Exploring Burgundy: The Ultimate Guide to France's Premier Wine Region
Updated: Mar 18
I have always suspected that the French keep their best things hidden from the rest of us. Paris gets its fair share of glory, Provence hogs the light and lavender, and the Riviera flaunts itself in sun-drenched glamour. But Burgundy? Burgundy is where France keeps its secrets.
This region, tucked neatly into the middle of France, is a puzzle of rolling hills, ancient vineyards, and small towns with more Michelin stars than people. It is, for lack of a better term, utterly intoxicating. And I mean that both figuratively and literally. The wine here is so good that it makes you wonder if the rest of the world is just faking it.
First, a Little Background (or, Why This Place is so Ridiculously Important)
Burgundy, or Bourgogne, as the locals call it (with a knowing smirk that suggests they know something you don’t), is not just a place—it’s a way of life. Here, wine isn’t merely consumed; it’s revered with the kind of devotion usually reserved for royal families or exceptionally well-behaved dogs. This is the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which means that if you have ever enjoyed a glass of wine anywhere in the world, you probably owe Burgundy a thank-you note.
The region is home to some of the most prestigious wines on Earth, particularly those from the Côte d'Or—an area so sacred you half expect to see monks in robes guarding the vines (and honestly, that wouldn’t feel out of place). Unlike other wine regions that churn out mass-market bottles with cheerful labels of animals in sunglasses, Burgundy does things differently. Here, thousands of small-scale producers tend to their tiny, fiercely protected plots of land with the kind of meticulous care normally reserved for restoring Renaissance paintings.
And that brings us to terroir—a word that, in Burgundy, is spoken with such gravity that you may feel the need to bow slightly when you hear it. It refers to the near-mystical combination of soil, climate, and vineyard magic that makes each bottle unique. So seriously do the Burgundians take this concept that if you so much as suggest that wine from one side of the road tastes the same as wine from the other, you will be met with a polite but firm correction, followed by a 45-minute dissertation on limestone content. This is not a hypothetical situation. It will happen.
This region is not just about wine; it’s about tradition, obsession, and the deeply held belief that the ground beneath one’s feet holds the secret to happiness. And after a few tastings, you’ll probably agree.
The Must-See Towns (and the Trouble You’ll Get Into There)
Dijon: Where Mustard is a Lifestyle Choice
If you start your Burgundy adventure in Dijon, you may find it difficult to leave. Not because you’re drunk (yet), but because Dijon is the kind of town that sucks you in with its aristocratic good looks, half-timbered houses, and the hypnotic promise of mustard.
Yes, mustard. In most places, mustard is a condiment—a humble yellow smear that lives in the fridge door next to the ketchup and an expired bottle of Worcestershire sauce. But in Dijon, mustard is a cultural institution. It is discussed with reverence, sold in elaborate jars, and presented in entire boutiques that feel more like temples of gastronomy than mere shops.
Walk into Maison Maille, for example, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by dozens of mustard varieties, including blackcurrant, saffron, and something ominously called "gingerbread spice" (which, I can only assume, was invented on a dare). Some are sublime, some are deeply questionable, and all are offered to you on tiny spoons with great seriousness by shopkeepers who will judge you if you hesitate.
Mustard tasting, as it turns out, is just as intense as wine tasting, except with fewer swirling motions and more moments of existential doubt about your spice tolerance. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can even try mustard on tap, dispensed fresh into a ceramic jar, because Dijon apparently believes that a good mustard should be treated with the same care as a fine vintage wine, and I don't disagree.
But Dijon isn’t just about mustard (though, let’s be honest, mustard is at least 30% of the experience). The town itself is stunning, with grand squares, an impressive medieval palace, and more charming cafés than is strictly necessary. The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, once the seat of power for some of France’s most influential rulers, now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, an art museum with a magnificent collection of everything from Renaissance masterpieces to disturbingly lifelike 17th-century portraits.
