Prepare for a spot of enjoyable holiday homework on the benches of the École des Vins de Bourgogne (Bourgogne School of Wine) in Beaune.

This oenological training centre was a forerunner in terms of wine education and teaches all levels, being open to both wine professionals and ordinary wine amateurs alike. To complement your 'wine geek' status, we recommend the following courses: the 3-day 'Certificat Dégustateur' (Tasting Certificate), the 3-day 'Révélations de Bourgognes' (Revelations of Bourgogne) or the 2-day 'Terroir of the Grands Crus', in English. Theory, practical exercises and field visits will improve your sensory analysis. These trainers are hard to beat, and are all experts in their field: oenology, wine stewardship, agronomics and geology. It’s worth mentioning that the tasting bottles mostly come from the Bourgogne Wine Board’s carefully curated cellar.

Those who have already experienced one know that a golfing break in wine-growing country generally involves lining up the local beverages as well as your golf shots!

On that principle, 2 golf courses and 3 hotels around Pouilly-Fuissé have joined forces to offer mixed breaks combining two green fees with a one night stay. The La Salle and La Commanderie golf courses both have wooded, immersive grounds and a wine bar as the Club House. The three hotels participating in the offer also play up the local Chardonnay and other Bourgogne wines. This is particularly the case at Château de Besseuil in Clessé where not only do you get to spend the night in a working vineyard, but you can also attend one of their tasting and introduction to wine sessions in their own œnothèque. Warning: significant risk of crooked putts.

The Roche de Solutré is above all a remarkable viewing point, exhilarating even.

The Mâcon vineyards in the foreground, the Saône valley, the Alps and Mont Blanc on a clear day…. A veritable feast for the eyes of the adventurous explorer that you are and not just at the summit. The climb offers amazing effects of perspective, as the Roche de Vergisson, (the Roche de Solutré's little sister), seems to move throughout the ascent. The 45 minute walk, starting in the village of Solutré-Puilly, is quite demanding. After a good work-out for your knees, next stop is a work-out for your elbow at the Atrium in Solutré's village square. This convivial wine cellar designed by the Pouilly Fuissé wine-producers promises in one tasting to bring you on a tour of 4 villages, 15 types of soil, 200 climates and 250 producers of the appellation. A great spot.

A first-class culture and wine holiday in Chablis. 

Day one: Arrival late morning, just in time for a bite to eat in one of the village’s wine bars. Next it's off to see the vines, because that’s partly why you’re here, right? Head to Domaine Guy Robin for a perfect example of a local producer. Vineyard visit with the owner then a tasting of the Chablis, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. The cellar is vaulted, the winemaker is independent and the welcome is warm and friendly. 
Then it's time to drop off your luggage in a bed and breakfast before heading to Le Clos restaurant with its warm and elegant atmosphere. The food menu contains carefully selected dishes and the accompanying wine list is extensive.

Day two: Start with a morning of time travel as you visit the world’s oldest Cistercian abbey, the Abbaye de Fontenay, included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Opt for the guided tour to immerse yourself in the 13th century monk-like atmosphere. Then prepare for your homeward journey with a meal at La Mirabelle in Saint-Rémy, featured in the Michelin Guide 2015. Excellent regional dishes set against an exposed brick decor.

We’re steering you towards La Maison du Colombier in Beaune because the owner, Roland Chanliaud, his new and completely revamped gastro-bar is a mirror image of his epicurean vision.

Stone walls, black paint, crystal chandeliers. You’re torn between flopping into a period armchair or standing at the bar to keep the chef company. And while the setting is elegant, the food isn’t too bad either. Because even though Roland will be the last one to tell you, he’s an important figure on the local gastronomic scene. With 22 years of experience at two and three star restaurants under his belt, he picked up this ultimate accolade himself at his former restaurant in 1996. At La Maison du Colombier he has more freedom to pick and choose produce that interests him. So there’s no menu, just a changing variety of daily inspirations. We’ve heard talk of amazing organic eggs en cocotte with thin slices of Bourgogne truffles. It’s an unmissable part of any visit to Beaune.