Masterclass Pinot Noir – Wine tasting in Dijon

If you’re into wine — especially Pinot Noir — and happen to find yourself in Dijon, there’s a good chance you’ll come across this Masterclass Pinot Noir experience. It’s designed to give you a taste (quite literally) of Burgundy’s signature wines, guided by local experts in a cozy, small-group setting. We haven’t done it ourselves, but with the glowing reviews and detailed info, it’s clear this is a charming, educational outing worth considering.

What we love about this experience? First, the small group size (limited to 8 people) ensures you get personal attention from the guides, making the tasting feel more like a conversation than a lecture. Second, the focus on quality wines from the region’s top appellations means you’ll get a genuine sense of Burgundy’s unique terroir and grape varieties. A possible snag? The 45-minute duration might feel a little brief if you’re looking for a deep-dive, but it’s enough to leave you with new knowledge and a few bottles to buy.

This tour is ideal if you’re a wine lover wanting to understand Burgundy’s distinctive Pinot Noir, or if you’re simply curious about what makes this region’s wines so special. It’s also a nice choice for travelers who prefer intimate, guided experiences over large, commercial tastings. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for children or anyone under 18, and the standing setup might be less comfy if you’re looking to relax fully.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small group for a personalized experience
• Led by knowledgeable Burgundy wine experts
• Tastings of four wines, from Village to Grand Cru
• All wines are from the host’s curated selection, with options to purchase
• Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, enhancing the cultural value
• Certified Vignobles & Découvertes, ensuring quality

The Masterclass Pinot Noir is a short but engaging encounter with Burgundy wines, lasting about 45 minutes. You start at Les Clos Vivants, a cozy wine shop in Dijon, where you’ll meet your guide—either Mattéo, Guyonne, or Adrien—who’s passionate and eager to share their expertise. Expect a friendly, informal setting that aims to make everyone comfortable, whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or a complete beginner.

The Wines: Village to Grand Cru

You’ll sample four different wines that span the spectrum of Burgundy’s appellations. These wines are specially selected from the host’s collection, representing the most emblematic levels of Burgundy wine classifications. You’ll taste styles from Village-level wines—which offer great value and are approachable—to Grand Cru wines, which are the pinnacle of Burgundy craftsmanship.

The guide will walk you through each wine, explaining what makes it unique, how to evaluate appearance, aroma, taste, and finish. This process helps demystify the art of tasting and builds your confidence to identify qualities you might previously have overlooked. Several reviews mention that the instructors are both expressive and knowledgeable, making the explanations engaging and accessible.

The UNESCO Connection

Being situated in a World Heritage site isn’t just a fancy label here; it’s part of the experience. The guide will highlight the Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne, the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape, helping you appreciate what makes this region so special—both culturally and viticulturally. Learning about the Climats adds depth to your tasting, transforming it from just drinking wine to understanding a whole way of life and landscape.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of eight participants, you’re likely to get a personalized experience, with ample opportunity to ask questions and get tailored insights. However, some reviews point out that the venue is a bit crowded—not a private room, but a wine shop where other shoppers may be passing through. It’s not a formal sit-down setup, so if you’re craving a plush, quiet environment, this might be a minor disappointment.

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The Worth of the Price

At $41 per person, this tasting is quite reasonable considering the quality of guidance, the curated selection of notable wines, and the UNESCO context. Since all wines are from the host’s collection, you also have the chance to purchase bottles directly after the tasting—an added bonus if you want to bring home a souvenir or gift.

Real Traveler Feedback

One reviewer from Singapore mentioned she felt the experience was “not as comfy as I would like,” pointing out the standing setup. Conversely, others praised guides like Adrien for being “wonderful” and making the tasting interesting. A German traveler appreciated the knowledge shared by Emily, and a Malaysian visitor found Adrien’s explanations very engaging.

Check-in at Les Clos Vivants isn’t a formal tour meeting point but a lively wine shop. This setting adds authenticity—you get to feel the atmosphere of a local wine merchant, surrounded by bottles and aromas. You’ll be standing during the session, so come prepared for that, especially if you prefer more comfortable seating.

The tasting process is interactive. Your guide will help you identify different aromas and flavors, comparing wines to highlight their differences. You’ll learn what makes some Pinot Noirs more delicate or fruit-forward, and why Grand Crus fetch higher prices. The focus is on educating your palate and inspiring confidence in wine appreciation.

In terms of duration, 45 minutes might seem brief, but for many, it’s enough to gain a meaningful understanding. It’s a compact experience meant to complement your Burgundy journey—perfect for those who want a taste of the region’s viticulture without committing to a full-day tour or multiple tastings.

Post-tasting, you can buy any of the wines you liked. Being able to purchase the same wines you sampled adds great value, especially if you’re interested in bringing authentic Burgundy bottles home.

This masterclass is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Burgundy Pinot Noir in a relaxed, intimate environment. If you’re curious about the differences between village and Grand Cru wines but don’t want a lengthy tour, this is a sensible choice. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate local culture and want to understand what makes Burgundy’s terroir so special.

It’s not ideal for those craving a luxurious, sit-down experience or a private room. The standing setup might challenge your comfort, especially if you’re sensitive to that. Also, it’s not designed for children under 18, so plan accordingly.

For around $41, this small-group wine tasting offers a genuine glimpse into Burgundy’s legendary Pinot Noir wines. Led by passionate experts, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of the Climats and what makes these wines so distinctive. The experience’s strength lies in its personalized approach and curated selection, with many reviewers highlighting the guides’ knowledge and engaging explanations.

While the environment isn’t plush, it’s authentic and lively, providing a real taste of Dijon’s wine culture. If you’re looking for an accessible way to deepen your appreciation of Burgundy wines without a huge time or cost investment, this class hits the right notes. Just be prepared for standing, and perhaps, a little crowd.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious newcomer, this tasting can enrich your Burgundy adventure, especially if you’re eager to learn and purchase wines directly from the region.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable and explain the tasting process clearly, making it a good introduction for newcomers.

How long does the tasting last?
It lasts about 45 minutes, which is enough time to learn and taste four wines without feeling rushed.

Can I buy the wines after tasting?
Yes, all wines are from the host’s curated selection, and you can purchase them to take home.

What’s the environment like?
It’s held in a wine shop, so expect a lively, casual atmosphere with some standing. There’s no private seating area.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What is the group size?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re looking to add a meaningful wine experience to your Dijon trip, this masterclass offers a friendly, informative, and affordable way to appreciate Burgundy’s iconic Pinot Noir. Whether you’re a serious wine geek or just someone who enjoys a good glass, it’s a small taste of Burgundy’s vinicultural pride.

You can check availability for your dates here: