The Top Burgundy Destinations For Wine Lovers

Imagine yourself cycling along a quiet country road, the warm sun on your back, a gentle breeze in your hair, taking in the rolling vineyards, the Charolais cattle, nodding to locals on their way to the fields... then having a mid-morning wine tasting with a Chateau as a backdrop... saying a reluctant goodbye, you’re driven the short way into the local historic town for some local delicacies and sightseeing – unforgettable monuments, buildings, homages to this incredible region and its history. You make your way home to your accommodation where a leisurely afternoon by the pool awaits, before a gastronomic feast in the evening, and the chance to get acquainted with more of the best wines in the world. And in the morning you know the green peaks of the mountains beyond the horizon beckon...  

It’s not a dream – but what you can expect when you visit Burgundy and discover this remarkable region. Whether its wine tasting at the Chateau de Vergisson, sightseeing in Beaune or Autun, or exploring in the peaks of the Morvan Park, your Burgundy vacation awaits! 

And all of these places are within easy driving (or cycling) distance from our home in Burgundy, the Domaine de Cromey, which can be your base for the entire trip. We’ve chosen these top Burgundy destinations after years of hosting visitors from all over the world, as they’re guaranteed show-stoppers, where you’ll create memories to last a lifetime. Additionally, wine enthusiasts will recognize many of these areas for their superb vineyards and unique terroirs – and you can find wines from all of them at the BurgundyWine.com shop, by Elden Selections!

1. Beaune – and the Famous Hospices Wine Auction 

Beaune, situated in the heart of Burgundy, is a paradise for wine lovers and is a great place to start when thinking of the top Burgundy destinations for wine and food enthusiasts. This charming town is renowned for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and vibrant wine scene.  

Beaune also hosts several wine-related events, including the famous Hospices de Beaune wine auction in November, where collectors and enthusiasts gather to bid on coveted Burgundy wines. It's held at the Hôtel-Dieu, a stunning medieval hospital known for its remarkable architecture and rich history. Did you know that we run special themed stays for the weekend of the Hospices wine auction at our fabulous baronial manor house in Burgundy? Click here for more details. You can also read about what it’s like to buy a barrel share of a wine from this historic auction, and read tasting notes from past Hospices wines we’ve bought over the years. 

For wine lovers, Beaune is not just one of the top Burgundy destinations to tick off; it’s a journey into the heart of one of the world’s finest wine regions, making it an unforgettable experience filled with discovery and indulgence. Don’t miss the chance to discover all that this charming town has to offer! 

2. Dijon – International City of Gastronomy and Wine 

On a map, the Burgundy wine region begins at Dijon in the north, and ends roughly at Lyon in the south. The nickname for the wonderful city of Dijon tells you all you need to know about it really - “The International City of Gastronomy and Wine”. The famous Dijon Mustard is also named in honour of the place (the real stuff with grape juice known as verjus though, not vinegar!).  

Visitors here will have a to-do list several feet long, full of things to see and experience, such as visiting the palaces of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Dijon Fine Arts Museum, the wine tastings and many amazing restaurant experiences, or to simply relax by Lake Kir in the summer. 

3. Clos de Vougeot – Magic Within the Castle Walls

Vougeot is a small village located in the Côte de Nuits, just a short drive north of Cromey. It is named after the small river Vouge. Although it is the smallest commune in the Côte d’Or region, it boasts the largest Grand Cru vineyard, known as Clos de Vougeot. This remarkable vineyard spans over 120 acres and is home to around 50 producers. Visiting this historic site is a must for anyone staying in Burgundy.  

The Clos de Vougeot website offers excellent resources to help you plan your visit and book activities. Whether you're traveling alone or in a group, you can explore the Château at your own pace. Touch screens placed at key locations around the site provide information about the Château and its history. You can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours enjoying your visit, depending on your interest. There’s nothing quite like a wine tasting within the castle walls for a truly memorable experience, and one that cements Clos de Vougeot as truly one of the top Burgundy destinations.

4. Morvan – Burgundy’s Forest of Dreams 

About halfway between Paris and Lyon stand the awe-inspiring Morvan National Park. Here, granite peaks rise majestically to a height of 900 meters, offering outstanding views of the surrounding landscape. Spanning over 280,000 hectares, this land covers four departments of Burgundy: Côte-d'Or, Saône-et-Loire, Yonne, and Nièvre.

Morvan Park also features an eco-museum consisting of themed houses, such as the House of People and Landscape and the House of Livestock Farming and the Charolais, located in Moulins-Engilbert. Wine lovers will be particularly interested in the House of Wine and Barrel-making in Ouroux-en-Morvan. The park offers natural products that you can enjoy alongside local wines, such as honey and berries, as well as a popular regional hotpot. 

