Why Visit Burgundy? Part 5 – The People

Why Visit Burgundy?

To Meet Small-Appellation Burgundy Wine Producers

As inconceivable as it may sound, occasionally you may find yourself, or a friend, asking the question “Why visit Burgundy?” To us devoted fans of the world’s greatest wine region, the answers seem obvious – but it’s not so for anyone who isn’t aware of the riches that Burgundy has to offer. Maybe they never heard of the incredible castles and vineyards that are dotted around the rolling countryside; perhaps they didn’t know that you can take such a thing as a vineyard cycle-tour; or possibly they had no idea that there’s a place nestling among the vines from which you can plan the holiday of a lifetime and meet the most fascinating winegrowers and their families (there is - the Domaine de Cromey). Well, that’s the purpose of this article in our series entitled “Why visit Burgundy” – to introduce you to the best small producers in lesser-known appellations and to the Domaine de Cromey, our home here in the heart of Burgundy, where you can stay in the lap of luxury while being introduced to these passionate local winemakers. Read on to meet just a few of these incredible folk, and to read some of our favorite anecdotes about how we at burgundywine.com by Elden Selections first met them…

Create Memories You Will Never Forget

Visiting Burgundy means visiting its people, and you won't forget them once you have. Of all the winemakers we have discovered over the years in Burgundy, perhaps the most fortuitous was our meeting with Roger Capitain. On a Friday evening in late Fall 1984, we were introduced to winemaker Roger Capitain at Maison Capitain-Gagnerot by the man who gave us our first job in France. Little did we know then, but Capitain wines would soon become our standard for Burgundy, and our friendship with Roger Capitain would immerse us in the region's culture. Although Roger passed away in 1999, his sons and grandson continue the tradition, known for its distinct style. Choosing a Capitain wine means choosing quality, and there's no mistaking it in Burgundy.  Interested in learning more and trying this Domaine’s wines? You can explore Capitain-Gagnerot wines here.

Another very memorable occasion was when we met a winemaker on a cold Saturday in the Cote de Beaune village of Santenay. It was January 28th 1989, and the date has stuck in our minds every since. Pascal Borgeot was the man’s name, and all around us there were paper flowers, decorating the village in honor of the feast of St. Vincent Tournante (the patron saint of winemakers…). Every year they hold the festival in a different village, but it is taken very seriously here – as with all things involving wine, the very lifeblood of this area. Pascal and his brother Laurent are fourth generation winemakers, so they (perhaps literally) have wine in their blood, through many generations. Their future is undoubtedly a bright one, especially as Pascal’s daughter Julia has now been brought on board. We knew her when she was a kid, but she is now a masterful vigneron in her own right. To share in their great success making quality wines, explore wines from the Domaine Borgeot here.

One of the most impressive female Burgundy wine producers is Elise Villiers, a leading figure in the renaissance they’re experience in the commune of Vézelay. We first met her shortly after she began making wine. Despite being a latecomer to winemaking, she displayed talent and flair from the outset. At the time, Vézelay was considered a lesser category within the Bourgogne appellation. However, Elise's wines were gaining recognition. We visited her to taste her wines in Precy Le Moult, located in the hills behind Vézelay, and we were extremely impressed. Fast forward to 2017, and thanks to Elise's hard work and dedication, Vézelay was awarded its 'village' appellation. Click here to discover the incredible wines of Elise Villiers – but beware, as they often sell out as soon as they go on the market!

Many other great meetings have taken place in Burgundy. For example, we met Charles du Besset of the Château Cary Potet and instantly fell in love with both the man and his beautiful Montagny (in the northern Cote Chalonnaise). Charles was a man from another era, embodying a sort of tatty aristocracy in a romantic chateau in a beautiful part of Burgundy. He was authentic to his fingertips – the real deal. Through him, we learned a lot about life – and wine too, of course. Then, one day, he was gone, and with him, Cary Potet Montagny seemed to dissolve, too. For a decade or so, we heard nothing more, and nobody seemed to take the reigns of the domaine in hand. Then one day, in a market, we saw a Cary Potet Label, proclaiming it to be the latest vintage! In the small print we read that it was ‘Produced by Chateau de Chamilly’. Of course, we hurried to contact these new owners, and were thrilled that they had taken over the domaine and breathed new life into it. Today the new family produce wines primarily from Mercurey and Montagny – click here to try the wines of Chateau Cary Potet.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Gilles Bouton, during our time on the hotel-barge where we spent so many happy years – Papillon - as we explored the inland waterways in search of authentic Burgundy. The first sip of his Saint-Aubin 1er Cru 'en Remilly' left a lasting impression on us, and we believed we had found the best value in white Burgundy from Domaine Gilles Bouton.

Michel Arcelain was another legend in these parts – and everything in his life had something to do with wine. He was a giant of this place and another person that we learned so much from, and not simply about wine either. His vineyards are almost all Pinot Noir of the very highest calibre, called Pinot Fin. His grandson Pierre now operates this Domaine with his wife Charlotte – another great Burgundy story passed on through the generations.

The Hospices de Beaune

Last, at least for this article, but by no means least when we’re talking about meeting the great and the good of Burgundy is the Hospices de Beaune – the 'melting pot' and hub of Burgundy’s wine capital. It represents all that is great about the people of Burgundy and their spirit. Here you can bid in the hospices auctions which provide yet another answer to the question Why Visit Burgundy – to support charities both locally and internationally, to meet the best small producers, and to participate in the vibrant life of this unique region.

Good wine is best enjoyed with good people. Why visit Burgundy and choose to get to know Burgundy wine? Because you're choosing to be a part of memories that will last forever. The long history of Burgundy has given rise to many tales, and at burgundywine.com by Elden Selections, we've been fortunate to be a part of some of them - and so can you.

If you have decided to visit Burgundy (and why wouldn’t you…) then we would like to offer our fabulous Burgundian manor house – Domaine de Cromey which nestles amongst the vines – as your base for the duration of your stay. You can book your stay using this link, or read more about our fantastic Burgundy House Parties and the activities and amenities on offer. Also, why not join our Burgundy Wine Club, open for membership now?