Blessed with a privileged geographical location, Beaune is not only the wine capital of Burgundy—it also overflows with treasures and boasts an incredible historical heritage, featuring gems of medieval art and architecture waiting to be discovered.
A major tourist destination in the region, Beaune is designed to enchant you—starting with the famous Hospices de Beaune, dazzling with their multicolored glazed roof tiles and their world-renowned Wine Auction, which draws global attention. The proceeds from the auction go toward preserving the town’s heritage and supporting hospital institutions, giving Beaune a deeply humanistic dimension.
Beaune, with its cobbled streets, is also home to the magnificent Collégiale Notre-Dame, built in the 12th century in the Cluniac Romanesque style, as well as the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, dating back to the 14th century, which now houses the Wine Museum. Nearby, you’ll also find the Gaspard Monge Library, located in the former Minimes convent.
Beaune, which lends its name to some of the most prestigious wines in the Burgundy vineyard, was granted AOC status in 1936. With its 42 climats, it is the appellation with the highest number of Premier Crus. It borders Pommard, another renowned appellation of the Côte de Beaune.
The region’s geological diversity and the variety of soils and exposures explain the richness of its terroirs, resulting in wines with a wide range of nuances. In the center and south of the Beaune vineyard, the wines tend to be intense and powerful, while those from the north are softer and rounder.
Beaune’s red wines are known for their fleshy texture and rich aromatic expression, supported by elegant tannins. Often marked by red fruit and spice notes, they are wines built to age well—Beaune from Château de Meursault is a fine example. The white wines, meanwhile, offer fragrant aromas of juicy fruits, hazelnuts, almonds, and white flowers. Superb examples include the Beaune Premier Cru Blanches Fleurs from Château de Meursault. As they evolve, hints of honey and cinnamon emerge. These wines can be enjoyed young for their fruit or aged for their richness and roundness.
Among the many Premier Crus is Beaune-Grèves. Produced in both red and white, this exceptional east-facing terroir lies in the heart of the appellation. Its sandy soil, made up of small stones, regularly yields outstanding wines such as the “Les Trois Journaux” cuvée from Château de Meursault. Neighboring parcels like Toussaints, Teurons, Cent-Vignes, and several others also produce lovely wines with excellent value for money.
If there’s one stop you shouldn’t miss in Burgundy, it’s Beaune—a small town that has preserved the legendary charm of its past and stands as the capital of Burgundy wines. If your visit is short and you can’t see it all, make sure not to miss the iconic Hôtel-Dieu, savor the excellence of local gastronomy, and conclude your stay with a tasting in a cellar such as Marché aux Vins, a wine shop located in the former Cordeliers church, just across from the Hospices de Beaune, since 1976. A magnificent venue where passionate wine lovers are eager to share their enthusiasm with you.
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