There are also more than 2,900km of amazing cycle routes through the Morvan mountains, and at Cromey we work with experienced cycle hire companies to sort you out with the best bikes (electric too) and equipment for your trip. 

5. Autun – Enigmatic Cathedral Town  

Autun, one of the most charming towns in all of Burgundy, offers wine enthusiasts a unique blend of history and viticulture. With its stunning Roman architecture, including the ancient theater and the Saint-Lazare Cathedral, visitors can immerse themselves in the region's rich heritage. The area's picturesque vineyards are renowned for producing some of the finest Burgundy wines, making it one of the top Burgundy destinations for wine tasting tours. 

But there’s another reason that Autun is special to us… our very own Cromey vineyard is located within the Autun arrondissement, in the commune of Couches. If you didn’t read about it, back in 2023 we celebrated our first wine production, made in partnership with a fantastic local and organic producer called Domaine Ami. If you’re visiting us to see the vines and taste our wine, then Autun is only a half-hour drive away. Whether you’re coming in the summer to enjoy the light show extravaganza they host, or to see the enigmatic Pyramid of Couhard, or the Janus Temple, you won’t be disappointed when your destination is Autun. 

6. Mâcon - Hub of Wine Innovation  

If you like your white wines rich and round, as well as price-sensitive, then you may already be familiar with the Mâconnais wine region – and its capital, Mâcon. This region has seen more investment and development over the past generation than any other in Burgundy, and now stands today as a centre of gastronomy and viticulture, and one of the top Burgundy destinations to get acquainted with. It even has its own type of chocolate named after it (Bouchons Mâconnais - chocolate combined with Marc de Bourgogne liqueur).  

In Mâcon, you can explore not one, but two cathedrals. Although little of the original structure remains, the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent, notable for its octagonal towers, serves as a fascinating reminder of the local history. A new cathedral of the same name was constructed in the 19th century in a neoclassical style. A half-hour drive northwest of Mâcon will take you to the town of Cluny, home to the largest and most influential abbey in Europe for several centuries. The area also boasts some excellent restaurants worth visiting.  

The nearby town of Solutré-Pouilly lends its name to some of the finest wines from Mâcon. The rock of Solutré offers spectacular views, extending as far as the Alps on clear days, while the rock of Vergisson provides an easier ascent for those looking for a more leisurely hike. Vergisson is also renowned for producing exceptional white wines. The rocky outcrops that dot the skyline, emblematic of the local vineyards, remind us that this area was once home to one of the most fully evolved prehistoric cultures around 20,000 years ago. Enjoy scenic views at the marina or cycle along the towpaths by the river. The Mâcon Tourist Information Office offers helpful recommendations for planning your day trip, especially if you're interested in tours of the Burgundy vineyards. Finally, if you’re here in the summer then you can experience the Été Frappé art and music festival which runs every June until August. 

7. Beaujolais – Enjoy the Lighter Side of Life 

If you’re visiting the region of Beaujolais - the home of light, fruity red wine made from the Gamay grape unusually (and not from Pinot Noir!) - then you’ll want to know about the Beaujolais Wine Route. This 140km circuit promises a warm welcome from the locals in the villages which it passes through, making it the perfect way to discover the heritage of this amazing wine region.   

There are 10 Beaujolais Cru villages to discover- from south to north, Brouilly is followed by Côte de Brouilly, Régnié, Morgon, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Juliénas and Saint-Amour.  Further south are the lighter, Beaujolais Village-level wines. The route also takes you via Beaujeu, the ‘capital’ of the region where you can see beautiful churches and the Beaujeu Hospices.  

And did you know that there are white Beaujolais wines? But at only 2% of wine produced here, you’ll have to look hard to find them! 

8. Domaine de Cromey – Your Home When You Visit Burgundy

For our clients, a great Burgundy trip starts and ends with the Domaine de Cromey. It’s simply the perfect base for making your explorations in Burgundy. With our renovated tasting room, we’re delighted that people are once again enjoying wine in this magnificent building after 400 years. The original construction of our special tasting room has been meticulously preserved, with modern updates to facilitate enjoyable wine tasting experiences. A short walk from the tasting room to the main dining area at Cromey reveals the imposing presence of a wine press dating back to the early 19th century.  

There is truth to the saying that tasting wine where it was made and aged brings a unique experience; the essence of Burgundy wine in Burgundy cannot be replicated elsewhere, especially when paired with local Burgundian cuisine.

Let Us Be Your Sanctuary When Visiting The Eight Top Burgundy Wine Destinations

We hope you've enjoyed discovering these top Burgundy destinations. Many of our clients visit to connect physically with the wines they’ve enjoyed at home and discover their origins. We also offer both in-person and virtual tastings with our producers, so be sure to keep an eye out for those details! And be sure to visit burgundywine.com.