Why Visit Burgundy?

Here Are Our Five Favorite Reasons

There are countless types of wines available from around the world, so why should you choose Burgundy wines? And with numerous holiday destinations boasting their own wine cultures, what sets Burgundy apart? Here at BurgundyWine.com, we ran a series of articles exploring those very questions. The answers to them will take us on a journey through the vineyards and the terroir that made Burgundy the wine powerhouse that it is today. We’ll meet the historical figures of Burgundy’s past and get to know their descendants alive to this day. We'll explore the picturesque hillsides, the mysteries of the terroir, and meet some fascinating characters... 

So for a whistlestop tour of the top 5 reasons you should visit Burgundy, let’s look at the grapes, the cuisine, the terroir, the people and the history – all of which await you when you visit. (And where better to stay when you do come, than our home nestling amongst the vines in the heart of Burgundy – the Domaine de Cromey? For more details, read on below and we will answer the question, Why Visit Burgundy? 

Visit Burgundy for… the Grapes (really the wine!)

It goes without saying that one of the main reasons for visiting Burgundy is to experience the two grapes it has become famous for as a region – Pinot Noir used in red wines, and Chardonnay for white wines. They seem to drink better on the ground they were made on – there’s something about experiencing them in Burgundy that just adds to the magic. The fact that winegrowers here can make an almost infinite variety of wines from just two grapes has always fascinated us – maybe when you come you can chat to them and ask them how they do it! 

Did you know there are also three other grapes which you can discover while you’re here? Many don’t know about them – Gamay (used to make Beaujolais), Aligoté (used in Bouzeron appellation wines), and Sauvignon Blanc (used in wines from Saint-Bris). So they’re exceptions, but intriguing ones to get to know.  

Burgundy is famous for producing some of the best and often most expensive wines globally. But don’t forget that it also offers some of the most affordable and accessible wines you can find. That means that you can enjoy high quality without having to pay premium prices. This is especially true for sparkling wines, with Crémant de Bourgogne being a fantastic alternative to Champagne for example. And if you’re not sure where to start in exploring the grapes of Burgundy, just contact us and we’ll be happy to help, on the phone, via email, or better still in person!  

Visit Burgundy for… the Cuisine 

Wine is so fundamentally linked to food in these parts that many dishes have their origins in wine – take Dijon mustard for example, which uses unripe grape juice from the winemaking process. And you only have to look at the wide selection of cheeses on offer here to see that some were made specifically to be eaten with certain wines. Ami du Chambertin, for instance, was created in the 1950s to complement Gevrey-Chambertin wines. (If you're interested in learning more about pairing cheese and wine in Burgundy, we have an article dedicated to the topic). However, it's important to remember that these cheeses are made from local animals on land in Burgundy - they don't travel that well and are best enjoyed where they are produced. So, if you're looking for a reason to visit Burgundy, trying out these cheeses would be a great excuse! 

In terms of poultry there is the Bresse chicken – from the Bourg-en-Bresse region in the Mâconnais area and match perfectly with white Mâcon wines. Bleu de Bresse is the cheese that comes from this region – and another great partner to Mâcon wines. But don’t think for a moment that cuisine here is all about cheese and meat – in fact there are a whole host of fish dishes, to be paired with both white AND red wines… Then there are the vegetable dishes (Cromey has its own potager or vegetable garden which we use for these dishes – click here to read more on Burgundy vegetable dishes from Ellie’s cookbook). 

But one of the best ways to understand why Burgundy is so popular for its cuisine is simply to stay at the Domaine de Cromey. Located in the beautiful Burgundy countryside among the vineyards, this is the home of burgundywine.com by Elden Selections. Good food is central to life here, where traditions are maintained and living in harmony with nature is a top priority. We use organic soils, compost, cover crops, raised beds, and avoid the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. When visitors come to Cromey, they get the chance to learn about the cuisine of Burgundy first hand from experts Dennis, Ellie, Joss and the team. And that’s without mentioning any of the fabulous desserts on offer here. You won’t be going home hungry from a visit to Burgundy.  