Strolling through Dijon, you get the distinct feeling that if cities could roll their eyes at outsiders, Dijon absolutely would. Not in an unkind way, but with the subtle amusement of a place that knows it's been elegant for centuries and doesn’t need your validation. It is, in short, a city that effortlessly blends sophistication with just the right amount of culinary absurdity—which, frankly, makes it an essential stop on any Burgundy adventure and if I'm being honest, one of my favorite places on earth.
Plan your stay in Dijon—the perfect base for exploring Burgundy’s wine, history, and gastronomy. Check out our Dijon Travel Guide and book your trip today!
Beaune: The Beating Heart of Burgundy’s Wine Scene
If Burgundy is a religion, then Beaune is its Vatican, Mecca, and holy grail of Pinot Noir all rolled into one. This is where serious wine lovers come to pay homage, which usually involves buying several bottles of Premier Cru Pinot Noir, nodding knowledgeably at mentions of soil composition, and attempting—often unsuccessfully—to pretend they understand how to taste wine properly.
But Beaune is not just for oenophile intellectuals who can distinguish between "silky tannins" and "playful minerality." It is, at its core, a joyful, intoxicating town where wine is life and where even those whose tasting notes rarely extend beyond “this is really good” can feel like they belong.
The town itself is charmingly medieval, with cobbled streets, grand squares, and picturesque courtyards that all seem specifically designed to lure you into a café, wine bar, or restaurant—sometimes all three in quick succession. The entire place smells faintly of aged oak barrels, and it is impossible to walk more than ten steps without encountering a wine shop, a tasting room, or a local winemaker enthusiastically explaining why his vineyard is superior to all others.
And then there’s the Hôtel-Dieu, Beaune’s crown jewel. Built in the 15th century, it is arguably the most beautiful medieval hospital ever constructed—which, to be fair, isn’t an especially competitive category. It was founded in 1443 as a refuge for the poor, which sounds heartwarming until you remember that medieval medicine largely consisted of leeches, prayers, and occasionally chopping off a limb for no apparent reason.
Despite its questionable history as a healthcare facility, the Hôtel-Dieu is visually spectacular—its glazed-tile roof gleams in golden hues, and the interior is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The old hospital beds, complete with red drapes, are still in place, offering a stark reminder that, had you lived in the 15th century, you would have had the pleasure of admiring stunning vaulted ceilings while being treated for the plague.
Once you’ve had your fill of history (and grateful reflection on modern medicine), the best thing to do is head straight to a wine bar. Beaune has plenty, ranging from elegant, Michelin-starred establishments to small, family-run caves where you may end up trapped in a two-hour conversation about vineyard orientation with a passionate local. Either way, you’ll find yourself swirling, sniffing, and sipping wines so good they will ruin all other wines for you.
By the time you leave Beaune—possibly several bottles heavier and with a newfound respect for soil pH levels—you’ll realize that this is not just a town; it’s a love letter to wine, a place where history, culture, and the pursuit of the perfect Pinot Noir collide in the most delightful way possible.
Plan your stay in Beaune—the heart of Burgundy’s wine country, rich in history, gastronomy, and world-class vineyards. Check out our Beaune Travel Guide and book your trip today!
Nuits-Saint-Georges: Where Pinot Noir Dreams Come True
Nuits-Saint-Georges sounds less like a town and more like a clandestine society where people in velvet smoking jackets sip wine in candlelit cellars while discussing the finer points of tannin structure. And honestly, it’s not far off.
This small but mighty village is the unofficial capital of serious Burgundy reds, producing some of the most coveted Pinot Noirs in the world—the kind of wines that make grown sommeliers weep quietly into their tasting glasses. If you have even a passing interest in Burgundy, Nuits-Saint-Georges is non-negotiable. And if you, like me, happen to be entirely and unapologetically obsessed with Burgundy wines, then this place is nothing short of a pilgrimage site.
The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival is that everyone here is talking about wine. And not in the casual, “Oh, this is nice” way that people discuss wine at dinner parties. No, in Nuits-Saint-Georges, wine is not a beverage—it’s an identity, a lifestyle, and possibly a secondary religion. They will casually mention things like limestone depth and microclimate variations as if this is common small talk, and within minutes, you will find yourself deeply invested in whether this particular vineyard gets 15 more minutes of evening sun than the one next to it.
