With its prime location, Beaune is not only the wine capital of Burgundy—it is also brimming with treasures and an incredible historical heritage, featuring gems of medieval art and architecture just waiting to be discovered.
A major tourist destination in the region, Beaune everything is designed to enchant you, starting with the famous Hospices de Beaune, which dazzle visitors with their multicolored glazed tiles and their renowned wine auction—an event that draws attention from around the world and whose proceeds go toward preserving the region’s heritage and supporting hospital facilities. The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction lends a humanistic dimension to the city. Beaune, the city of cobblestone streets, is also home to the magnificent Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, built in the 12th century in the Cluniac Romanesque style, not to mention the 14th-century Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, which houses the Wine Museum, and the Gaspard Monge Library, located in the former Minimes convent.
Beaune, which lends its name to some of the most prestigious wines of the Burgundy region, was granted its AOC designation in 1936. With its 42 climats, it is the appellation with the most Premier Crus. It borders Pommard, another renowned appellation on the Côte de Beaune.
The geological diversity and variety of soils and exposures account for the richness of the terroirs. This results in wines with a wide range of nuances. In the central and southern parts of the Beaune vineyard, the wines tend to be intense and powerful; in the north, they are more supple and round.
Beaune red wines are characterized by a full-bodied texture and a rich aromatic profile supported by elegant tannins. Often featuring notes of red fruit and spices, these are wines with good aging potential; the Beaune from Château de Meursault is a fine example. The whites, meanwhile, feature fragrant aromas of juicy fruit, hazelnuts, almonds, and hints of white flowers. Superb white Beaune wines include the Beaune Premier Cru Blanches Fleurs from Château de Meursault. As the wine ages, it develops notes of honey and cinnamon. They can be enjoyed young to savor the fruit or when more mature to appreciate their richness and smoothness.
Among the many Premier Crus is the Beaune-Grèves. Produced in both red and white, this beautiful east-facing terroir, located in the heart of the appellation, consists of sandy soil mixed with small pebbles that consistently yields exceptional wines, such as Château de Meursault’s “Les Trois Journaux” cuvée. Neighboring plots such as Les Toussaints, Les Teurons, Les Cent-Vignes, and a few others also produce very fine wines offering excellent value for the price.
If there’s one place you shouldn’t miss in Burgundy, it’s Beaune—a small town that has retained its legendary charm from the past and is the wine capital of Burgundy. If your stay is too short to explore everything, know that it’s essential to visit the iconic Hôtel-Dieu, discover the excellence of its cuisine, and round out your visit with a wine tasting at a wine shop like the Marché aux Vins, a wine shop that has been located in the former Cordeliers Church, across from the Hospices de Beaune, since 1976. It’s a superb spot where a few wine enthusiasts will be happy to share their passion with you.
