Burgundy Wine Trip 2018

A Journey Through Burgundy during the Hospices de Beaune

Visiting Burgundy is always special, but experiencing it during the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction is truly unforgettable. Every November, the global wine industry gathers in Beaune to bid on barrels of prestigious wines from the Domaines des Hospices de Beaune. This centuries-old tradition, dating back to the 15th century at the Hôtel-Dieu, is considered the world’s most important charity wine auction.

After arriving at our hotel, we prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime, invitation-only evening at Maison Joseph Drouhin. The experience began in the historic cellars of the Parliament of the Dukes of Burgundy, leading us into Beaune’s oldest underground wine cellars. Stretching across nearly one hectare beneath the medieval town center, these galleries hold nearly 2000 years of history. They once belonged to the Canons of Beaune, the Dukes of Burgundy, and even the Kings of France. Along the way, we encountered remarkably preserved Gallo-Roman remains, adding an archaeological dimension to our wine journey.

The evening culminated in a private wine and gastronomy pairing dinner within the underground cellars. Six exceptional wines were carefully selected to showcase the elegance, finesse, and diversity of Burgundy’s Climats. One of the highlights? Enjoying a rare 1997 Romanée-Saint-Vivant magnum, a bottle nearly impossible to find, perfectly paired with dinner. Despite our travel fatigue, this event alone made the trip worthwhile.

The following day began in Santenay, a charming village where we visited Domaine Antoine Olivier – a small producer of the region – and tasted an impressive white wine offering exceptional value compared to the region’s more famous appellations. Our journey continued through the Côte de Beaune, alternating between mouthwatering Chardonnays and elegant Pinot Noirs.

Lunch in Aloxe-Corton was another highlight, where local cuisine was elevated by perfectly paired Burgundy wines. Later, we wandered through Beaune’s wine bars and restaurants, where rare vintages and hard-to-find bottles were surprisingly accessible — often priced far below international market rates.

On the third day, we traveled north to the Côte de Nuits, home to some of the world’s most iconic Pinot Noirs. Visits to wineries in Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Nuits-Saint-Georges deepened our appreciation for the region’s terroir. A leisurely lunch in a local gastronomic restaurant provided yet another opportunity to pair Burgundy’s finest wines with exquisite French cuisine.

No Burgundy trip would be complete without a stop at the legendary vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, where we couldn’t resist capturing a few photos among the vines that produce the most coveted wines on earth.

With limited time before departure, we skipped further winery visits and instead enjoyed a private tasting session at a wine bar in Mâcon. Here, we explored the vibrant whites of the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais, a refreshing finale to our Burgundy adventure.

Having explored several wine regions across Europe, we can confidently say that Burgundy offers the most educational and enriching wine experience of them all. Between its history, heritage, and world-class wines, every sip tells a story.

Next time, our journey will continue north — to discover the wines of Chablis.