And this, of course, is exactly what makes Nuits-Saint-Georges so wonderful.
The domaines and wine caves in Nuits-Saint-Georges range from centuries-old family-run estates to modern, cutting-edge producers experimenting with biodynamic techniques. You can spend an entire day here wandering from one tasting to another, discovering wines so nuanced and complex that you’ll begin to wonder how Pinot Noir from just a few miles away could taste so completely different.
And then, just as you’re having this thought, an elderly winemaker in a perfectly wrapped scarf and an air of gentle superiority will materialize out of nowhere and proceed to explain, in exquisite detail, exactly why that is. You will be captivated. You will nod earnestly. You will suddenly care very deeply about the geological impact of Jurassic-era soil deposits on your wine.
Pro tip: If you want to fit in (or at least not be outed as a casual visitor), just nod sagely and mutter, "Ah yes, the minerality," at appropriate moments. It works every time.
But Nuits-Saint-Georges isn’t all serious business. The town itself is ridiculously charming, with cobblestone streets, tiny bistros serving classic Burgundian cuisine, and an overall feeling that you’ve stepped into a postcard that smells faintly of ripening grapes and good decisions. It’s also a perfect base for exploring the Côte de Nuits, home to some of the greatest Pinot Noir vineyards in the world, including Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, and Gevrey-Chambertin—all of which sound like names you should be whispering reverently in candlelight.
Final Thoughts (or, Why You Will Leave Poorer but Happier Than Ever)
You will not leave Nuits-Saint-Georges empty-handed. You may tell yourself you will only buy one or two bottles, but then you will taste a 2010 Premier Cru with the kind of depth that makes time slow down, and suddenly, your suitcase will be full and your budget obliterated.
And honestly? You won’t regret a thing. Because if there is one thing that Nuits-Saint-Georges teaches you, it’s that life is too short not to drink extraordinary wine.
Plan your stay in Nuits-Saint-Georges—a perfect stop on your Burgundy adventure. Book your trip now and explore more with our Ultimate Burgundy Travel Guide!
Beyond the Classics: More Must-Visit Towns for the Ultimate Burgundy Wine Tour
While Dijon, Beaune, and Nuits-Saint-Georges are excellent starting points for a Burgundy wine tour, there are several other must-visit towns that will enhance your experience (and possibly expand your wine collection to dangerous levels). Here are a few not-to-miss stops along the Route des Grands Crus and beyond:
Pommard: The Powerhouse of Pinot Noir
If you like your red wines bold and muscular (and possibly capable of punching you in the face with flavor), Pommard is your place. Unlike the delicate, perfumed Pinot Noirs found elsewhere in Burgundy, Pommard wines are full-bodied, intense, and unapologetically robust—the kind of wine that pairs beautifully with a steak or a serious conversation about 18th-century winemaking techniques.
This tiny village is charming in that quiet, "not trying too hard" kind of way, with a handful of small wineries where you can taste Premier Cru wines while pretending to understand the difference between "structured tannins" and "aggressive tannins."
Volnay: Burgundy’s Elegance in a Bottle
Just next door to Pommard but producing wines so different it’s almost suspicious, Volnay is all about grace, silkiness, and charm. This is where Pinot Noir dons a tuxedo, offering wines that are lighter, floral, and sometimes described as "feminine"—which is a nice way of saying they are dangerously easy to drink.
Volnay itself is a postcard-perfect wine village, with narrow streets, stone houses, and vineyard views that make you want to abandon your life and start growing grapes immediately.
Meursault: The Chardonnay Capital
If your idea of a great wine tour involves something other than Pinot Noir, Meursault is a non-negotiable stop. This village is synonymous with rich, buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay, the kind that makes you want to cancel all future plans and just spend the afternoon in quiet appreciation.
