Your First Taste of Burgundy: Where to Begin
Burgundy slows you down. It’s not just the vines or the old stone villages—it’s the feeling that things here have taken their time. If you’re planning your first visit, let this be your invitation to meet Burgundy at its pace.
This 2-day Burgundy itinerary for wine lovers is based on how I run my private tours: real, human, and deeply connected to the land. It’s for travelers who want more than just tasting notes.
Getting Here Without Losing Your Mind
Take a direct train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Beaune. It takes about 2 hours, and Beaune is where I always suggest starting—walkable, vibrant, and surrounded by vineyards. No car required, especially if you book with a local guide.
Here’s how to do it stress-free.
Where to Stay
Choose a boutique hotel or wine-themed B&B in Beaune. You’ll want to be able to walk to dinner, a wine bar, or the market without a map. Bonus if breakfast includes fresh bread and local cheese. If you’re following this Burgundy itinerary for wine lovers, staying in Beaune puts you at the heart of the action, close to tasting rooms, train access, and vineyard walks. You’ll want to be able to walk to dinner, a wine bar, or the market without a map. Bonus if breakfast includes fresh bread and local cheese.
Here is a list of my favorite stays in Beaune
Day 1: Beaune & the Grands Crus
This part of the Burgundy itinerary for wine lovers sets the tone: a balance of cultural discovery, approachable wine experiences, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
Morning: Explore Beaune’s old town and visit the Hôtel-Dieu. Then head to a tasting room of one of the larger estates in Beaune that hosts tourists. Take time to walk through the city and explore the smaller side streets.
Lunch: Bistro lunch—try oeufs en meurette and a glass of Aligoté at the Le Cellier Volnaysien.
Afternoon: Rent a bike or walk part of the Route des Grands Crus in the Côte du Beaune. You’re surrounded by some of the most iconic vineyards in the world.
Evening: Aperitif at La Dilettante, dinner at a neighborhood favorite, and a quiet wander under the village lights.
Looking for dining inspiration? Check out L’Alentour in the center of Beaune.
Day 2: Vineyards & Villages
Morning: Consider a guided wine and cultural experience (hi, that’s me) to a visit to memorable producers in the Côte de Beaune or Côte de Nuits. Expect stories, cellar tastings, and the kind of context that deepens your introduction to the region of Bourgogne.
Lunch: Picnic in the vines or a winery restaurant where the wine and food speak the same language.
Afternoon: Visit another domaine or stroll through Pommard, Meursault, or Volnay. Now the labels mean something more.
Evening: Return to Beaune for a memorable final meal.
Before You Go
- Book tastings ahead—especially with small estates.
- Villages are close, but not always walkable.
- A few French phrases go a long way.
Download my Beaune Guide or reach out, and I will build you a custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re mapping out your own adventure or following this Burgundy itinerary for wine lovers, a few common questions come up time and again:
When is the best time to visit Burgundy for wine tasting?
Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) offer ideal weather and vineyard activity. However, if you want to visit a smaller producer, try to avoid harvest because many wineries won’t have the time to accept visitors.
Can I do a wine trip to Burgundy without renting a car?
Yes. Base yourself in Beaune, use trains for access, and book a local guide for vineyard visits. More on getting there by train.
Do I need to speak French to enjoy a Burgundy wine tour?
No—but learning a few polite phrases goes a long way. Many wine professionals speak English, especially in hospitality.
How much wine tasting can I reasonably fit in a day?
Two to three visits is perfect. It allows time to truly experience each stop without rushing. Don’t try to pack it all in. You won’t enjoy the full experience.
What should I wear on a wine trip in Burgundy?
Smart casual. Comfortable shoes are essential for cellar visits and vineyard walks.
