Wine-making is a tradition in Burgundy dating back to the days of Charlemagne when monks started it. With an art so old, the locals obviously got years of experience to make the perfect wines in the region. This is the most enchanting countryside of France and has the honor of having some world-class wineries. Burgundy is one of the most important historic sites in France with some prominent places listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The winegrowers in Burgundy have only small vineyards which are hardly more than 10 hectares and they produce small volumes of very good wine. Burgundy reds are produced from pinot noir grapes and the best vintages demand 10 to 20 years of age whereas the whites are produced from chardonnay.
The Route of the Grand Cru Wines (the Route des Grands Crus) is the most famous wine route in Burgundy region and a much sought after tourist attraction.
Starting from Dijon in the north and expanding to the wine village of Santenay in the south, the Route des Grands Crus, takes you through the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune and the back hills (Hautes-Côtes) behind and above the wine slopes. This 60-kilometre stretch is punctuated by around 38 picturesque localities including villages and little towns, many with picturesque churches.
The Grands Crus Wine Route is only a few hundred yards wide and positioned at an altitude of between 300 and 400 meters. The route is signaled by panels with a brown background showing a white bunch of grapes (Route Touristique des Grands Crus de Bourgogne).
From Santenay through Chassagne-Montrachet, Mersault, Nuits St Georges, Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin and all the other famous names of 38 villages on the Cote d’Or to Dijon, the Route Touristique des Grands Crus de Bourgogne is a well-signposted route for cars, cycling or walking exploring the vineyards of Burgundy. The area is normally peaceful with the exception of the main towns. So as you travel off the main roads, it will help you discover some of the nuances of the countryside which make some areas more special than others.
And it’s not about vineyards only as you travel along the Grands Crus Wine Route. On the way, you will come across some of the prettiest villages in France as the wine growers are as much attentive about their villages as their vineyards. You will be delighted to see the clusters of stone houses decorated with geraniums. The narrow cobbled streets in between further add to the beauty of these villages.
Book your family vacation on our France barge cruise or Burgundy cruise and take an unforgettable road trip through the Route of the Grand Cru Wines and marvel at the breathtaking vineyards, historic monuments and some exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com