Meursault’s wine tastings tend to be a little more relaxed, possibly because the locals have realized that people who drink a lot of Chardonnay are generally happier and less likely to start arguments about soil composition.
Also, fun fact: Meursault was the setting for parts of the classic film La Grande Vadrouille, which is something you can casually mention while sipping a glass of Premier Cru Meursault and feeling very cultured.
Puligny-Montrachet & Chassagne-Montrachet
The Holy Grail of White Wines
Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet are small, unassuming villages that just so happen to produce some of the most legendary Chardonnays on the planet. If you want to experience Grand Cru white wines that are so exquisite they make other wines weep in shame, this is where you go.
The tastings here are a serious affair, with visitors carefully swirling, sniffing, and discussing "flinty minerality" while trying to act like they can afford to buy a Montrachet Grand Cru (which usually costs more than your rent).
Pro tip: Even if you can’t justify spending your life savings on a bottle, you should at least try one glass of Bâtard-Montrachet just to say you did. Then immediately take a picture of it to impress strangers on the internet.
Gevrey-Chambertin: The King of Burgundy Reds
Gevrey-Chambertin is Burgundy’s answer to royalty, known for producing some of the biggest, richest, and most age-worthy Pinot Noirs in the world. If you love deep, complex reds that smell like blackberries, earth, and faintly of superiority, this is your spot.
Historically, these wines were favored by Napoleon, which means you can confidently sip a Chambertin Grand Cru and declare, "If it was good enough for Napoleon, it’s good enough for me." (Though perhaps leave out the part about his military strategies.)
Aloxe-Corton: Home to Burgundy’s Best Grand Cru Hilltop Views
Aloxe-Corton is small but mighty, famous for Corton and Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru wines—one of the few places in Burgundy where both red and white Grand Crus are produced. The hilly vineyards here provide some of the best panoramic views of the region, which means this is a good place to take photos that will make your friends deeply jealous.
Corton-Charlemagne is one of the greatest Chardonnays in the world, allegedly named after Charlemagne himself, who (legend has it) switched from red to white wine because he was tired of staining his beard. Whether that’s true or not doesn’t really matter—the wine is phenomenal, and that’s all you need to know.
The Wine Tasting Experience (or, How to Drink Burgundy Like You Belong Here)
Wine tasting in Burgundy is not like wine tasting in other places. This is not a casual swirl-and-sip affair where you declare, “Oh, that’s nice” and move on with your day. No, in Burgundy, wine is treated with the kind of reverence usually reserved for historical artifacts or royal bloodlines. It is discussed, dissected, and debated with the intensity of a university philosophy seminar—but, importantly, it is also meant to be enjoyed.
Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or someone whose wine knowledge extends only as far as "I like red," there are a few things you should know before stepping into a Burgundian wine cave and taking your first sip of liquid history.
Step One: Swirl with Purpose
The first thing you’ll notice in any Burgundy tasting is that everyone swirls their wine with great enthusiasm. This is not a meaningless flourish; it’s a crucial step. Swirling aerates the wine, releasing its aromas and helping it "open up" so you can fully appreciate its complexity.
The key is to look natural while doing it. You don’t need to create a small cyclone in your glass, just a gentle motion to coat the sides and release the hidden layers of scent. If you accidentally slosh wine onto the table, don’t panic—just nod thoughtfully as if you meant to do it, as though you were conducting a highly scientific experiment on viscosity.
Step Two: The Sniff Test (or, Learning to Wax Poetic About Aromas)
Once your wine has been successfully swirled, it’s time to get your nose into the glass. And I mean really get in there—Burgundy wines are expressive, and the aromas are a huge part of the experience.
What should you say? Well, not "It smells like wine", unless you’d like to be politely ignored for the rest of the tasting. Instead, look for red fruit, black fruit, earthiness, floral notes, spice, or even that elusive “minerality” everyone talks about.
If in doubt, just borrow from the locals. If the winemaker says, "Ah, do you notice the hint of violets?" you nod sagely and say, "Yes, of course," even if you don’t. Nobody has ever been hurt by a well-placed agreement with an expert.
Step Three: Tasting (or, The Moment of Truth)
Now, the good part. Take a sip and let it linger—don’t just throw it back like a shot of espresso. Let the wine coat your palate, paying attention to its balance, texture, and finish.
At this point, you might hear people saying things like:
“Such a lovely tension between acidity and fruit.”
“A really elegant structure.”
“Ah, that unmistakable Côte de Nuits terroir.”
Feel free to nod knowingly at any of these remarks. However, if you simply want to say, “Wow, that’s fantastic,” that is also completely acceptable.
Step Four: To Spit or Not to Spit?
Yes, the professionals spit. But this is Burgundy, not a job interview. The wines here are exceptional, and if you’d rather fully enjoy them, go right ahead.
That being said, if you’re visiting multiple wineries in a day, it’s worth considering some strategic spitting—or at least drinking plenty of water and having a solid lunch. Many an enthusiastic wine taster has found themselves deep in philosophical conversation about vineyard sun exposure after just a few too many generous pours.
Also, be prepared for an interesting phenomenon: The more tastings you attend, the more your French may mysteriously improve. By your fourth or fifth stop, you may find yourself gesturing expressively, rolling your R’s like a native, and confidently discussing barrel aging techniques with a winemaker who is clearly humoring you.
Why You’ll Never Drink Wine the Same Way Again
A proper Burgundy tasting is not just about drinking wine—it’s about stepping into a centuries-old tradition, connecting with the land, the climate, and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. It’s about learning to slow down and appreciate the details—the way the flavors evolve in your glass, the way the wine reflects the soil it came from, the stories behind each vintage.
And most of all, it’s about finding joy in the experience. Whether you leave with a newfound appreciation for subtle floral notes or just a bottle of something you fell in love with on the spot, one thing is certain: Burgundy wine will stay with you long after you’ve left the vineyard.
Burgundy Uncorked
Some of Its Most Memorable Wineries
Whether you’re after silky Pinot Noirs, razor-sharp Chardonnays, or a sparkling surprise, these are the places where Burgundy comes alive—one swirl at a time.
Domaine Drouhin-Laroze – The Pinot Noir Whisperer
Tucked in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, Domaine Drouhin-Laroze crafts Pinot Noirs that unfold like a great novel—layer by layer, sip by sip. Their vineyards stretch across some of Burgundy’s most coveted Grand Cru sites, including the legendary Clos de Vougeot, where monks once toiled to produce what is now liquid history.
The wines here are elegant, complex, and deeply tied to the land, the kind that make you briefly consider giving up modern life to become a winemaker—until you remember that winemaking involves a great deal of manual labor and worrying about the weather.
Louis Jadot – Burgundy in a Bottle
If there’s a name synonymous with Burgundian excellence, it’s Louis Jadot. Based in Beaune, this historic maison is a gateway to the soul of Burgundy, with vineyards stretching from the famed Côte d’Or to the rolling hills of the Mâconnais.
Their Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Chardonnay is a revelation—creamy yet mineral-driven, elegant yet powerful, and the kind of wine that makes you sit back, stare into the distance, and contemplate life’s great mysteries. Such as: Why don’t I drink more of this?
Olivier Leflaive – Where Wine and Lunch Become an Art Form
In the heart of Puligny-Montrachet, Olivier Leflaive doesn’t just make stunning white wines—they also understand that wine is best experienced alongside good food, good company, and possibly a long afternoon with no responsibilities.
We opted for their tasting lunch, where each dish was paired with a Premier Cru or Grand Cru Chardonnay. The experience was a masterclass in how food and wine elevate each other—and also in how easy it is to lose track of time when you’re sitting on their vineyard-side terrace, sipping Montrachet, and generally living your best life.
Domaine William Fèvre – The Chablis Game Changer
For lovers of Chablis (which, let’s be honest, should be everyone), Domaine William Fèvre is an essential pilgrimage site. Their Grand Cru vineyards—like Les Clos and Preuses—produce wines that redefine what Chardonnay can be.
