Private Wine Tour in Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune

If you’re dreaming of exploring Burgundy’s legendary vineyards without the hassle of planning every detail, this private wine tour might be just what you need. Covering two of the most acclaimed subregions—Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune—you’ll enjoy a carefully curated day of scenic drives, intimate tastings, and insightful commentary from a local expert. All of this in a luxurious minivan, making the experience both comfortable and exclusive.

What really appeals to us about this tour is its blend of personalized attention and authentic visits to family-run wineries, which are often hidden gems rather than the big-name estates. Plus, the chance to drive along the UNESCO-listed Route des Grands Crus offers some of the most picturesque vineyard views in the world. However, it’s worth noting that the tour does not include lunch, so you’ll want to plan for that (or enjoy the recommended local restaurant). Overall, it’s perfect for wine lovers wanting a deep dive into Burgundy’s terroir, history, and culture in a relaxed, private setting.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide and expert commentary
• Two exclusive tastings at family-run estates featuring 10-15 different wines
• Scenic drive along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Route des Grands Crus
• Visits to iconic villages like Vosne Romanee, Gevrey Chambertin, Pommard, and Meursault
• Flexible pickup options in Beaune or Dijon, with hotel transfers included
• Culinary stop at a traditional restaurant in a wine village (lunch not included)

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Setting the Scene: Burgundy’s Legendary Vineyards

The Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune are the heart of Burgundy’s wine reputation, especially for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This tour is designed to get you close to the action, with a carefully planned route that highlights the best-known vineyards and villages. The journey begins with a luxury minivan pickup from your hotel—either in Beaune or Dijon—making this a smooth, door-to-door experience.

The Scenic Drive: A Tour Through Time and Vines

Driving along the Route des Grands Crus, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking vineyard scenery in the world. Our guides tend to be local experts—like Jeremie, who has received glowing reviews for his personable and insightful approach. He’s the kind of guide who can tell you not just about the vineyards but also weave in stories about the region’s history and architecture, making the scenery feel alive.

Throughout the drive, you’ll make scenic stops for photos—imagine rolling hills dotted with perfectly aligned vines, quaint villages with stone houses, and ancient cellars that seem to whisper stories of centuries past. The route passes famous vineyard sites like Clos de Vougeot and Romanee Conti, which are among the most revered in Burgundy.

Visits to Family-Run Wineries: Authentic and Intimate

The highlight of this tour is the visits to two small, family-run estates. These wineries are typically limited in production, often producing just a handful of barrels each year, which means you’re tasting wines that are rarely available outside France. We loved the way the guides emphasized that these visits are not just about tasting but about understanding each estate’s unique approach to winemaking.

As one reviewer pointed out, “Jeremy took us to two different types of wineries, and we were able to sample a variety of wines.” Expect to taste 10 to 15 wines across different appellations and levels—especially Cru and Premier Cru wines—giving you an authentic sampling of Burgundy’s diversity.

Tasting and Education: More Than Just Sipping

The expert guide explains Burgundy’s complex classification system and the concept of climats, which are the designated vineyard plots with distinct terroirs. This knowledge helps make your tasting more meaningful, allowing you to appreciate the nuances in flavor and aroma based on the vineyard’s location and vinification techniques.

Reviewers like Aiko from Japan appreciated Jeremy’s ability to explain Burgundy’s vineyards in an accessible way. She mentions how he “used very easy-to-understand English to explain the regional characteristics and the origins of the vineyards,” making even beginners feel comfortable.

Lunch Break: A Burgundian Feast

The tour includes a generous break for lunch at a local restaurant in a wine village. The menu options are typically from €25 to €35 and feature classic French cuisine—think hearty dishes that pair beautifully with Burgundy wines. While the tour doesn’t include lunch, the reviews consistently praise the restaurant’s quality and atmosphere, making it a welcome pause in the day.

Final Stops and Additional Tastings

In the afternoon, the tour continues with further vineyard visits and tastings, including some estates specializing in white wines like Meursault and Corton-Charlemagne. You’ll again enjoy a mix of guided explanations and free time to absorb the scenery.

The return drive is about 30 minutes, giving you some downtime to reflect on the day before being dropped back at your hotel in Beaune or Dijon around 5:30 PM.

Transport and Group Size

Transport is in a luxury minivan, ensuring comfort during the approximately 8-hour journey. The group is private, which means only your party and the guide—perfect for personalized attention. This also creates a relaxed environment for asking questions and engaging with the guide.

Price and Value

At $468 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines transport, expert-led education, and exclusive tastings. Considering you’ll visit two wineries with a total of 10-15 wines and enjoy scenic drives through iconic vineyards, the cost feels justified—particularly for those who value in-depth, curated experiences over generic group tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine aficionados eager to deepen their understanding of Burgundy wines. It’s also a good fit for travelers who prefer a private, tailored itinerary rather than a large group setting. If you’re interested in learning about the region’s geography, history, and winemaking techniques, this tour offers that in spades.

However, it might not be suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, as wine tastings and walking through vineyard sites are part of the experience.

Final Thoughts

This private Burgundy wine tour strikes a strong balance between comfort, authenticity, and education. The expertise of the guides, notably Jeremy, shines through with their genuine passion and knowledge, making the region’s wines and landscapes come alive. The small-scale visits to family-run wineries provide an intimate look at Burgundy’s winemaking traditions, often missed on larger tours.

The scenic drive along the UNESCO-listed vineyards is another major highlight, offering picture-perfect views at every turn. The inclusion of a local restaurant also ensures you experience Burgundy’s culinary side, complementing the wine tastings perfectly.

In sum, this is a well-rounded experience for those who want to explore Burgundy’s vineyards with a dedicated guide, enjoy exclusive tastings, and truly understand what makes this region so famous. It’s worth the investment if you value quality over quantity and want a memorable, personalized day in one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guide uses easy-to-understand language, making it accessible for those new to wine tasting. The focus is on education and enjoyment, not just drinking.

How many wines will I taste during the tour?
You’ll taste between 10 and 15 wines across two private estate visits, with a focus on Burgundy’s signature white and red varieties.

Are the visits to wineries conducted in English?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and French, and guides are experienced in making complex topics understandable.

What is included in the price?
The price covers luxury transportation, pickup and drop-off at your hotel, two private tastings, and guided explanations about Burgundy wines and classifications.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but a recommended local restaurant with menus around €25-€35 is part of the day, based on reviews.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is private, so your guide can be flexible within the day’s framework, tailoring it slightly to your interests.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to walk around vineyard sites or villages.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting in the morning and returning around 5:30 PM.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women are advised not to participate due to alcohol consumption during tastings.

This private Burgundy wine tour offers a thoughtful, in-depth exploration of one of France’s most revered wine regions. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, you’ll leave with a richer understanding—and many beautiful photos—of Burgundy’s landscapes and wines.