Maison Veuve Ambal has been bringing a sparkle to Burgundy for over a century! This family business has become a fixture of the wine-growing landscape, emerging as the undisputed benchmark for AOC Crémant de Bourgogne.

It all began back in 1898 when a dynamic, far-sighted woman by the name of Marie Ambal started a business selling sparkling wine. Marie’s descendants took up the torch one-by-one, and - six generations down the line - the family now holds sway over more than 250 hectares of vines spread over six estates and an equal number of terroirs. Blancs de blancs, rosés, bruts, semi-dries, organic wines, wines aged in oak barrels… all in all, 20 varieties of crémant are produced and sold every year.

The Maison throws its doors open to the general public so that it can share this passion and legacy. Guided or audio-guided tours are organised all year round in the farthest reaches of the production site. The visit is educational and fun at the same time, designed with one aim in mind: to give guests the keys to understanding the vineyards of Burgundy and the origins of crémant. Young and old alike venture over a walkway that towers above the different workshops where robots and automatons rub shoulders with the hand of man as they keep alive the traditional methods of making wine.

A captivating spectacle is yours to discover as you follow the tour: the aging cellars - home to no fewer than 16 million bottles - come into sight just before you observe the key processes known as riddling and disgorging. Then it's time for the dazzling dance performed by the machines that stick the labels onto the precious bottles… which are then ready for tasting!

And it’s over a drink that this gripping visit draws to a close. Adults are offered a selection of three crémants in the dedicated space in the store, while children can enjoy a non-alcoholic tasting and have fun colouring-in. A range of other products typical of the region is on sale: Burgundy wines, crème de cassis, Dijon mustard, pain d’épices, anis de Flavigny... more than enough to savour to the full as you enjoy discovering the Maison!

Winner of the 2024 Wine Tourism Awards in the "Original initiative favorite" category, Maison Jean Loron has always done its utmost to fly the flag for Beaujolais and Mâconnais wines. And it’s a performance that does honour to the wine-growing inheritance of this leading light in southern Burgundy.

Stepping over the threshold of Maison Jean Loron is like stepping into history and the craftsmanship of yesteryear. This family-run business, founded in 1711, has been passed down from generation to generation until the present day. Although the techniques for making wine have evolved over the centuries, its demands and the passion it requires are unchanged.

The Maison today consists of 15 estates and châteaux spread over the steep slopes of Beaujolais and the gentle hills of Mâconnais. While each is blessed with its own varieties of grape and climats, all are united by the determination to spotlight the region’s finest wines. The Maison’s 180 hectares give rise to a wide assortment of prestigious designations.

Visitors are always welcome at Jean Loron. The Boutique de la Maison in the hamlet of Pontanevaux has been specially designed to host the public. Several tour-cum-tasting packages are available throughout the year, together with bespoke thematic workshops. An unrivalled virtual reality experience is also on offer! With a helmet on your head and sitting comfortably in a chair, you can explore the Maison’s different vineyards on a 360°tour!

But there’s no doubting that the number-one attraction is the play Jean et la Winery, quand le vin est tiré. This parody of Roald Dahl’s famous Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of Jean Loron and introduces the Maison’s top wines. The show moves from room to room and is also interactive. It starts in the room housing the presses of old before continuing on its way in the underground cellars, home to a collection of old vintages. As the roaming show progresses, the five-person troupe asks spectators to take part in food-wine pairings and a competition. Who will take home one of the five golden winning tickets? To find out the answer, there’s only one solution: come to Jean Loron and let yourself be carried along by its centuries-long history!

Hôtel Wilson has a very special location in the old town district of Dijon, perfect for setting out to explore the history of the former Duchy of Burgundy and its wine-growing hinterland.