Forget the rich, buttery style often associated with white Burgundy—this is Chardonnay at its most electric, with razor-sharp minerality, crisp citrus notes, and a saline edge that makes you wonder if you’ve been drinking the wrong wines your whole life. If you thought all white Burgundy tasted the same, Chablis will set you straight in the most delightful way possible.
Domaine Clotilde Davenne – Burgundy’s Fresh Perspective
Some winemakers follow tradition to the letter, and some—like Clotilde Davenne—find ways to keep Burgundy exciting. Her wines are full of energy, from her flinty, vibrant Chablis to the rare Saint-Bris, a Sauvignon Blanc that thrives in Burgundy’s cooler climate.
Yes, you read that right. A Sauvignon Blanc from Burgundy. It’s crisp, citrusy, and completely unexpected—a reminder that Burgundy still has surprises up its sleeve.
Domaine d’Ardhuy – A Crash Course in Terroir
Spanning both the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, Domaine d’Ardhuy offers a deep dive into Burgundy’s many personalities. Their Pinot Noirs range from bright and ethereal to rich and structured, while their Chardonnays walk the line between purity and depth with expert precision.
We spent an afternoon here discussing the intricacies of terroir with a winemaker whose passion for the land was so infectious that we briefly considered changing careers. Then we remembered that being a winemaker requires waking up at dawn, so we settled for buying a few bottles and vowing to return.
Maison L. Tramier & Fils – Mercurey’s Sparkling Secret
If you want to explore beyond the famous villages of the Côte d’Or, head to Maison L. Tramier & Fils in Mercurey. This is where we discovered one of Burgundy’s most underrated gems—Crémant de Bourgogne, the region’s answer to Champagne.
Fresh, lively, and alarmingly easy to drink, it’s the perfect wine for toasting to a day well spent. Or, alternatively, for making any regular Tuesday feel like a special occasion.
Explore the legendary Route des Grands Crus with our detailed travel guide! 🍷 This iconic wine route takes you through Burgundy’s most renowned vineyards, charming villages, and world-class wineries.
Eating in Burgundy
(How to Ensure You Never Fit into Your Jeans Again)
If there is one universal truth about Burgundy, it’s that this is not a place for restraint. You don’t come here to count calories, nibble on salads, or ponder the virtues of light, summery meals. No, Burgundy’s cuisine is bold, indulgent, and deeply comforting, the kind of food that makes you want to loosen your belt, order another bottle of wine, and declare allegiance to French cooking forever.
This is food with history, recipes perfected over centuries, each one a testament to the Burgundian philosophy that anything—even snails—can be made transcendent with enough butter, wine, and time.
And as someone who has spent years both cooking and pairing wines, I can confirm that Burgundy’s culinary scene is an absolute masterpiece—a place where every dish feels like an event and every sip of wine somehow makes the meal even better.
Let’s start with the essentials.
Coq au Vin – When Even the Chicken Drinks Well
If Bœuf Bourguignon is the king of Burgundian cuisine, Coq au Vin is the beloved prince—a dish that proves even poultry here has impeccable taste.
This is chicken braised in wine, slowly simmered with mushrooms, pearl onions, and herbs, until the flavors meld into something soul-warming and deeply complex. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it should be eaten in a rustic French kitchen, with a fire crackling in the background.
Historically, this dish was made with tough old roosters (hence the coq, or rooster in French), which required long, slow cooking to become tender. Today, most people use regular chicken, but the end result is the same: fall-apart meat in a rich, wine-infused sauce that demands to be mopped up with half a baguette.
Wine Pairing: If you’re staying traditional, a red Burgundy (Pinot Noir). If you’re feeling adventurous, try a white Meursault—yes, white wine with Coq au Vin, because sometimes, breaking the rules is delicious.
Bœuf Bourguignon – A Hug in a Bowl (But With More Wine)
If comfort food had a monarchy, Bœuf Bourguignon would wear the crown. This dish—slow-cooked beef braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and a touch of garlic—is so profoundly rich and satisfying that it’s almost impossible to eat without sighing contentedly between bites.
