Located in Tharoiseau in Burgundy, the La Croix Montjoie estate – which stretches over the territory of the Vézelay appellation – has made a name for itself as the ambassador of this small AOC.

It was back in 2009 that Sophie and Matthieu Woillez decided to make their home amidst the vines. They set their hearts on the Vézelay vineyards, where they started their business in an old 19th century farm nestling on the slopes opposite Vézelay’s "eternal hill" and imposing basilica. This enthusiastic couple – both trained oenologists– learnt how to rouse the beautiful clay-limestone soil from its slumber, producing wines with a fresh, mineral expression. It was a daring challenge that the winegrowers have passed with flying colours, becoming the proud representatives of a terroir and its appellation.

The property's 15 hectares of vines, now converted to organic farming, are planted with Chardonnay for the most part. It follows that the estate's output consists mainly of white wines, the jewels of the Vézelay appellation. Three cuvées have earned the range its reputation together with a 100% pinot noir Bourgogne Rouge, an AOC Irancy, a Crémant de Bourgogne with festive bubbles and a traditional ratafia.

Driven on by their love of vines and the desire to put their vineyard on the map, the owners of La Croix Montjoie open the doors to their estate to the public throughout the year. Visitors learn about the history of the appellation and the unique nature of its soil. After discovering the plots of vines, the vat room and the cellars, guests are offered a tasting accompanied by gougères or platters of cheese and charcuterie. Real foodies can even choose to have lunch at the property, enjoying a meal that showcases the flavour of Burgundy to the full!

In summer, a pop-up wine bar is installed on the terrace, where you can savour an aperitif looking out over the spectacular panorama of the Morvan foothills bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.

The Collovray and Terrier families have been working away in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards and its magnificent landscape for over 30 years, striving to bring out the full authenticity of the terroir in their wines.

Situated in Davayé, the Domaine des Deux Roches boasts breath-taking views of the Roches de Solutré and Vergisson from which it takes its name. These rocky spurs – each of which have been classified as a Grand Site de France – appear like look-out posts, towering majestically above the Mâconnais vineyard and its appellation territories.

It was in this grandiose setting that the Collovray and Terrier families decided to seal their friendship, which they embedded in their vines. Driven by a shared enthusiasm for wine, they created the vineyard that now stretches over 71 hectares, and which has grown into a benchmark for the Saint-Véran appellation.

With its High Environmental Value accreditation, the estate is currently being converted into an organic vineyard, with the first certified vintage being produced in 2023. As a result, all the work carried out on the plots is 100% natural so that it has the least possible impact on the environment: grass is grown between the rows of vines, for example, and manure-based fertilizer is used, excess buds are removed and the shoots thinned. Every action is carried out with respect for the earth to pamper the future grapes!

The estate hosts the public at its tastings. Its flagship wines include four iconic appellations from southern Burgundy: Mâcon-Villages, Pouilly-Fuissé, Viré-Clessé and, above all, Saint-Véran. Visitors can also take part in “mindful” tasting workshops led by a sophrologist, giving them the chance to take a new look at wine and wine tasting as well as enjoying a tour of the cellar. These events are held once every quarter or by appointment.

A high-end apartment, named Le Balcon des Deux Roches after the two rocks, is also available for rent on the site of the vineyard, where you can take the time to savour the charms of the region to the full during your stay.

Created in 2007, Clos de Bourgogne is described both as a cellar where you can buy wine and a domain that hosts a wide variety of wine-themed activities. Every taste is catered for as you set out to explore the vineyard!

Sandrine and André Lanaud are genuine enthusiasts, two wine and vine experts who welcome all guests – newbies and aficionados alike – with gusto. The estate is situated in Gevrey-Chambertin, a famous small market town boasting nine Grands Crus and 26 Premier Crus. It also serves as the starting point for numerous visits through the countryside and the wine-growing heritage of the famous wines route of Bourgogne.

The bike rides or walks that Sandrine leads through the vineyards are an ideal opportunity to learn how to "interpret" the landscape. At the same time, you can take a close look at the "climats" (parcels of vines) inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the terroirs and grape varieties that are so characteristic of the region’s prestigious vineyards. Some excursions even include a tour of the fermentation rooms and cellars of an estate in the company of the winemaker. These trips are a moment to be enjoyed together as you immerse yourselves completely in the world of wine, rounded off by a guided tasting of several cuvées where you will learn the tiniest details about the history of the finest vintages.

There are other fun events and activities where beginners can learn about the art of tasting and serving wine. After a recap about a few of the rudiments of oenology, it’s time for some sensory activities that call on the eye, nose and – above all – the palate so you can fully appreciate the colours, aromas and different notes of the wines presented. Once the workshops are over, food and wine pairings are served around platters of aperitifs.

