The 5 must-taste Burgundy appellations during a stay in Dijon
Simon Stoll
Oenosuite Founder
Five appellations, five emotions
Burgundy boasts over 80 appellations d'origine contrôlée. When staying in Dijon, it's impossible to explore them all in a single weekend. So you might as well start with the most iconic — the ones that best tell the story of this unique terroir.
Here's our selection of 5 must-taste appellations during a wine stay in Burgundy, all within 45 minutes of Dijon.
1. Gevrey-Chambertin: the power of Pinot Noir
Just 20 minutes south of Dijon, Gevrey-Chambertin is the largest appellation in the Côte de Nuits. Its red wines are renowned for their structure, depth and aromas of dark fruits, spices and forest floor.
What you should know: the appellation is home to 9 Grands Crus, including the legendary Chambertin — Napoleon's favourite wine. Even at village level, the wines offer remarkable complexity.
Our tip: book a domain visit through Winalist to taste directly at the winemaker's. The experience is unmatched.
2. Meursault: the elegance of Chardonnay
Meursault is arguably the most famous white wine appellation in the world. Its wines are rich, buttery, with notes of hazelnut, toasted almond and white flowers. Pure indulgence.
What you should know: unlike its neighbours Puligny and Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault has no Grand Cru. Yet its Premiers Crus (Les Perrières, Les Charmes, Les Genevrières) compete with the very best.
Our tip: at Oenosuite, dive into the world of Chardonnay with our Bo & Co candles in the 'Chardonnay' scent — fresh, fruity, with notes of white flowers and pear. The perfect prelude to a tasting.
3. Nuits-Saint-Georges: the quiet charm of the Côte
Nuits-Saint-Georges lends its name to the entire Côte de Nuits. Its reds are firm, structured, with fine tannins and aromas of black cherry, liquorice and leather.
What you should know: the appellation offers excellent value compared to its more prestigious neighbours. This is where you'll find some of Burgundy's best pleasure-to-price ratios.
Our tip: extend the experience by staying in our Suite Charme & Vin, decorated around Burgundian wine culture. You can taste wines from Armand Heitz, Oenosuite's exclusive winemaker, right in your suite.
4. Pommard: Burgundian intensity
Pommard produces the most full-bodied reds of the Côte de Beaune. Its wines are powerful, well-structured, with firm tannins in youth that round out beautifully with age.
What you should know: the Premiers Crus Les Rugiens and Les Épenots are the most renowned. A good vintage Pommard can age gracefully for 15 to 20 years.
Our tip: to better appreciate your tasting, try a Winer blind tasting kit — available in our suites with the code WINERLOVESOENOSUITE for 10% off.
5. Marsannay: the hidden gem at Dijon's doorstep
Marsannay is the closest appellation to Dijon — just 10 minutes by car. It's also the only one in Burgundy to produce wines in all three colours: red, white and rosé.
What you should know: long underestimated, Marsannay is experiencing a spectacular renaissance. Several climats were classified as Premier Cru in 2020, a sign of growing recognition.
Our tip: it's the ideal appellation for a first tasting when arriving in Dijon. Stop by a domain in the late afternoon, then settle into our Loft Artiste for the evening.
How to organise your tastings from Dijon
All these appellations are easily accessible from Dijon:
By car: the Route des Grands Crus (D122) passes through Marsannay, Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Allow 45 minutes to reach Pommard and Meursault further south.
By bike: the Voie des Vignes connects Dijon to Beaune through the vineyards. A magnificent way to discover the landscape between tastings.
With a guide: for a turnkey experience, book a guided tour via Winalist. Transport, commentary and tastings are all included.
Your ideal base camp: Oenosuite
To fully enjoy these tastings, you need accommodation that matches. Oenosuite, is a unique concept in Dijon: apartments entirely decorated around the world of wine, with a curated selection of local products to extend the experience in your suite.
Winer kit for blind tasting, Bo & Co candles with grape variety scents, Vinesime cosmetics made from vine extract, Viegne soaps with terroir aromas… Every detail is designed for wine lovers.
From €90 to €190 per night depending on the suite and season, it's the perfect base camp for exploring Burgundy's appellations. Book your stay and start planning your tastings.
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