Exploring Burgundy through Tasting and Food in Dijon
If you’re considering a visit to Dijon and want to experience a taste of Burgundy beyond just the wine, this guided tasting with Burgundy dishes might be just what you’re after. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but based on the details and reviews, it looks like a solid way to get a broader sense of the region’s culinary and vinous heritage.
What we like about this experience is the combination of regional wines with authentic Burgundy dishes—it’s a great way to understand how the local flavors complement each other. Plus, the setting in a traditional wine cellar right in the heart of Dijon adds a genuine, cozy atmosphere. On the flip side, it’s a fairly short session—just an hour—so it’s not a deep dive into Burgundian wine, but rather a focused tasting with good food.
This tour seems best suited for curious travelers who want a manageable, tasting-focused experience, especially those who appreciate good food and wine pairings without the fuss of a lengthy class. If you’re into regional gastronomy or simply want a friendly, guided introduction to Burgundy’s flavors, this could fit perfectly into your itinerary.
Key Points
- Authentic Setting: Tasting in a traditional wine cellar in Dijon adds charm and authenticity.
- Taste Burgundy’s Best: Five wines, including whites, reds, and a Crémant, showcase the region’s diversity.
- Food Pairings: The dishes—gougères, escargots, Époisses eggs, beef bourguignon, and cheese—highlight Burgundy’s culinary staples.
- Flexible & Convenient: Small group size, live guides in English and French, and options to cancel or reserve flexibly.
- Quality & Value: Wines can be purchased or shipped worldwide, and tax refunds are available outside the EU.
- Limited Duration: The hour-long experience is concise, perfect if you’re in Dijon for a short stay or want a quick flavor boost.
A Closer Look at the Experience
The tour begins with an introduction to Burgundy’s wine region, setting the scene with two white wines, two reds, and a Crémant de Bourgogne. These are carefully selected to showcase the richness and variety of Burgundy’s Climats—a term referring to the vineyard sites that produce specific wines.
What really makes this experience shine are the pairings with regional dishes, carefully chosen to enhance the wines’ flavors. The gougères, those light cheese puffs, are a classic Burgundy snack and a perfect match for the sparkling Crémant. The escargots, prepared in typical Burgundy style with parsley butter, are said to complement a lively, mineral white wine beautifully.
The poached eggs with Époisses sauce offer a gourmet taste of local cheese paired with aromatic white wine, giving you a sense of how Burgundy’s rich, creamy flavors balance out the crispness of the wines. The beef bourguignon, a dish many travelers eagerly seek out, gets a boost from a structured Pinot Noir, highlighting how regional wines work alongside iconic dishes.
The regional cheese platter, including Époisses, Comté, and Chaource, rounds out the tasting. The cheeses are well-selected and a highlight for many, offering a glimpse into Burgundy’s dairy richness. They are paired with a subtle, complex red wine, accentuating the depth of local cheese and wine pairing traditions.
The Setting and Group Dynamic
The experience takes place in La Source des Vins, situated right across from the Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, emphasizing its historical charm. The small group size—limited to 8 participants—means you’re unlikely to feel rushed, and the guides can offer personalized insights. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore Burgundy’s flavors.
Many reviews mention the knowledgeable guides, who help make the tasting approachable, even for those new to wine pairings. The fact that all wines can be purchased in-store or shipped worldwide adds a nice touch for those wanting to take a bit of Burgundy home. Plus, the availability of tax refunds outside the EU is a bonus for international travelers.
Practicalities and Considerations
The tour lasts about an hour, which fits well into a busy sightseeing day. It’s wheelchair accessible, so visitors with mobility needs are covered, but it’s not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or very young kids. This is typical for wine tastings, but worth noting if you’re traveling with family or small children.
Booking is flexible—reserving now and paying later is an option, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That makes it easier to plan around other activities or if your travel plans are still evolving.
The tour is offered in both French and English, ensuring most visitors can follow along comfortably.
Is This Tour Worth It?
When weighing the value, this experience offers a focused, intimate way to enjoy Burgundy’s wines and dishes without overloading your day. It’s particularly good for those who want a taste of local flavors in a relaxed setting, with a knowledgeable guide to explain the nuances. If you’re looking for a comprehensive wine course or a long culinary class, this might be too brief, but for a casual, enjoyable session, it’s quite good.
Pricing is reasonable considering that wines are available for purchase and shipping, and the overall experience provides a genuine taste of Burgundy’s culinary culture. The inclusion of local specialties makes it more than just a wine tasting—it’s a small, flavorful journey into the region’s gastronomy.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a quick, memorable introduction to Burgundy’s wine and food scene. It’s suitable for those interested in regional specialties, wine novices, or anyone looking for a relaxed, friendly tasting without the commitment of a full-day tour. It’s also a good option for visitors who prefer small groups and personal attention.
However, if you’re traveling with young children or pregnant, you’ll need to look elsewhere, as alcohol consumption is involved. Also, if you’re after a deep dive into wine production or a longer culinary class, this isn’t the right fit.
FAQs
Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 5 or pregnant women, due to the alcohol involved.
Can I buy the wines after the tasting?
Yes, all wines tasted can be purchased in store or shipped worldwide, making it easy to bring a piece of Burgundy home.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1 hour, making it a short but sweet introduction to Burgundy wines and dishes.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.
What languages are available?
Guides speak both French and English, so most visitors can follow along comfortably.
Do I need to pay upfront?
No, you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably; there’s no specific dress code, but be prepared for a casual, relaxed setting.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
This guided tasting in Dijon offers a friendly, approachable way to experience Burgundy’s flavors in a setting that feels both authentic and welcoming. Perfect for a quick, flavorful addition to your trip—whether you’re a wine newbie or just want to enjoy some regional classics with expert guidance.
