Clos Marey Monge Tasting

A Down-to-Earth Look at the Clos Marey-Monge Tasting Experience in Beaune

If you’re considering a wine tasting in Burgundy, the Clos Marey-Monge tour in Beaune offers a pretty appealing option. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and the info available, it looks like a solid choice for anyone eager to learn about organic wines and the concept of terroir, all within a cozy, intimate setting.

What we really like about this experience is that it’s led by a professional, WSET-trained guide. That means you’re not just sipping wine—you’re gaining insights into how wines are made, what makes each vintage different, and the biodynamic techniques behind these bottles. Plus, with only six people per group, it feels much more personal than a big tour, making it easier to ask questions and really connect with the guide.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the tour doesn’t include access to the cellars because of ongoing renovations. If you’re hoping to walk through the underground caves or see the cellar workings, you might find this a bit disappointing. However, the tasting itself seems to make up for it, especially if you’re serious about wine or want a taste of Burgundy’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This experience is well-suited for those who appreciate quality wine, want a more educational approach, and enjoy small-group settings. It’s not necessarily a family activity, but wine lovers and anyone curious about biodynamics will find it rewarding.

Key Points

• Expert-Led Tasting: Guided by a professional, WSET-trained wine advisor who explains each wine’s story.
• Six Wines to Sample: Includes a range of Clos Marey-Monge’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, showcasing different terroirs and vintages.
• Intimate Group Size: Max six guests, making for a personal experience and easy questions.
• Focus on Terroir & Biodynamics: Learn how climate, soil, and biodynamic techniques influence wine flavor.
• Convenient Timing & Flexibility: Three tour times available throughout the day.
• Value for Price: For around $48, you get a focused, informative tasting of some of Burgundy’s premier wines.

An In-Depth Look at the Clos Marey-Monge Tasting Experience

Location and Setting

The tour begins at 15 Rue Marey Monge in Pommard, right within the Château de Pommard domain. This is a small, boutique vineyard known for its organic wines. Although the tour doesn’t include a cellar visit due to ongoing renovations—which some visitors might miss—the setting itself gives off a charming, authentic vibe with a chance to enjoy the vineyard’s surroundings.

The focus is on tasting rather than exploring the physical estate, but the environment is still quite picturesque, with vineyards nearby that you can admire during the experience. If you’re lucky, the guide might share some stories about the land or the history of Château de Pommard, adding to the ambiance.

The Core of the Tour: The Tasting

The heart of the experience involves sampling at least six wines from the Clos Marey-Monge collection. These include multiple expressions of Pinot Noir—the iconic grape of Burgundy—along with Chardonnay. You’ll be tasting wines that are produced with biodynamic practices, which means the vineyard emphasizes natural, sustainable farming methods that many wine enthusiasts find compelling.

The guide will explain how different vintages—the weather and climate conditions of each year—bring out unique characteristics in the wines. As one reviewer noted, “you can taste the vintage effect on wines, particularly how the weather each year lends a unique character to each cuvée.” This means that if you enjoy understanding what makes each year’s wine special, you’ll appreciate the insights offered here.

Learning About Terroir and Biodynamics

Burgundy is famous for terroir, a French term describing the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography that gives each vineyard its distinctive character. The guide will help you understand this concept, especially as it relates to the different plots within Clos Marey-Monge. You’ll learn how specific factors influence flavor and aroma, giving you a deeper appreciation for Burgundy wines beyond just their taste.

Plus, the focus on biodynamic winemaking techniques adds a layer of interest. These practices aim to work harmoniously with nature, and the guide will share how they impact the wines’ taste and quality—something many wine lovers find fascinating.

The Wines and What You’ll Taste

The six wines include various expressions of Clos Marey-Monge, all produced by Château de Pommard. While the exact vintages aren’t specified, you can expect to taste the diversity of Pinot Noir from this renowned estate. The tasting is designed to show the differences between the wines, highlighting how vintage, terroir, and winemaking choices influence the final product.

One reviewer expressed delight, saying, “The quality of the wines was fantastic and Flavian gave us a good overview.” It seems the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm make the tasting engaging and educational.

The Experience, the Guides, and the Atmosphere

Participants consistently praise the guides for being passionate, friendly, and well-informed. “La personne qui nous a accueilli a été super,” wrote one reviewer, emphasizing how the welcoming attitude and explanations enhanced the experience.

Since the tour is limited to six people, it offers a cozy atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and you can really focus on what’s being presented. The intimate setting also makes it easier to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts.

Price, Duration, and Value

At about $48.62 per person, this tasting offers good value, especially considering the small-group experience and expert guidance. The tour lasts roughly one hour, making it a manageable break in your day.

While you won’t get to visit the cellars due to renovations, the tasting and the educational component seem to compensate, especially if you’re keen to deepen your understanding of Burgundy wines.

What Could Be Better?

Reviewers have noted that additional vineyard or cellar access would enhance the experience. One mentioned, “It was a shame before and after the wine tasting the vineyards and the chateaux was not used more in the tour,” suggesting that a walk or a broader tour could be a welcome addition.

If you’re someone who loves walking through vineyards or exploring wine caves, this might feel a bit limited. But if your focus is on tasting and learning, the current setup still offers plenty of value.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those who are serious about understanding Burgundy wines, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you appreciate a personal touch and want to learn about biodynamic farming and terroir from a knowledgeable guide, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

It’s also a good fit if you’re looking for a relaxed, small-group setting rather than a crowded, impersonal tasting. However, if cellar visits or vineyard walks are your priority, you might want to wait until renovations are finished or look for other options.

Even for a casual wine lover, the quality of the wines and the insights offered make this a worthwhile stop. Keep in mind that it’s a one-hour commitment, so it’s perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing without taking up too much time.

FAQ

• How long is the Clos Marey-Monge tasting tour?
  About one hour, giving you enough time to enjoy multiple wines and learn without feeling rushed.

• What wines will I taste?
  You’ll sample at least six wines from the Clos Marey-Monge collection, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

• Can I visit the cellars?
  No, the cellar visit isn’t included due to ongoing renovations, but the tasting still offers a good look at the wines.

• Is the tour suitable for beginners?
  Yes, the guide explains concepts like terroir and biodynamics in a way that’s accessible, making it suitable for all levels.

• How many people are in each group?
  A maximum of six travelers, ensuring a personal experience.

• What is the price?
  $48.62 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the quality of wines and personalized attention.

• Are there different tour times available?
  Yes, three different times throughout the day, offering flexibility to fit your schedule.

• Is this tour family-friendly?
  While most travelers do participate, it’s geared toward adults interested in wine. There’s no specific mention of children, so it’s best suited for wine enthusiasts.

• What is included in the tour?
  The wine tasting of six wines.

• How do I cancel if my plans change?
  You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Clos Marey-Monge tasting experience in Beaune offers a well-rounded opportunity to deepen your appreciation for Burgundy wines in an intimate setting. With knowledgeable guides, a chance to taste a variety of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and insights into biodynamic practices, it’s a tour that will appeal to wine lovers who value quality and education.

While it doesn’t include cellar visits or vineyard walks at the moment, the focus on tasting and learning still makes it stand out. If your trip to Burgundy leans toward wine education and savoring exceptional wines in a small-group environment, this tour is worth considering.

Just keep in mind that the experience is best for those who are genuinely interested in the technical side of winemaking or looking for a relaxed, personal tasting. For anyone craving a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyard itself or more active exploration, you might want to explore other options once the renovations are completed.

This tour strikes a good balance of quality, intimacy, and value, making it a memorable part of any Burgundy adventure.