If you’re considering a wine-focused day in Burgundy, you’ve probably come across quite a few options. We’ve looked into a private full-day tour offered by SAFARI TOURS that promises an insider’s look into the famous vineyards of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, the details suggest it could be a fantastic choice for those who really want to dive deep into Burgundy’s wine culture, with a few practical considerations.
What draws us in? First, the personalized experience of a private guide who is a native of the region, sharing their passion and insider knowledge. Second, the comprehensive itinerary that covers both the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, with private tastings at three traditional wineries. The only potential downside? The price point is around $819 per person, which is substantial, but for serious wine lovers, the value seems clear.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a deep, immersive experience—those eager to learn about Burgundy’s terroirs and taste a wide variety of wines without the fuss of planning. If you’re after an authentic, educational day with a touch of luxury, this might just be the trip for you.
Key Points
- Private, personalized experience with an expert guide who is a native of Burgundy
- Visits three traditional wineries with private tastings of around 18 wines
- Explores both major regions of Burgundy: Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune
- Includes a traditional lunch, either at a top local restaurant or a family-run winery
- Luxury transportation, pickup, and drop-off included
- Comprehensive explanation of vineyards, climates, terroirs, and winemaking
First Impressions and Overall Feel
From the start, this tour promises a luxurious yet authentic Burgundy experience. Picking up at your hotel in Beaune, the guide immediately sets a friendly, knowledgeable tone—an important factor for a full-day adventure. The private group aspect means you’ll avoid the crowd and get more tailored insights, which can make all the difference when learning about such a nuanced region.
The tour’s pacing appears well thought out. It begins in the Côte de Nuits, moving from Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin, with a focus on explaining the climats, terroirs, and vineyard work that shape Burgundy wines. This context makes the tastings much more meaningful, transforming each sip into a story of the land.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Côte de Beaune, from Pommard to Puligny-Montrachet, another iconic stretch. The highlight? The three cellar visits and private tastings of about 18 wines—a solid number for a day, especially when each wine is carefully explained by your guide.
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The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect
Morning: Côte de Nuits
The day kicks off early, with your guide giving you an introduction to Burgundy’s grapes, vineyards, and climates. We loved how knowledgeable the guide was, sharing insights about the work in the vineyard throughout the year and explaining the secrets of Burgundy’s unique terroirs.
As you explore the Côte de Nuits, you’ll see some of the most renowned vineyards in the region. Expect plenty of stunning vineyard views and detailed explanations about how the different climates and soil compositions influence the wine. One review mentioned that the guide’s knowledge about “climats and vinifications” really added depth to the tasting experience, making each wine more than just a drink but a story.
Lunch: A Cultural & Culinary Break
Midday, the tour includes a lunch break at either a local, traditional restaurant or a family-run winery. The experience here varies—sometimes you’ll have a simple, hearty meal in a cozy setting, other times a more refined gastronomic experience. Keep in mind, the menu and drinks are not included, so you should budget accordingly if you’re craving specific dishes or wines.
More Great Tours NearbyAfternoon: Côte de Beaune
After lunch, the focus shifts to Côte de Beaune, renowned for its white wines like Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, but also home to stellar reds. Your guide will lead you through more cellars, explaining the nuances of vinification and sharing stories about the family-run wineries you visit.
In this part, the tour offers a chance to taste roughly 18 wines, which are described as exclusive and private tastings. Based on reviews, the wines are of high quality, and the personalized guidance helps you appreciate their subtle differences. The emphasis on explaining the vineyards’ climates and terroirs really helps elevate the tasting beyond just sipping wine.
End of Day & Return
Around 5 pm, you’ll be back at your accommodation, having spent a full day enjoying Burgundy’s wine landscape. The journey back is a good time to reflect on what you’ve learned—whether about grape varieties, vineyard work, or regional history.
The Value of the Tour: Is It Worth the Price?
At $819 per person, this tour is on the premium side, but in return, you get a private, expert-led experience that covers a lot. The inclusion of three winery visits, 18 tastings, and luxury transportation makes it a fairly comprehensive package.
If you’re someone who really wants to understand Burgundy’s wines and has a penchant for private, tailored experiences, this could be well worth the cost. The quality of the guide and the personalized approach are often praised, which adds to the value.
However, if you’re budget-conscious or just want a quick overview without in-depth explanation, this might feel a bit indulgent. The lunch not included also means extra expenses, which you should plan for.
The Experience Provider & Booking Details
SAFARI TOURS has been operating since 1985 and holds a solid 4.4 rating. Their tours are insured, even in bad weather—an important detail for a region known for unpredictable weather. Booking is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour runs in both French and English, which is helpful if you prefer one language or the other. The pickup is included if you’re staying in Beaune, making it a convenient option.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for serious wine enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, private look at Burgundy’s vineyards. It’s perfect if you appreciate learning about terroirs, vineyards, and vinification—not just tasting wines but understanding what makes Burgundy wines so special.
Travelers seeking a luxury, stress-free day with personalized guidance will find this appealing. It suits those who are comfortable with a full day of touring and tasting, and who value expert insights and regional authenticity.
This tour isn’t specifically family-oriented, but if traveling with older, wine-interested adults, it offers plenty of educational value.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Burgundy’s famous vineyards on a private, guided day trip offers a chance to really connect with the region’s wine culture. The combination of expert narration, private cellars, and stunning vineyard views makes for an engaging, memorable experience—if you’re prepared to invest in it.
While the price might seem steep, the quality of the guide, the private tastings, and the depth of information make it a worthwhile splurge for those passionate about wine. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an authentic, educational, and comfortable way to explore Burgundy’s vineyards without the hassle of self-driving or group tours.
If you’re ready for a full immersion into Burgundy’s wine traditions, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.
Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits : Private Full day Winetour
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guide provides explanations about vineyards, terroirs, and vinification, making it accessible for wine novices who want to learn.
How many wines will I taste during the tour?
You’ll taste about 18 wines across three private cellar visits, giving you a broad overview of Burgundy’s offerings.
What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in a luxury van, private guide, three winery visits, and the private tastings. Lunch and wines purchased are not included.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.
Is the tour language only in English?
The tour is offered in both French and English, so you can choose your preferred language when booking.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 9 am and returning around 5 pm.
Do I need to worry about weather conditions?
No, the tours are insured even in bad weather, so you can enjoy the day regardless of rain or shine.
In all, this private Burgundy wine tour offers a focused, immersive, and well-organized way to taste the best vineyards the region has to offer—perfect for anyone eager to deepen their wine knowledge while enjoying the scenic beauty of France’s most celebrated wine country.
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