Visit Burgundy for… the Terroir 

Galileo Galilei once stated, "Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” He might have also emphasized that for a truly exceptional wine, we need more than just these two components. The third essential element is terroir, which encompasses the 'earth' and the rock it stands on. Yes you can read about it, but there is nothing quite like coming here and feeling earth run through your fingers, looking at the tiny, fossilised oyster shells, seeing the clay and limestone rock, and appreciating how special this earth is that makes the vineyards grow. The term ‘terroir’ is just the way that the French speak about the geology of the area, the rock and soil, and also how vines are affected by weather and aspect (where a vine is located and how much sun it gets).  

Terroir is a term that holds great significance in the world of wine, particularly in Burgundy, France. The region relies heavily on the unique qualities of its soil and rocks to build its reputation. Here, the soil can vary significantly even within small distances, and winemakers leverage this diversity to craft wines of almost infinite variety, even when using just two types of grape. 

Visit Burgundy for… the People 

When you visit Burgundy, you are visiting its people; and once you do, you won't forget them. To get under the skin of the wines here and how they are lovingly crafted by vignerons down through the generations of their families, you need to meet them. They’re proud of their work and will often be only too pleased to show you what’s going on. Over the years, we have made many friendships with winegrowers which have lasted to the present day. You’ll find their names on our online wine shop, because we only sell wines from producers we know and trust implicitly. Over the years we’ve had many memorable introductions; to Roger Capitain at Maison Capitain-Gagnerot who gave us our first job in Burgundy; to Pascal Borgeot at the 1989 St Vincente Tournante festival; to Elise Villiers, one of the famous Wine Women of Burgundy – the list goes on.  

And finally - the Hospices de Beaune is a must-visit in Burgundy if you want to meet Burgundy’s people. It serves as a melting pot and hub of Burgundy’s wine capital, representing the greatness of the people and their spirit. Why visit Burgundy? For the opportunity to participate in hospice auctions, supporting local and international charities, meeting small producers, and immersing yourself in the vibrant life of this unique region. 

Visit Burgundy for… the History 

It goes without saying that Burgundy’s history is rich and varied, and fascinating for anyone who wants to learn how it became the world’s premier wine region. You could take a cycle tour through some of the villages of Burgundy and quite literally feel the history under your feet – Pommard (dating back to the 909 and known by the Romans as Polmarium); see the Hill of Corton, named after the emperor Curtis d’Othon; or visit Gevrey-Chambertin, the village named after the famous monk Bertin, and which produced Napoleon’s favorite wines.  

Why visit Burgundy? Because if you stay at Domaine de Cromey, you’re right on the doorstep of some of the best towns, cities and Abbeys in the region. You could visit Beaune, Burgundy’s capital and visit the famous ancient Hospices there. Perhaps you’ll find yourself headed for Auxerre, for a cruise along the waterways there to see the Abbaye de Saint-Germain and Auxerre Cathedral.  Or maybe you’ll take a trip to Autun – the town of art and history – to take in a live show held in the Roman Amphitheatre. And don’t forget the Château du Clos de Vougeot – not just an excellent chateau with ancient vineyards but also home to the enigmatic society of Burgundy wine enthusiasts, called La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Wine-Tasting Cup).  

Why Visit Burgundy for…the breathtakingly beautiful accommodation at Domaine de Cromey 

There are two main ways to enjoy your Burgundy vacation at Domaine de Cromey. The first is to participate in one of our famous Burgundy House Parties. Bring your family and/or friends that are fortunate enough to join you, for a maximum of 12 guests (which can be extended to a maximum of 14 in a pinch!). During your stay, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the property. You may also choose to attend one of our Mix and Meet events! You'll get the same great experience as our Burgundy House Party, but this option is perfect if you don’t have a large enough group or if you want to mingle with other like-minded individuals. 

We hope we have given you the answers you need to the question, Why Visit Burgundy? To discover more reasons, why not consider joining our club? As a member of our Burgundy Wine Club, you will receive detailed tasting notes for all our wines. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive, hand-selected wines from our top producers. As a bonus, you will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a 4-day stay at Domaine de Cromey.