As well as organising tours, Clos de Bourgogne is committed to providing an outstanding showcase for the best wines from the region and beyond. The cellar boasts a selection of nearly 300 wines for sale that have been meticulously selected from 150 estates with a genuine preference for organic and environmentally-friendly wines.

The sumptuous LOISIUM Hotel is surrounded by greenery just a few minutes from Épernay. Here you will find a wide range of things to do related to champagne and well-being based on a sustainable approach that respects the environment.

Dreamt up by the architectural firm Jouin–Manku–Paris, the hotel’s services will leave you spellbound just as much as its design. Thanks to its huge bay windows, the hotel blends completely into the landscape surrounded by vineyards and forest. And you can enjoy this magnificent panorama from the hotel’s shared areas and each of the 101 high-end rooms with their carefully thought-out architecture and decoration. Three suites and three junior suites with balcony offer you a one-of-a-kind experience.

If this sparkling setting makes you feel like lazing around, head for the 1,000 m2 Spa Club by Saint Charles Apothecary with its all-year-round heated outdoor swimming pool, saunas, hammam and solarium. Here you can also discover the Spa’s champagne bar, ideal for enjoying a glass without being disturbed. “Les Bulles champagne bar” is also thirsty work, hosting guests in a cosy atmosphere that is all the more impressive thanks to its majestic vinothèque – a "library of wines".

When it comes to things to do, wine lovers are spoilt for choice with a range of activities they can enjoy alongside their nearest and dearest: private tastings with the sommelier, a beginner’s guide to sabrage (the art of opening a champagne bottle with a sabre), visits to the cellar and champagne houses, a tour by bike – or a ride in an electric Mehari – through the vines, an escape game in the heart of the vineyard or a gourmet treasure hunt.

And since getting away from it all like this works up quite an appetite, why not make the most of some food and wine? There are two eateries to choose from. If you want to immerse yourself in the cuisine of Champagne country, head for the Horisium Brasserie where the spotlight is on champagne and locally produced and sourced products. For a journey through the senses, make your way to La Table du Chef, where the dishes promise a veritable culinary experience with an international flavour – again based on regional products, of course.

LOISIUM in Champagne also hosts seminars and other business events with four modern, flexible rooms with terrace.

This outing of two and a half hours in the heart of the Domaine de la Bataille, the historic vineyard of Maison Hennessy, will delight newbies and experienced cyclists alike.

The complex Hennessy XO cognac blend – first created by Maurice Hennessy for his relatives back in 1870 – is today one of the company’s benchmark products.

The tour begins in the old Chai des Pavillons, where centuries of history are retold in the most contemporary, multi-sensory setting imaginable.

Before continuing the visit in the "Paradis" cellar – where some of Hennessy’s oldest eaux-de-vie are stored – the guide introduces visitors to the art of cooperage, explaining the vital role of the phenomenon known as the part des anges or "angels' share".

Epicureans can then savour a selection of eaux-de-vie of different ages as they enjoy a tasting ceremony – with commentary – at the Hennessy XO Club bar followed by the iconic Hennessy XO cognac, served neat and on the rocks.

The Gevrey-Chambertin Nuits-Saint-Georges Tourist Office won the “Outstanding Offer” of the Wine Tourism Trophies 2022 in the “Promotion of a Terroir” category – and for good reason: it is overflowing with ideas for showcasing Burgundy!

First of all, it offers visitors an educational approach to the job of piece-worker before giving the brave of heart the chance to continue their tour of the terroir by bicycle or power-assisted electric scooter along the 90 kilometres of vine trail – the Voie des Vignes – which also includes seven train stations.

In 2020, the Tourist Office opened the Halle Chambertin, which is now an unmissable stopover for wine tourism in the region with its tasting area and interactive modules taking visitors on a journey to the heart of the local wine story.

And of course, the Tourist Office organises the famous Gevrey Wine Food & Music festival, a must-visit annual event in the village. Over the course of a weekend, the region’s winegrowers and leading chefs do honour to Burgundian gastronomy before a concert rounds off the show.

Œnanim won the “Outstanding Offer” prize of the Wine Tourism Trophies 2022 in the “Visit a Vineyard with the Family” category.

Mélissa Bodereau founded Œnanim in 2012 so that every member of the family could explore and enjoy the vineyard, designing an escape game based on four wine themes.

Mélissa has continued the momentum by developing other activities that grab the attention of aldutls and young alike, such as a sensory trail and an “oeno-detective” treasure hunt that participants can follow on their own or in the company of a guide.

The latest creation is Wine in Black, which combines a visit and tasting that takes place entirely “in the dark”, helping to create a deep emotional connection between children and their parents.

In 2022, Maison Rémy Martin won the “Exceptional Offer” prize of the Wine Tourism Trophies in the “Education and Environmental Protection” category.

En 2022, la Maison des Sancerre a reçu le prix de l'« Offre Exceptionnelle » des Trophées de l’œnotourisme dans la catégorie « Promotion du Terroir ».