8 participants, the small group setup means more interaction and less rushing—something many reviewers mention as a highlight. The early start allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy a leisurely day.

First Stop: A Local Winery near Beaune

The tour kicks off with a visit to a vineyard close to Beaune. Here, you’ll get a look at how Burgundy wines are made and taste several options—ranging from Village wines to Premier Cru and even a Grand Cru. Guides tend to explain appellations like Saint-Aubin, Meursault, Les Charmes, and Corton-Charlemagne, helping you grasp the subtle differences signifying quality and style.

One guest noted, “We visited a couple of wine makers and walked the famous vineyards,” highlighting the engaging nature of these visits. The opportunity to walk through actual vineyards and see the terroir firsthand adds depth that no tasting alone can provide.

Scenic Drive & Iconic Stops: Romanée-Conti and Clos de Vougeot

After the winery visit, your guide will suggest a local restaurant for lunch (on your own), allowing you to indulge in regional Burgundy cuisine—think hearty beef bourguignon or cheese platters—paired with local wines. Many reviewers commend their guides for excellent lunch recommendations that really enhance the experience.

Post-lunch, you’ll hop back into the minivan for the scenic drive along the Route des Grands Crus. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to take a hundred photos. Stops at Romanée-Conti—arguably Burgundy’s most famous vineyard, famed for producing the priciest wine in the world—are a highlight. While you might not always get access to the actual vineyards, the stop at the vineyard’s exterior is a memorable photo op and adds a sense of the region’s exclusivity.

Next, the Château of Clos de Vougeot features as a key historic site. Founded in 1098 by monks, it’s vast and steeped in history. The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Tastevin is based here, and the wines from this estate, including the renowned Le Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, are celebrated across Burgundy. As one reviewer pointed out, “The vineyard covers 50 hectares, and the visit to the castle and cellar was fascinating.”

The Nuits Saint Georges Cellar Visit

Following this, the tour takes you to Nuits-Saint-Georges, a village known for its Pinot Noir. Here, you’ll walk through a wine cellar and meet a local winemaker. Tasting some of his best Pinot Noir wines, you’ll get an authentic look at Burgundy’s red wine mastery, with one guest remarking, “Virginie was generous with her knowledge, and we enjoyed sharing time with the winemaker.”

This stop allows for a more personal experience, often praised for the chance to ask questions directly to people involved in the production process, making it more than just a tasting.

Final Stops in Chambolle-Musigny

The last tasting of the day is in the charming village of Chambolle-Musigny, famous for its Pinot Noir. At a cozy wine shop, you’ll sample more regionally representative wines—an excellent way to cap off your Burgundy journey. Guests consistently mention how much they learn about Burgundy’s appellations, soil, and climate, thanks to guides like Virginie and Emmanuel’s detailed explanations.

Return and Reflection

Your day wraps up with a relaxed drive back to Beaune, arriving around 5:45 PM. The small group and comprehensive itinerary mean you’ll feel both educated and pleasantly tired from a full day of wine and sightseeing.

When considering the $293 price point, it’s clear this isn’t just a wine tasting; it’s an immersive experience. The tour includes visits to renowned vineyards and historic sites, tastings of 14 wines, and the chance to learn from passionate guides—many reviewers emphasize the depth of their guides’ knowledge and the personalized approach.

On top of that, the small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more meaningful interactions and tailored questions. The fact that many guests mention guides like Emmanuel and Virginie by name underlines how important personable, knowledgeable hosts are to making the day memorable.

While the lunch isn’t included in the price, the guide’s restaurant recommendations tend to be well-received, and budgeting for a meal here is reasonable given local dining options.

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone eager to see Burgundy beyond just tasting bottles. It’s especially suited to travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and guided insights. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and scenic day with plenty of tastings, this tour checks all boxes.

However, if mobility is a concern, note that the tour isn’t designed for those with mobility impairments. It involves walking around vineyards and cellars, and the vehicle is a minivan with limited space.

For those keen to understand Burgundy’s complexity—from soil to glass—this tour offers incredible value. You’ll gain a well-rounded perspective of the region’s viticulture, sample a wide array of wines, and enjoy expert guidance that elevates the whole experience. The stops at historic vineyards and the scenic drives make it more than just a tasting; it’s a mini-course in Burgundy’s winemaking heritage.

If you’re looking for a personalized, enjoyable, and informative wine day-trip in Burgundy, this tour is hard to beat, especially given the rave reviews for guides and the quality of tastings. It’s a day that will deepen your appreciation for Burgundy’s wines and leave you with memorable stories and, of course, some excellent bottles.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours, with pickups at 9:30 AM and return around 5:45 PM.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers visits and tastings at two local domains, a stop at Clos de Vougeot, and a visit to Romanée-Conti. Tasting of 14 wines is included, but lunch and personal expenses are not.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is on your own, but guides will recommend good local restaurants. It typically lasts about 1.5 hours.

What wines will I taste?
Expect to taste a mix of Village wines, Premier Cru, and at least one Grand Cru. The tour features reds like Pinot Noir and whites like Chardonnay from top Burgundy appellations.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, making it intimate and ideal for questions and interaction.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, reviews highlight guides like Emmanuel and Virginie for their passion, expertise, and ability to explain complex topics in an engaging way.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
While the tour doesn’t specify sales, visiting vineyards and wine shops often allows you to purchase bottles directly from producers or stores.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to walking around vineyards and cellars.

Do I need to prepare anything beforehand?
Just bring curiosity and a love of wine. Having a basic understanding of Burgundy’s appellations can enhance your experience, but guides will explain everything.

What should I budget for additional expenses?
Besides the tour, consider costs for lunch, personal wine purchases, and any other souvenirs. The tour itself offers very good value for the included tastings and site visits.

This guided Burgundy day trip from Beaune stands out as a comprehensive, personable, and beautifully scenic way to deepen your appreciation of one of France’s most revered wine regions. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about Burgundy’s famed terroirs, it’s a day packed with flavor, history, and stunning views that you’ll remember long after the last glass.