Originally a peasant dish, it has since evolved into something borderline regal, mostly because it is cooked in Burgundy wine, which somehow makes everything taste like it should be served in a centuries-old stone farmhouse by someone’s impossibly chic French grandmother.
The key to a great Bœuf Bourguignon? Time. This isn’t a dish that you throw together in a hurry—it’s a slow, patient process where the meat absorbs the depth of the wine, the flavors meld, and the entire thing turns into something deeply, profoundly satisfying.
Wine Pairing: A classic Pinot Noir from the Côte de Nuits. You want something with bright acidity and earthy notes to match the richness of the sauce.
Escargots de Bourgogne – Proof That Butter Conquers All
There is a universal law in cooking that states: if you add enough butter, garlic, and parsley to something, people will eat it.
Escargots de Bourgogne are proof of this concept in action. If you are squeamish about eating snails, let me assure you that these are not the snails you find in your garden. These are carefully farmed, delicately prepared, and utterly drowning in butter and garlic, which means that by the time they reach your plate, they have transcended their former existence.
Eating escargots for the first time is a bit like joining an exclusive French club. There is the tiny fork, the ceremonial scooping from the shell, and the moment of truth when you realize that it is, in fact, utterly delicious. The snails themselves are tender and subtly flavored, but mostly, this dish is an excuse to eat ungodly amounts of garlic butter on fresh baguette—which, honestly, is reason enough to order them.
Wine Pairing: A Chablis or a crisp white Burgundy with bright acidity to cut through the richness of the butter.
Other Burgundian Delights You Cannot Miss (Unless You Hate Joy)
If you’re still hungry (and honestly, why wouldn’t you be?), there are a few more Burgundian staples that deserve your full attention:
Oeufs en Meurette – Poached eggs swimming in a rich red wine sauce with bacon and shallots. Breakfast? Dinner? Who cares? Just eat it.
Gougères – Burgundy’s answer to cheese puffs, except these are light, airy, and made of choux pastry and melted Comté cheese, which means they basically disappear the second they hit your mouth.
Epoisses de Bourgogne – One of the strongest, stinkiest cheeses in France, banned on public transport but revered by those who understand that true love often comes with a strong aroma.
Crème de Cassis – A blackcurrant liqueur from Dijon, used in the famous Kir cocktail (white wine + cassis) or Kir Royale (Champagne + cassis), which proves that even Burgundy’s aperitifs are world-class.
A Place You’ll Never Want to Leave
The thing about Burgundy is that it sneaks up on you. One moment, you’re just another visitor, casually admiring the vineyards, sipping wine, and pondering whether it’s socially acceptable to have cheese for breakfast (answer: it absolutely is). The next, you’re googling real estate listings, mentally calculating the logistics of moving into a 300-year-old farmhouse, and wondering how long it will take before you can talk about terroir with the conviction of a local vintner.
It’s not just about the wine, the food, or the impossibly charming villages—though, let’s be honest, those alone are reason enough to stay. It’s about the way Burgundy makes you feel. Warm. Welcome. Slightly tipsy at all times. It’s a place where life moves at exactly the right pace, where people take their time to enjoy things properly, and where you can spend an entire afternoon arguing about the best vintage of Vosne-Romanée with a stranger in a café and somehow leave as friends.
This is a place that gets into your soul. The longer you stay, the harder it is to imagine being anywhere else. So if you’re feeling that pull—the urge to swap traffic for vineyard views, deadlines for leisurely lunches, and grocery store wine for something that’s been aged to perfection in a centuries-old cellar—you might as well embrace it.
If you’re ready to plan your own Burgundy adventure (or start scouting for that dream farmhouse), check out our Ultimate Burgundy Travel Guide for everything you need to know about where to sip, stay, and savor the best of this region.
And when you’re ready to book your trip, click here—because let’s be honest, Burgundy is calling, and resistance is futile.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some wine to finish. Santé! 🍷
