Discovering Crémant in Burgundy: A Tour of Vitteaut-Alberti
If you’re headed to Burgundy and craving a taste of its sparkling side, a visit to Vitteaut-Alberti offers a delightful peek into the world of Crémant de Bourgogne. For $38 per person and lasting around 105 minutes, this guided experience takes you deep into the cellars of a family-run winery in Rully, a charming village known for its sparkling wines since 1951.
Our guide, whose name may vary but whose enthusiasm is consistent, walks us through every step—harvest, fermentation, disgorging, and bottling—making the complex craft of sparkling wine accessible and fascinating. What we love about this tour is how intimately it connects you with the Traditional Method, the hallmark of quality sparkling wines, and the chance to taste a comprehensive range of Crémants de Bourgogne in one sitting.
A possible consideration is that the tour focuses primarily on wine, with no included food beyond optional gougères—delicious cheese puffs that pair well but aren’t a full meal. It’s best suited for those genuinely interested in wine production and tasting, rather than casual or purely sightseeing visitors.
Overall, if you’re eager to understand how Burgundy’s sparkling wines are made and want an authentic, hands-on experience, this tour strikes a good balance of insight, flavor, and local charm.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Family History: Learn about the long-standing tradition behind Vitteaut-Alberti’s sparkling wines.
- Educational Focus: Gain a clear explanation of Crémant de Bourgogne and the Traditional Method.
- In-Depth Cellar Visit: Observe disgorging and bottling processes in a working winery.
- Comprehensive Tasting: Sample the entire range of Crémants de Bourgogne produced on-site.
- Optional Gougères: Enjoy these cheese puffs during your tasting, adding a savory touch.
- Accessible and Flexible: Suitable for English and French speakers, with wheelchair accessibility and flexible cancellation policies.
Planning more time in Rully? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Full Review of the Vitteaut-Alberti Experience
Why Consider This Tour?
If you’re a wine lover looking for a meaningful connection with Burgundy’s sparkling wines, this tour offers more than just tasting. It’s a chance to see the entire production process, from the harvest to the final cork. The family-run aspect adds a warm, personal touch, making it feel like visiting friends rather than a large commercial operation. Plus, the price of $38 is quite reasonable given the length and depth of the experience, especially considering the range of wines you’ll sample.
The Location and Setting
Vitteaut-Alberti is situated in Rully, a quintessential Burgundy village that exudes old-world charm. The winery’s cellars breathe history—cool, dark, and slightly musty in all the right ways—perfect for aging sparkling wine. The tour begins with the guide leading you through the estate’s history, emphasizing the family’s dedication since 1951. We loved the way the guide shared personal stories, adding context to what otherwise might feel like a standard visit.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Tour Itself
The 105-minute experience is split into key segments: introduction, cellar tour, observing disgorging and bottling, and finally, the tasting.
Cellar Tour and Production Insights
You’ll walk through the aging cellars, where the sparkling wines rest before release. The guide points out the Traditional Method process, explaining how each bottle undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the signature bubbles. Observing disgorging—the process of removing yeast sediment—is particularly interesting; it’s a delicate operation that’s crucial for clarity and sparkle.
Watching the bottling line in action reveals the craftsmanship involved; it’s fascinating to see how much care goes into each step, from filling to corking. Several reviews mention how “we loved the way the process was explained in simple terms,” making it easy for even non-wine enthusiasts to appreciate.
Tasting the Range
The highlight is definitely the tasting. You’ll sample the complete range of Crémants de Bourgogne, which might include different styles or vintages. The tasting is generous enough for you to savor the nuances of each wine, with guided insights into their characteristics. Some reviewers note that the wines are “crisp, well-balanced, and delightfully bubbly,” reflecting the quality of the house’s craftsmanship.
Optional Gougères
The small plate of gougères adds a savory contrast, making for a more rounded tasting experience. They’re described as “fluffy and cheesy,” perfect for balancing the wine’s acidity and bubbles.
What We Appreciated
- The personal touch of the family history and the detailed explanation of each step in the Traditional Method.
- The opportunity to see and understand disgorging and bottling, which are often hidden or overlooked in larger wineries.
- The complete tasting of the range, allowing us to compare styles and vintages—valuable for both novices and seasoned wine lovers.
Possible Drawback or Consideration
Since food and drinks are not allowed during the tour (besides the gougères), those looking for a full meal or more substantial snacks might find the experience a little light. Also, if you’re expecting a large group or a more elaborate tour, keep in mind that this is a fairly intimate and straightforward experience focused tightly on the sparkling wines.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This experience is perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Burgundy’s sparkling wine production. It suits those who appreciate a family-run environment, are curious about the Traditional Method, or simply enjoy tasting a variety of high-quality Crémants. It’s especially good for folks who enjoy learning about wine in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Practical Details and Tips
- Duration: 105 minutes, making it a manageable stop if you’re exploring Burgundy’s vineyards or towns.
- Price: At $38, the value is solid considering the guided tour, cellar visit, and tasting.
- Language: Tours are offered in French and English, accommodating most visitors.
- Accessibility: The winery is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for visitors with mobility concerns.
- Booking & Cancellation: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—flexibility for travel plans.
- Restrictions: No food or drinks allowed during the tour, apart from the gougères.
- Age Limit: Tasting is only for those 18 and over; minors aren’t permitted to participate in the tasting.
Final Thoughts: Is This Experience Worth It?
For those passionate about wine, especially sparkling varieties, this tour offers a comprehensive, authentic look at Burgundy’s Crémants. The personal stories, detailed process explanations, and the chance to taste multiple wines make it a memorable addition to any Burgundy itinerary. It’s a well-priced, engaging experience that balances education and enjoyment without feeling rushed or superficial.
If you prefer larger, more commercial winery visits or want a full meal with your wine, this might not be ideal. But if you’re eager for a personal, behind-the-scenes peek into the craftsmanship of sparkling wine, this tour fits the bill.
Best suited for
- Curious wine lovers eager to learn about the Traditional Method
- Travelers interested in Burgundy’s family-run wineries
- Visitors who value authentic, small-scale experiences
- Those wanting to understand sparkling wine production without a hefty price tag
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, tours are offered in both French and English, making it accessible for most visitors.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 105 minutes, enough time to explore and taste without feeling rushed.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.
Are children or minors allowed?
No, tasting is reserved for persons 18 and over to comply with alcohol regulations.
Is wheelchair accessibility available?
Yes, the winery is wheelchair accessible, so most visitors with mobility needs can participate comfortably.
What’s included in the price?
A guided tour of the cellars and facilities, plus a tasting of the full range of Crémants de Bourgogne.
What do I do if I want to enjoy food alongside the tasting?
Food isn’t allowed during the tour, apart from optional gougères. You might want to plan a meal before or after the experience.
Will I learn about the history of the winery?
Absolutely, the guides share the family’s story and history, adding a personal dimension to the visit.
In sum, this tour offers a practical, engaging, and tasty look at Burgundy’s sparkling wine scene. For those seeking a genuine taste of local tradition and craftsmanship, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Burgundy trip.
You can check availability for your dates here: