A Day in Burgundy’s Vineyards: The Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour
If you’re dreaming of exploring one of France’s most iconic wine regions, this Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour offers an authentic taste of the area’s best wines, stunning landscapes, and charming villages. For $315.26 per person, you get a full day of guided wine tasting, vineyard visits, and scenic driving, all centered around the historic towns of Auxerre and Chablis. The tour lasts about 8 to 10 hours, starting at 10:00 am, with the convenience of pickup from your hotel or Auxerre train station.
What we love about this experience? First, the opportunity to visit a variety of vineyards, including organic and biodynamic producers, which gives you a richer understanding of different wine styles and production methods. Second, the intimate setting—this tour caps at 6 to 8 travelers, making it easier to ask questions and get personalized insights from your guide, Nick.
A possible consideration: this tour involves some walking and standing at vineyard visits, so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness. Also, lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget around €25-30 for a meal at a local bistro—something worth planning ahead.
This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts who love authentic stories behind the bottles, want expert commentary, and appreciate scenic drives through historic wine villages. It also suits travelers who prefer small-group tours for a more personal touch and deeper engagement.
Key Points
- Authentic Vineyard Visits: Experience visits to diverse producers, including organic and biodynamic farms.
- Expert Guidance: Learn about wine production and regional differences from knowledgeable guides.
- Scenic and Cultural Highlights: Enjoy panoramic views of vineyards and a lively street market (Sundays only).
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Tasting sessions, transportation, and detailed tasting notes are all included.
- Limited Group Size: The tour is capped at 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
- Flexibility for Wine Purchases: Order forms and shipment options make taking home a favorite bottle easy.
Planning more time in Auxerre? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Exploring the Itinerary in Detail
Stop 1: Domaine Jean-Louis Jean-Christophe Bersan
Our first stop is in the 12th-century cellars of Domaine Jean-Louis Jean-Christophe Bersan. Here, we tasted a rare Burgundy white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc, along with other exceptional wines from the estate. The underground cellars, dating back centuries, add a sense of history as you sip on wines that have been carefully cultivated for generations. The guide emphasizes organic practices, which adds an extra layer of appreciation for those interested in sustainable winegrowing.
What stands out: The experience of tasting in a historic cellar elevates the moment. As Vincent_C noted, “We had such a great time with Nick, learning about the industry and tasting some amazing wines.” This visit offers insight into the heritage and craftsmanship behind each bottle.
Stop 2: Domaine Louis Moreau
Next, we visit Domaine Louis Moreau, renowned for its Chablis wines, including Premier and Grand Cru varieties. The tasting here is lively and well-commented, with explanations about what makes Chablis unique—its particular climate, limestone soils, and how these influence the wine’s crispness and minerality.
A highlight: The opportunity to sample some of the region’s flagship wines and understand why Chablis is celebrated worldwide. Gaiane_I appreciated how Nick explained in detail “how to best organize the tour,” making the day feel seamless and well-planned.
Stop 3: Office de Tourisme du Pays Chablisien
On Sundays, the tour includes a visit to the vibrant local street market, a lively hub for fresh produce, regional specialties, and artisan goods. It’s a colorful, bustling slice of local life that adds cultural flavor to the day. Even if you’re not in town on a Sunday, the mention underscores the region’s lively community atmosphere.
Stop 4: Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard
In this stop, we explore organic and biodynamic winemaking practices. Tasting these wines gives a sense of the innovative approaches some producers are taking to reflect terroir authentically. The estate’s focus on sustainability makes their wines particularly appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.
Authentic insight: The guide explains the significance of biodynamic practices, giving you a deeper understanding of how these methods influence taste and quality.
Stop 5: Domaine du Clos du Roi
Our final vineyard visit provides a more local perspective on traditional wine-making. Here, you’ll learn about the history and traditions of the region’s wine craft, adding context to your tasting experience. The stop is brief but informative, rounding out your understanding of Northern Burgundy’s vinicultural heritage.
