Private Tasting in Beaune : The Best of Burgundy Wines

If you’re traveling through Burgundy and love wine, this private tasting experience in Beaune is one you won’t want to miss. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of an intimate, tailored journey into one of France’s most prestigious wine regions. The highlight? An expert sommelier guiding you through seven top-tier wines—both reds and whites—that showcase Burgundy’s famous Premier and Grand Crus.

What makes this experience especially appealing is its personalized approach. You get a private session, which means more attention, tailored commentary, and plenty of time to ask your questions. Plus, the chance to buy and ship wines directly to your home adds a nice touch of convenience. For those who appreciate quality wine and a bit of educational context, this tour often earns rave reviews, and the high rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars suggests it’s consistently well-loved.

That said, a potential downside is its location—it’s a bit out of the main downtown area, which might require a short taxi or walk. Also, while the tasting is around 1 hour 45 minutes, it’s not a comprehensive tour of vineyards or wineries but more of a focused tasting session with a knowledgeable guide. So, if you’re after a deep dive into Burgundy wine production itself, you might want to supplement with a visit to local wineries.

This private tasting suits travelers who want a relaxed, educational, and high-quality experience that’s flexible and tailored. It’s perfect for wine lovers looking to deepen their appreciation and understanding of Burgundy’s most celebrated wines, without the rush or large crowds.

Key Points

• Private, tailor-made experience with a sommelier ensures personalized attention.
• Includes 7 prestigious wines—3 whites and 4 reds—from top Burgundy appellations.
• Experienced guides with over 35 years of knowledge make the tasting insightful.
• Cost-effective for quality wine tasting, often considered good value at around $81.
• Opportunity to buy wines directly from the shop, with worldwide shipping.
• A relaxed, no-pressure environment suitable for both beginners and connoisseurs.

The Experience: What to Expect

When you arrive at Millésimes à la Carte, nestled about a mile from Beaune’s bustling center, you’ll find a welcoming, dedicated space—200 square meters filled with Burgundy wines. This is not just a tasting room but a haven for wine enthusiasts, offering nearly 40 wines by the glass and a selection of old vintages dating back to 1858. The location’s somewhat offbeat position means less tourist traffic and a more intimate atmosphere, which many reviews mention fondly.

The Personal Touch

The tour is completely private, meaning only your group participates. Your host, an accomplished sommelier with over three decades of experience, will guide you through the tasting, sharing stories about the wines, the terroirs, and the regions from which they originate. French or English commentary is available, based on your preference, allowing for a more customized experience.

The Tasting Breakdown

You’ll sample 7 wines—a mix of whites and reds. Typically, this includes 3 white wines and 4 reds, all from renowned Burgundy appellations. The wines are carefully selected from different producers, each with its own story, so you get a rounded sense of what makes Burgundy wines special.

Most reviews highlight the quality and variety of the wines, with many praising the host’s depth of knowledge. One guest, for example, mentioned, “Alex was a great communicator and very knowledgeable about the Burgundy region,” adding that the experience was “enjoyable from start to finish.” Another said, “Alex’s relaxed personality made the session very informative and fun,” which is a big plus when trying to absorb wine knowledge.

Educational and Fun

This experience isn’t just about tasting wine; it’s about understanding it. The sommelier answers all your questions, providing insights into the soils, vineyards, and winemaking techniques. Guests frequently mention their appreciation for the tailor-made commentary and the chance to ask anything—no question is too simple or complex.

The Wines

The wines themselves are described as “incredible,” with a notable focus on Premier and Grand Crus. Many reviewers said they felt they gained a deeper appreciation for Burgundy’s wine hierarchy and the nuances between different vineyards. Several noted they’d never experienced such high-quality wines in a tasting setting before.

Shopping and Shipping

A significant perk here is that all the wines tasted are available for purchase, with the possibility of shipping internationally. For travelers who want to bring home a piece of Burgundy or send gifts to friends, this adds a layer of convenience that’s often appreciated.

When and How to Book

Most visitors book about 26 days in advance, which is a good idea given its popularity. The activity lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, and the cost is roughly $81 per person, making it a worthwhile investment for serious wine lovers.

The meeting point is at Millésimes à la Carte in Beaune, conveniently accessible via public transportation and with free parking options nearby. The tour is a private activity, so your group enjoys an exclusive experience without strangers.

The Real-World Feedback

Looking at the reviews, this tasting consistently gets top marks—average 4.9 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides, the wide selection of wines, and the relaxed, engaging atmosphere. Many mention how much they learned and how their understanding of Burgundy wines deepened significantly.

For example, one guest said, “Eight great selections, pours big enough to get a decent taste, Alex a great explainer/discussant in French or English,” highlighting both value and expertise. Others appreciated the informative yet casual environment that made even beginners feel comfortable.

A few reviews did mention that the educational aspect might be less detailed for absolute beginners, but overall, guests felt they left with a good amount of insight—some even remarked they’d go again now that they better understand Burgundy wines.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tasting is best suited for travelers who want a high-quality, personalized experience. It’s ideal if you’re eager to learn more about Burgundy wines, appreciate expert guidance, and prefer a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s not a large, commercial tour—more of a wine journey crafted for individuals or small groups, making it perfect for couples, friends, or anyone who values quality over quantity.

While not specifically geared toward families or children, those traveling with older, wine-curious companions will find it an enjoyable and educational outing. If you’re after a fun, insightful way to spend an afternoon in Beaune, this experience ticks a lot of boxes.

For anyone serious about Burgundy wine or simply eager to understand what makes the region so revered, this private tasting provides a wealth of knowledge alongside an excellent selection of wines. The guides are highly experienced, the environment relaxed, and the opportunity to buy wines directly adds real value. At around $81, it’s a high-quality experience that feels like a good investment for those wanting to deepen their wine appreciation.

You’ll leave with greater confidence in Burgundy wines, a deeper connection to the region, and perhaps even a few bottles to enjoy at home. If you’re in Beaune and want to make your visit memorable, this private tasting strikes a nice balance between education, enjoyment, and exclusivity.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, many reviews mention that the environment is relaxed and suitable for all levels. The guides tailor the commentary to your knowledge, making it accessible whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast.

How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, giving plenty of time to savor each wine and ask questions without feeling rushed.

Can I buy wines after the tasting?
Absolutely. All wines you taste are available for purchase, and shipping worldwide is possible, making it convenient if you want to bring Burgundy home.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s a private activity, so only your group will participate, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
You get a private guided tasting of 7 wines—3 whites and 4 reds—from top Burgundy appellations, along with expert commentary.

Is there parking available?
Yes, there are free parking options nearby, and the location is accessible via public transportation.

What’s the cost per person?
The average price is about $81.28, which many find reasonable for a curated, high-quality tasting experience with expert guidance.

Can I request commentary in French or English?
Yes, the guides offer commentary in either language, based on your preference.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended, as the experience is popular and often booked around 26 days in advance.

If you’re headed to Beaune and want a memorable, educational, and intimate wine experience, this private Burgundy tasting from Millésimes à la Carte looks like a winner. Just prepare to taste some of the best wines Burgundy has to offer and learn from some of the most knowledgeable guides in the region.