Housed in a 17th century coaching inn, this 3-star hotel sweeps visitors off their feet, the obvious charm of its half-timbered facade evocative of the architecture typical of Burgundy’s houses. Inside you can discover all the historical cachet and cosy comfort of a bourgeois dwelling. Exposed beams, old stonework and period furniture - the rustic refinement of the decoration creates an authentic, warm atmosphere that will tempt you to put your feet up there and then. The 27 tastefully-decorated bedrooms overlook the pretty interior courtyard or the famous Place Wilson in the heart of the town centre. Dijon's finest historical sites are within easy reach of visitors from here!

The hotel is keen to showcase the Côte d’Or’s full range of attractions, which is why it also offers residents out-of-the-box themed breaks. The region is bursting with a thousand curiosities that will leave you wide-eyed, starting with its vines! Excursions are organised along the Route des Grands Crus introducing visitors to the history of the local wines. What’s on the agenda? A tasting of great Burgundy wines alongside a tour of Château du Clos de Vougeot, the crown jewel of the vineyards and ancient lair of the brotherhood of the Chevaliers du Tastevin. In this mythical spot, the old presses, vat room and great storeroom set the scene as in the 12th century to retrace the history of winegrowing in the region.

Taking part in these short getaways also means immersing yourself fully in the locality’s superb landscapes. The outings on the itinerary will take you from the gentle slopes of the Côte de Nuits to the small villages tucked away in the forests of the Hautes Côtes de Nuits.

Once back at the hotel, you can take the wine experience a stage further in the bar. The drinks menu spotlights locally-produced craft beers and Burgundy wines, which you can sip in peace and quiet as you take the time to enjoy the wealth of riches offered up by Burgundy’s vineyards over a drink.

There are a 1,001 different ways to explore the vineyards of Burgundy. Santenay straddles the Route des Grands Crus, and you can follow “in the footsteps of the winegrowers” around the village.

Who has never asked themselves: Where do wines come from? Each and every cuvée tells the story of a distinct terroir and the work of the men and women who cultivate the land. This is why Céline, a former winemaker who was born and bred in the region, decided to showcase the expertise of Burgundy’s winemakers, designing explanatory walks amidst the vines.

Whether you’re a casual walker or a hardened hiker, an explorer in the making or a seasoned adventurer, these outings are accessible to everyone. Depending on what you feel like doing and your stamina levels, there are several trails on offer of various lengths - but all with the same objective: to give an account of the daily lives of the winegrowers from season to season. Céline peppers the walks with lively stories and light-hearted talks about the vines and the work that marks each cycle, from maintaining the soil to harvesting the grapes. And, since Burgundy is a rich land with an abundance of terroirs, the walks are also an ideal opportunity to introduce visitors to the much-vaunted, UNESCO-listed climats and the appellations to which the region owes its fame.

With these hiking trails, the more you walk, the more you learn! On the longest circuits, walkers can feast their eyes on the splendid views, with their guide interpreting and “reading” the landscape for them. Céline also provides her insight into the nature of wine making and its biodiversity. What's more, the countryside around the village of Santenay is home to some hidden historical gems that add to the charm of the walks along the trails, such as a mill, washhouses or pigeon loft... and even a secret passageway!

To round off the experience, participants can enjoy some regional products in the fields of vines or be hosted at a partner winemaker for a local wine tasting, depending on the package they have chosen. Anyone who wants to can also request a bespoke walk over a half or full day to explore the countless riches dotted amidst the vines. The vineyards of Burgundy never cease to amaze the curious visitor who ventures into the region!

You’ll never get bored at the Maison des Ateliers! Mâcon personifies the vineyards of Burgundy more than any other town – and it's also home to this one-of-a-kind venue with a whole host of activities, helping you wind down, make new discoveries and bowling you over!

The package of experiences at the Maison des Ateliers are designed for young and old alike, with a range of themes that will quench everyone’s thirst for curiosities. This is reflected in the programme, which includes a grab-bag of wellness activities, cultural events, creative hobby courses, botany courses for beginners, and cooking and baking lessons.

