Small Group Wine Tasting Tour Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits

A Hands-On Journey Through Burgundy’s Finest Wines

If you’re craving a full day exploring one of France’s most celebrated wine regions, this Small Group Wine Tasting Tour in Burgundy offers a balanced mix of iconic vineyards, intimate tastings, and authentic village charm. Priced at $456.94 per person and lasting around 8 hours, the tour takes you through both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, with a careful blend of visits to renowned Grand Crus and small independent growers. Your guide — who’s often praised as knowledgeable and helpful — will lead you through this tasting adventure, with comfortably sized groups capped at seven travelers, ensuring a personal experience.

Two aspects we particularly love? First, the opportunity to meet local winemakers in person — a rare chance to learn about their craft directly from those who nurture these prized grapes. Second, the chance to sample at least 15 wines across all classification levels, from village wines to the legendary Grand Crus, which really highlights Burgundy’s diversity. One possible consideration? The itinerary can vary depending on grower availability, so don’t expect the exact same stops every time, but rest assured the quality will stay high.

This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of Burgundy’s terroir and winemaking process, and for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace with local flavor. If you’re interested in authentic experiences and learning from passionate growers, this will suit you well.

Key Points

• Authentic Access: Meet independent winemakers and learn about their craft firsthand.
• Diverse Tastings: Sample over 15 wines across classification levels, including Premier and Grand Cru.
• Burgundy’s Unique Terroir: Explore the landscape that influences Burgundy’s world-famous wines.
• Personalized Experience: Small groups ensure a more intimate, engaging visit.
• Flexible Itinerary: The route varies slightly based on grower availability but maintains high quality.
• Ideal for Enthusiasts: Perfect for those with a genuine interest in wine and Burgundy’s heritage.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

Puligny-Montrachet and Montrachet Vineyards

Your day begins with a drive through the vineyards of Côte de Beaune, passing picturesque villages and iconic sites like Montrachet — the crown jewel of Burgundy Chardonnay. Here, you’ll stop to discuss terroir, the soil and climate that give these wines their distinctive character. It’s a moment to appreciate why Burgundy’s soils are considered some of the most influential in the wine world.

While the visit here is brief — about 30 minutes — the views and the history of Montrachet’s reputation as a top-tier Chardonnay region set the tone for the day. Plenty of travelers comment on enjoying this initial glance into Burgundy’s prestige without feeling overwhelmed.

Santenay: Meeting a Independent Grower

Next, the tour takes you into the heart of Burgundy’s wine-making community with a visit to a local, independent winery in Santenay. You’ll meet the grower in their vineyard, hearing firsthand about their vineyard management and unique approach. Walking into their cellar or cave, you get a behind-the-scenes look at their winemaking practices.

Here, you’ll taste six wines, including Chardonnays from Puligny Montrachet, Chassagne Montrachet, as well as Pinot Noirs from Santenay and nearby villages. The opportunity to compare wines from different villages with the grower’s guidance makes this a highlight, especially since reviews praise the knowledgeable hosts, with one traveler noting Dylan’s skill as a guide.

Monthelie: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Gem

In Monthelie, a less touristy village, you’ll visit a small independent producer. Touring their ancient winery and cellars gives insight into traditional winemaking techniques. You’ll taste five wines, including Premier Crus from Monthelie, Meursault, and Beaune. This stop offers a more intimate, less commercial experience, which many find refreshing.

Lunch & Wine Pairing

A leisurely two-hour break in a local restaurant offers a well-deserved pause to enjoy hearty Burgundy cuisine paired with local wines. Many reviews highlight the quality and authenticity of the included lunch, which provides a taste of regional specialties and a chance to relax amid vineyard views.

Exploring the Hill of Corton and Côte de Nuits

After lunch, the tour continues to Aloxe-Corton, where the Grand Cru vineyards sit atop the Hill of Corton. This site shows the change in landscape and terroir that influences Burgundy’s reds and whites alike.

Then, you’ll drive north through Nuits Saint Georges toward Vosne-Romanée, home to some of the most legendary vineyards in the world — Romanée Conti, La Tâche, and others. Here, you’ll visit another independent grower and taste five wines from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. The chance to stand close to vineyards that produce some of the most sought-after wines globally is a thrill for many enthusiasts.

Return to Beaune

Finally, the journey winds back to Beaune via the Route des Grands Crus, offering scenic views of the vineyards. The tour’s flexible nature means the last stop may vary, but the focus remains on high-quality tastings and local scenery.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The real magic of this experience is the personal connection with local winemakers and the depth of tasting — over 15 wines across different levels of classification. As one reviewer said, Dylan, the guide, was “knowledgeable and helpful,” making the experience both educational and fun. The small-group setting ensures you get plenty of attention and the chance to ask questions, making what could be a simple tasting into a memorable learning experience.

Another strength is the focus on Burgundy’s unique terroir. The stops at Grand Crus, Premier Crus, and lesser-known villages give a layered understanding of how soil, climate, and tradition shape the wines. It’s a real eye-opener for anyone wanting to grasp what makes Burgundy wines so special on the global stage.

The inclusion of a generous lunch with wine pairing helps break up the day and gives a true taste of regional cuisine, which many reviews praise as authentic and satisfying.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Booking in Advance: The tour is popular, often booked 88 days ahead, so plan early if you want to secure your spot.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 7 travelers, expect a more intimate experience than large commercial tours.
• Price & Value: At approximately $456, the price might seem steep, but considering the multiple tastings, authentic visits, and a gourmet lunch, it offers good value for dedicated wine lovers.
• Transport & Pickup: Pickup is offered, which saves you from navigating rural roads or public transport, especially if you’re arriving from Beaune.
• Flexibility & Variability: The itinerary may change depending on grower availability, but the focus on quality remains consistent.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re genuinely interested in Burgundy’s wine culture and want to learn directly from local, independent producers. It’s perfect for wine aficionados, curious travelers, or anyone who enjoys a relaxed, authentic day among vineyards. If you’re someone who appreciates the nuances of terroir, the chance to taste a broad spectrum of wines, and the intimacy of small-group tours, this will be a highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the guides are helpful in explaining the wines and Burgundy’s wine classifications, making it accessible even for beginners.

How long is the lunch break?
The lunch lasts about two hours, providing ample time to relax and enjoy regional cuisine with wine pairing.

Are transportation and pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered, which adds convenience, especially if you’re staying in Beaune. The transport is comfortable enough for an 8-hour day.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll taste at least 15 wines, including Premier Crus and Grand Crus, with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, plus wines from village-level vineyards.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes, the tour makes the process of purchasing and shipping wine easy, so you can take some Burgundy home without hassle.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund, giving peace of mind in case your plans change.

To sum it up, this small-group Burgundy wine tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic vineyard visits, intimate tastings with local growers, and delicious regional food. Its emphasis on authentic experiences, knowledgeable guides, and comprehensive tasting makes it a top choice for those eager to deepen their understanding of Burgundy’s wine heritage. If you’re passionate about wine or just want a meaningful day exploring one of France’s most beautiful regions, this tour will satisfy your palate and curiosity alike.