Wine Country Adventures in Champagne & Burgundy

Departing from Reims or Epernay, head south to Burgundy - the most terroir-oriented region in France. In fact, the southern part of Champagne was once part of Burgundy before the riots in 1911. The wine making tradition there dates back to the 12th century and was significantly influenced by the Cistercian monks who first recognized by the monks when they noticed that wine from certain parts of the vineyard was better than others. This became the idea of terroir.

Unlike most Champagnes, the great Burgundies are made from a single grape variety. Pinot Noir offers complex layers of red fruits, earth, and often a touch of forest floor, with aging bringing notes of mushroom and truffle. Chardonnay with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a signature minerality, Burgundy’s Chardonnay also offers hints of butter and nuts from oak aging, particularly in Meursault.

Sample Itinerary - Starting in Champagne

▸ Day 1 Pinot Noir Champagne in the Montagne de Reims
▸ Day 2 Great Cellars & Houses of Champagne
▸ Day 3 Chardonnay Champagne in the Cote de Blancs
▸ Day 4 Transfer by private car to Chablis

Leaving the sparkling elegance of Champagne, we head south to Chablis, celebrated for its single-varietal wines and historic vineyards in northernmost Burgundy, where the unique chalky soil gives birth to its exquisite, mineral and crisp white wines, a must-try for Chardonnay lovers. The terroir is very similar to Champagne. The cool climate here produces wines with more acidity and flavors less fruity than the Chardonnay of Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

▸ Day 5: Dijon, Cote de Nuits and Pinot Noir

Today, explore the heart of Cote de Nuits, south of Dijon. The Pinot Noir wines here at their best on the cool limestone slopes and known for their depth, complexity, and remarkable aging potential. They exhibit a wide range of flavors, including notes of red and black fruits, such as cherries, blackberries, and raspberries, complemented by earthy undertones similar to the grapes found in Champagne.

▸ Day 6: Cote de Beaune, Beaune, and Chardonnay

The Chardonnay wines of the Cote de Beaune are globally acclaimed, especially those from prestigious appellations like Meursault and Puligny are characterized by their richness, depth, and complexity, with a remarkable balance between acidity and minerality.

▸ Day 7: Discover Beaujolais Nouveau

Head to Beaujolais and discover a wide range of easy-drinking, fruit-forward wines to more complex varieties with distinct terroir expressions. Gamay-based wines emphasize fresh, vibrant fruit flavors, especially Beaujolais Nouveau, produced in its scenic vineyards around beautiful villages, like Oingt and Clochemerle.

▸ Day 8: Lyon

Nestled at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, with bustling markets like Les Halles, Paul Bocuse, and countless Bouchons offering traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon and charming traboules - hidden passageways that connect the city's historic buildings. From the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which overlooks the city, to the artistic flair of the Croix-Rousse district, Lyon invites you to explore its rich cultural heritage.

▸ Day 9: Train to Paris