But it’s impossible to talk about Burgundy without mentioning its great wines! It goes without saying that the activities include oenological workshops with a very wide choice: there are no less than 30 discovery options accessible to novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike. These taster courses give an overview of Burgundy’s appellations and so much more, each addressing a specific topic. Fourteen French wine regions come under the microscope, alongside wines from five continents and the seven families of spirits.

And what’s the little added extra? Well, these fast-track workshops are led by Fabrice Sommier, a sommelier awarded the title “French Craftsperson of the Year”. Most of the courses are held at the Wine School, a panoramic tasting space located on the top floor of the Maison des Ateliers. Others take place out in the open amidst the Beaujolais or Mâconnais vines. Visitors can climb aboard an English taxi for the day and embark on an unusual adventure peppered with a tour of the area’s estates, encounters with local winegrowers… and Fabrice’s stories aplenty!

And the children won’t miss out either: workshops specially designed for them include sweet and savoury food pairings washed down with different varieties of grape juice. These sessions are an ideal opportunity for budding oenophiles to educate their palate about the taste of the vines.

The Wine School at the Maison des Ateliers offers an incomparable immersive experience in the world of wine all year round. And all this with the friendliness that is the hallmark of Burgundy!

Château de Saulon is ideally situated between Dijon and Beaune. The setting is idyllic, perfect for an extended layover a stone's throw from the Route de Grands Crus de Bourgogne.

This 4-star hotel-cum-restaurant has all the cachet of a well-heeled holiday resort coupled with all the charm of a family vacation home. Comfort is allied with elegance and simplicity behind the walls of this residence steeped in history. From antique furniture unearthed in local second-hand shops to engravings of 18th century Dijon, the decor pays tribute to Burgundy in every nook and cranny.

The accommodation here consists of 42 rooms divided between the main residence and the outbuildings. Inside the château you will also find a library and several lounges where billiards and board games are on hand for guests to enjoy. And then there’s a bar where you can discover the region’s wines.

Outside, the 27 hectares of greenery are an inviting place for a stroll along the two rivers that run through the grounds. And do you fancy a spot of sport? There’s no end to the list of things to do! You can go fishing, make the most 

of the swimming pool or play tennis, table tennis, badminton or pétanque... There’s no doubt that a holiday atmosphere reigns in the parkland around the château. And for anyone who would like to go on a ramble through the nearby vineyards, it’s even possible to rent bicycles and vintage cars.

When it comes to haute cuisine, you’re in for a real treat! Les Deux Rivières - the house restaurant - serves seasonal and regional food, with the menus showcasing local produce alongside whatever is harvested from the château’s vegetable garden and orchard. This being Burgundy, the wine list features numerous regional specialities, with top billing given to the local area’s small properties and the great appellations alike. Under the vaults of the dining room or on the shaded terrace, lovers of good food and their taste buds are guaranteed to enjoy an extra special time.

No matter the season, everything at Château de Saulon has been designed to guarantee visitors a genuine break amidst the vines.

The vineyards of Burgundy are peppered with hidden gems! And the best way to unearth them is with Divignes excursions as you set out to discover the mosaic of regional vineyards.

Mathias Fasan is a local boy with a passion for wine, and he invites inquisitive visitors aboard his air-conditioned vehicle to explore the appellation vineyards in minute detail.

And every expedition has its own destination! After criss-crossing the picture-postcard villages and roads lined with vines, visitors have a date either in a corner of the vineyard with beautiful views or at a partner winegrower's.

On this short stop you can enjoy listening to an interpretation of the surrounding landscape, explanations about the different AOCs… and a tasting amidst the fields of vines.

Burgundy is at your fingertips with Divignes!

Blessed with a rich heritage, Château de Saint-Aubin-Prosper Maufoux won the Exceptional Offer award in the “Architecture and Landscape” category at the 2023 Wine Tourism Trophies. 

On the one side stands the château, and on the other, an ocean of vines: the architecture at Saint-Aubin melts majestically into the vineyard landscape. 

Straddling the Burgundy Route des Grands Crus (Wine Route), the property’s harmonious beauty captivates visitors with its mythical terroirs. 

