Burgundy 2024

Arrive mid-morning at Satolas Airport in Lyon, France. Our bus driver will be welcoming us as we land.

Head to the Hotel in Beaune for a welcome cocktail, check-in, unpack and an early dinner and get accustomed to the hotel and settled in. Guided visit of the town for everyone to get familiarized with the surroundings. Dinner at the hote

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a Masterclass Grand Crus at “l’Ecole de Vins”, where you will discover all the first and grand crus of Burgundy. With explanation, and tasting, this class should get your palate ready and make the rest of the week much clearer. Lunch at L’Oiseau Des Vignes, Beaune.

Next, a visit of the well-known Hospices de Beaune, a former charitable almshouse, founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the poor. The original hospital building, the Hôtel-Dieu, one of the finest examples of French fifteenth-century architecture, is now a Museum. Important wine functions are held here annually.

Last visit of the Fromagerie Gaugry in Brochon — where artisans have created many cheese specialties belonging to the Burgundy traditions.

Back to the hotel where we will dine together.

Breakfast and depart for visit the castle of Santenay with an amazing wine tasting. On to Fuisse for a spectacular gastronomic lunch at L’O Des Vignes (1 Michelin Stars)

Continue through Fuissé vineyards where you will be awaited by Christophe Thibert for a visit and tasting in his domain where we will try several “crus du Maconnais”. Christophe and Sandrine will show you their vineyard of the prestigious Pouilly Fuissé. You’ll then return to the hotel through the vineyards of Saint Véran for a relaxing evening on your own

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the beautiful city of Lyon, which spreads over 18 miles on the edges of the Saône River. We will discover the very narrow streets and the well-known “Traboules”. These pathways from one street to the other will unveil some artfully restored architectural treasures (inside court, Italian style galleries, wells, staircase, etc.). The house of the Chamarier, opened in 1498, the Hotel of the Gadagne representing the entire history of Lyon will be on our way.

Lunch at World’s most well-known restaurant and longest running three Michelin star (1965-2020), “Auberge Du Pont De Collonges” Paul Bocuse (2 Michelin Stars).

Return to the hotel for dinner together

Breakfast and departure for Saulieu, where we’ll enjoy a guided visit of the old city and the Basilique Saint Andoche.

We’ll have a gastronomic lunch at “La Côte D’Or”, Bernard L’oiseau, (2 Michelin Stars), belonging to the wife of the late Mr Loiseau who ended his life in 2003 in fear of being downgraded on the Michelin book. He never was and kept his 3 stars until 2015.

Then, we’ll return to our hotel for free time and dinner on your own.

Breakfast then departure for Romaneche Thorins where you’ll discover Georges Duboeuf’s kingdom.(“Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrive” creator) Exciting visit in a unique and entertaining display, exposition and theatre.

‘Le hameau du Vin” will invite you to discover the world of harvest in Burgundy and “le jardin en beaujolais” will take you through the heart of the aromas and tastes and will be followed by an instructive visit of the vinification center for the Georges Duboeuf wines.

We’ll enjoy a gastronomic lunch at Georges Blancs (3 Michelin Stars), where five generations have worked in the kitchen, resulting in a cooking style that mixes tradition and creativity.

Back to the hotel for time on your own and dinner together.

Breakfast then departure for a guided visit of the Renaissance-style Castle of Cormatin, surrounded by an extraordinary park. Up next, an amazing lunch in the town of Charolles where we will dine at the Restaurant Doucet ( 1 Michelin Star). Pick up by caravan of antique French cars (2 CVs) to transport us to “truffles”.

We will meet with Olivier Devêvre for a guided visit of the Cos Piguet. In a winemaker house dating from 17th century, we will discover the secrets of the black truffle of Burgundy, saffron, and the vine peach. The crops are cultivated following a traditional “Savoir Faire” truffle hunting demonstration. Back to the hotel where you will have time to relax and dine on your own.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a guided visit of the Abbey de Clugny, built in 910AD and has grown into a stunning reputation across Christian Europe.

We’ll continue to “Moulin A Vent” for a true “machon” (indoor Beaujolais Picnic) at the Castle, prepared by the wife of the winemaker, a true Beaujolais tradition. There will be a guided visit of the castle with tasting of its best “crus”. You will be able to enjoy the great food and wine pairings and the remarkable hospitality while visiting the unbelievable windmill that gave the name to the appellation (Moulin a Vent).  Back to the hotel where we will dine together.

Early Breakfast and Departure, back to the USA.