What’s Included and What to Budget For
The tour includes three tastings, all transportation, a driver/guide, and an information package with maps and tasting notes. The trips are made in a private vehicle, with scenic drives through Chablis’ wine villages and vineyards. A highlight is the panoramic view overlooking the Chablis Grand Cru vineyards, offering perfect photo opportunities and a sense of place.
While the tour covers a lot, lunch isn’t included, so plan for about €25-€30 at a typical bistro. The tour also offers shipment options if you decide to buy wine—convenient for bringing a piece of Burgundy home.
Transportation and Group Size
The private vehicle ensures a comfortable ride, and with only up to 8 travelers, the experience stays intimate. The small group size lets you ask questions freely and get detailed insights from your guide, which many reviewers find invaluable.
Timing and Weather
Starting at 10:00 am, the tour runs in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly. The planned stops are well-paced, providing plenty of time to relax and absorb each experience.
Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value
From the moment we stepped into the cellar at Domaine Jean-Louis Jean-Christophe Bersan, the tour felt genuine. We loved the way Nick explained the nuances of organic wine production—something you might not get on larger, more commercial tours. Reviewers like Vincent_C praised the “wealth of knowledge,” and Gaiane_I appreciated the detailed planning that made the day very productive.
The scenic drives through picturesque villages and the panoramic vineyard views serve as a reminder of Burgundy’s stunning landscape. Plus, the chance to visit a local market adds a lively, authentic touch that connects you to the regional culture.
The wine tastings are thoughtfully curated, showcasing both the classic and innovative styles of the region. Sampling wines in historic cellars and hearing about their production enriches the tasting experience far beyond just sipping and spitting.
Cost-Value Analysis
At around $315, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Burgundy’s wine scene with expert guidance, transportation, and three tastings included. Given the quality of vineyards visited and the personalized attention, many travelers find this to be a worthwhile investment, especially compared to the cost of self-organized visits, which can lack context and convenience.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re a wine lover eager to deepen your understanding of Burgundy’s wines, this trip is perfect. It’s especially suited for those who value small-group intimacy and expert guidance, as well as scenic drives through iconic vineyards. Travelers interested in sustainable practices will appreciate the organic and biodynamic stops, while those who want a taste of local culture will enjoy the market visit (on Sundays).
However, if you prefer a more leisurely, flexible schedule or plan to eat a full meal at the vineyards, you might want to consider supplementing this tour or choosing a different experience.
The Sum Up
The Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic introduction to one of France’s top wine regions. You’ll visit a variety of vineyards, learn from an experienced guide, and enjoy breathtaking views that make the region so special. The small-group format, combined with expert commentary and scenic drives, creates a memorable day for anyone passionate about wine, culture, or simply beautiful landscapes.
For those curious about organic and biodynamic wines or eager to understand regional terroir, this tour provides a perfect mix of education and enjoyment. It’s a fantastic value for the quality of experiences packed into one day, especially for travelers who appreciate genuine, behind-the-scenes stories.
If you’re looking to combine wine tasting, scenic views, and a taste of local life, this tour is a top choice. It strikes a nice balance between guided insight and authentic exploration—something that makes for a truly enriching day out in Burgundy.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 10 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at your starting point or hotel.
What is included in the price?
You get three wine tastings, transportation by private vehicle, a driver/guide, an information package with maps and tasting notes, and a scenic driving tour of the region.
Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes, order forms and shipment details are provided, making it easy to purchase your favorite bottles and have them shipped home.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You should budget around €25-€30 for a typical meal at a local bistro or restaurant.
What about weather considerations?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the day—comfortable shoes and layers are recommended.
Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
The minimum drinking age is 18, so it’s best suited for adults.
Can I join if I don’t have a car?
Yes, the tour offers pickup at Auxerre train station, making it accessible without a personal vehicle.
What size is the tour group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking around 3 months in advance is recommended, as the tour is often booked 91 days before the date.
This Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour offers an intimate, educational, and scenic way to experience France’s celebrated wine country. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about French wines, it promises a memorable day full of flavor, history, and stunning views.