The old building on this historic site stands alongside an ultra-modern vat room that you can explore on a tour-cum-tasting – which just goes to show that Prosper Maufoux looks after its heritage while integrating it into a contemporary dynamic! 

Surrounded by forest, vineyards and rolling hills in Mimande on the border of Côte d'Or and Saône-et-Loire, Armand Heitz opens the doors of his château and “neo-peasant” universe to one and all.

Tucked away in 9 hectares of green parkland, the property boasts a chapel, gîtes full of character and a superb stone building that is home to the guest rooms. The silence that reigns here will tempt you to lay down your hat and abandon yourself to the philosophy of the master of the house: cultivating the art of fine living. You will take the time to unwind here as you get back in touch with nature.

For several years now, Armand has flown the flag of regenerative agriculture. On the plots of his wine estate and in the fields of his farm, he has chosen to embrace an alternative, sustainable operating model based on polyculture and respecting the land. This commitment is reflected in the food on the château’s menu, where the restaurant is called quite simply Chez Armand. In fact, the restaurant links Armand’s work as a winegrower and farmer: pride of place is given to produce from the land by prioritising a very local distribution channel.

Proof positive can be seen in the menu, which showcases products from the estate: meats cooked in a fire basket, vegetables from the kitchen garden and wines from the vineyard will leave foodies drooling! A selection of terrines, rillettes and dried sausage - not to mention a whole host of designations, each more prestigious than the next - is also available for lovers of good food who would like to take some of these delights home. The château also organises oenological workshops so you can learn more about the special character of Burgundy wines and the vintages produced by Armand Heitz.

Lovers of the great outdoors are not to be outdone: anyone staying in the château can also enjoy the charms of the Burgundy countryside and being in close touch with an unspoilt environment with its roots in the farming world. Armand is driven by his values and affection for the region, and he has succeeded in creating a venue that reflects it: simple, generous and warm. Weddings, conferences and all types of other events can be organised on site.

Be that as it may, we can say one thing for sure: a timeless moment - where everything is ethical and harmonious - is in store for you in the heart of the vineyard!

Armand Heitz doesn’t exploit nature: he works with it! For several years now, agro-ecology has become the credo of this winegrower-cum-farmer who gives his all to showcase the Burgundy terroir.

In Côte d’Or, Armand Heitz champions the idea of going back to the earth and farmers' lore - which is why he respects ecosystems and biodiversity when working his vines and fields. And Armand is rewarded with exceptional products that find their way onto the dining room tables of the most discerning foodies.

The estate in the Côte de Beaune area is home to 20 hectares of vines. Every effort is made to ensure the soil stays in good shape and to tend lovingly to the grapes using ethical, sustainable methods. Each climat is respected, bringing out its most exceptional qualities. This is evident in the collection of prestigious appellations produced on site, including Beaune, Meursault, Pommard and Chassagne-Montrachet! And this range of grands crus is rounded off by some high-quality craft beers.

Armand employs the same integrated practices on his farm, which houses his vegetable plots and his sheep and herds of cattle. This eco-friendly approach reflects Armand’s fierce determination to promote healthy, local food with its roots in the fertile, nourishing soil of Burgundy.

Tempted to pay a visit? Inquisitive guests are welcome at the Cellier d’Armand Heitz in Pommard, where they can enjoy three adventures in the vineyards exploring Armand’s cultivation model and the unique climats. These tours are the ideal opportunity for Armand the “neo-peasant” and winegrower to share his love of the land and his vision of his métier with visitors, whether they’re neophytes or experts! After listening to the history of the estate and roaming across the iconic plots, guests are invited to a guided tasting session with between six and eight wines. From 11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday to Saturday, you can taste the estate's wines and beers together with a selection of Armand Heitz produce on a planche on the terrace of the wine cellar.

When you cross the threshold of Armand Heitz, you are entering the small world of a farmer where the terroir takes pride of place and where you will discover Burgundy at its best.