We have 1 1/2 days in Burgundy in July...I have searched all the tour companies for wine/cooking/bike tours and although a good variety none are exactly what I'm looking for. I'm interested in feedback from those of you who have wine tasted around Dijon and Beaune either with a tour or on your own..recommendations and things to beware of. Thanks. Donna
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Walk either place on your own and you'll find wine shops/caves/cellars all over the place with plenty of tasting opportunities. Skip the tours; I've watched them tromp around in crowds; not the way to go.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I think a wine tour in a wine region at high season only makes sense if it adds something of value to you--special expertise, or individual attention (perhaps). It sounds as though you have not found this so far.
There is an argument for a guide since you only have a short time, but if you are nimble and do your homework in advance, you can certainly put together a great day and a half for yourself.
If that's not you, and especially if you are serious about wine, you might price out a day or half-day private tour.
If you are more laid back about things, there are lots of great wineries within an easy bike ride of Beaune, and the folks at Bourgone Randonees, who rent bicycles, have some terrific recommendations. No better way to see a bit of the countryside, too, but you would undeniably cover more ground in a car.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
I have two bits of advice here. First, my wife and I took the "5 senses of wine" cellar tour (on our own) at Bouchard Aine et Fils in Beaune (my spelling might be off on the name), and it was really informative and a lot of fun. It only takes about an hour or so. But, even better, is to rent some bikes at Randonee (in Rick's book, as well as the aforementioned cellar), tell Florin what you would like to do, and he set you up. This bike day through the trafficless vineyards of Burgundy is what I consider my best day in EUROPE. Not just Burgundy, not just France, but All of EUROPE. It was that much fun. Florin will tell you where the free tastings are, and he even set us up for a perfect picnic in Blagney, just outside of Puligney Montrachet (sp?) The best part of this ride is the terrain, though. Having just come off of some riding days in Bordeaux and Provence, the gently rolling hills of Burgundy were perfect. Man, I want to go back...