Dijon: Burgundy Wines Masterclass

This experience made our article of 15 Of The Best Tours In Dijon.

Discovering Burgundy in Dijon: A Masterclass Worth Savoring

If you’re heading to Dijon and want to truly understand what makes Burgundy wines so special, the Burgundy Wines Masterclass offers a perfect blend of education and tasting pleasure. Led by an experienced sommelier, this two-hour experience costs $103 per person and takes you on a journey through the region’s iconic grapes, production rules, and tasting techniques.

What we love most is how accessible this class makes complex wine concepts, especially with a guide whose expertise is clear—he reached the highest level of this school in London and has a decade of experience. Plus, the inclusion of a cheese and charcuterie board elevates the tasting, offering a balanced approach to food and wine pairing.

One possible consideration is the duration—it’s only two hours—so if you’re looking for a deep dive into Burgundy’s entire wine region, you might want to combine this with other tours. However, if you value quality over quantity and appreciate a relaxed, engaging environment, this class suits those eager to learn in a fun, friendly setting.

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts of all levels, especially those curious about Burgundy’s grapes, labels, and history, and who enjoy the social aspect of wine tasting. It’s also a great choice for travelers who want an authentic, educational experience that enhances their appreciation of Burgundy wines beyond just drinking them.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Expert guidance: Led by a highly qualified sommelier, ensuring accurate and engaging information.
Tasting techniques: Learn how to properly taste and evaluate wine, a skill you can carry home.
Regional insights: Discover Burgundy’s different areas, grapes, and history.
Food pairing: Get practical tips on matching wines with cheese and charcuterie.
Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later.
Authentic focus: Small-group, relaxed environment emphasizing genuine learning and enjoyment.

In-Depth Review of the Burgundy Wines Masterclass in Dijon

Setting the Stage: Where and How?

The tour takes place in a cozy courtyard in Dijon, marked clearly as “The Wine Compass.” Entering, you’ll find some stairs leading down on the left, hinting at an intimate, cellar-like atmosphere—perfect for wine tasting. The location feels inviting without feeling touristy, making it clear this is about authentic learning rather than just a show.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Approachable

The tour’s backbone is Mathieu, the sommelier, whose credentials and experience shine through. As one reviewer noted, “Mathieu is very experienced and knowledgeable about Bourgogne, giving insights and a great experience.” His approach is friendly and accessible, making complex topics understandable, especially for beginners. He starts by explaining how to taste wine properly, which instantly boosts your confidence, whether you’re a novice or have some prior experience.

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The Curriculum: What’s Covered?

The class is structured to give you both theory and practice. It begins with the basics—how to evaluate wine’s appearance, aroma, and taste—taught in a way that’s engaging rather than intimidating. From there, you’ll explore Burgundy’s distinct regions—Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and more—and learn how different grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay shape the wines.

The guide also discusses label reading, a helpful skill when shopping for Burgundy wines. This demystifies the often complex appellation system, letting you identify quality and origin more confidently.

Tasting Experience: Wines and Nibbles

The highlight is definitely the guided tasting. Expect a selection of high-quality Burgundy wines, explained in detail about what makes each one unique. The reviews highlight that “all the wines were delicious,” and many guests appreciated the variety—a mix of reds and whites.

A cheese board and charcuterie accompany the wines, making for a satisfying sensory experience. This pairing not only enhances the flavors but also teaches you how different foods can influence wine perception—a practical skill you’ll take home.

Authenticity and Education: Why It Matters

Guests repeatedly praise the knowledge and humor of the guide. One review mentions, “Matthieu was humorous and shared a lot about Burgundy wines,” which helps keep the atmosphere relaxed. Several reviews also emphasize the educational value, with many stating they learned more about wine classification, tasting, and the region than they expected.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The experience is designed to be small and personal, fostering questions and interaction. This setting allows for a more customized experience, especially if you’re shy about asking questions in larger groups. No pets are allowed, ensuring a focused environment, and the sessions are available in English and French.

Cost and Value

At $103 per person, the price appears reasonable given the quality of guidance, the tasting selection, and the educational component. Compared to larger, less personalized wine tours, this masterclass offers a focused, intimate environment that maximizes learning and enjoyment.

Limitations and Considerations

While two hours is a good length for a tasting and learning session, it might leave some wanting a more extensive exploration of Burgundy. Also, it’s not suitable for children, pregnant women, or those under 17, aligning with the wine and food focus. It’s best suited for those eager to expand their wine knowledge and enjoy a social, relaxed setting.

Why This Tour Works for Different Travelers

If you’re new to wine, you’ll appreciate how the guide simplifies complex concepts. Wine novices often comment on how much they learned about tasting and regional differences, making this a great introduction. Experienced wine lovers will enjoy the detailed insights into Burgundy’s unique terroir and label reading, adding depth to their knowledge.

For foodies, the pairing of wines with cheese and charcuterie makes this not just a tasting but a sensory experience. Those seeking a fun, educational activity that’s not overly formal will find this masterclass hits the right note.

The Sum Up: Who Should Sign Up?

This Burgundy wine masterclass in Dijon is a fantastic choice for travelers wanting an authentic, educational experience that enhances their understanding of Burgundy wines. The knowledgeable guide, high-quality wines, and food pairings make it worth the price for those who value genuine learning and relaxed atmosphere.

It’s especially suited for beginners eager to learn how to taste wine properly, food lovers looking to understand pairing principles, and enthusiasts wanting to deepen their regional knowledge. If you’re short on time but want a memorable, enriching experience, this class packs a lot of value into just two hours.

For those wanting a more extensive tour or tasting-only experience, you might explore other options nearby, but this masterclass remains a standout for its balanced combination of education, quality, and friendly environment.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains tasting techniques from the ground up, making it accessible for those new to wine.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including tasting, learning, and food.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there options for paying later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is the tour only in English?
While the tour is offered in both English and French, the reviews suggest that English-speaking guests will find the experience comfortably accessible.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the wine tastings, cheese and charcuterie, and expert guidance.

This masterclass offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Burgundy wines—perfect for those who want to learn, taste, and enjoy a genuine regional experience in Dijon.

You can check availability for your dates here: