Wine tasting in Dijon: our tips to make the most of it

Dijon, the ideal starting point for wine tasting

Situated at the crossroads of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune, Dijon is naturally the best base camp for exploring Burgundy wines. But the city itself is full of tasting opportunities — no need to rush to the vineyards on day one.

Start with the city centre wine bars

If you arrive in Dijon unsure of your Burgundy preferences, the city centre wine bars are the best starting point. You can taste wines by the glass, ask your questions to the sommelier, and refine your palate before investing in an estate visit. The area around rue Musette is packed with wine shops and bars with expertly curated selections.

Our tip: ask for a Bourgogne Villages to start. It's the best value in the region, and it lets you understand what a real Burgundy Pinot Noir is about without breaking the bank.

Blind tasting: the game-changer

If you've never done a blind tasting, it's probably the experience that will leave the biggest impression. It forces you to focus on what's in your glass, without the influence of the label or price. It's a humbling exercise — and above all, great fun with friends or as a couple.

At Oenosuite, we offer Winer tasting kits that let you do this in your suite, at your own pace, with an app that guides you. It's less intimidating than a formal wine course, and far more convivial.

Estates: how to choose well

The Côte de Nuits has dozens of estates, and the welcome varies greatly from one to another. To maximise your chances of a great experience, book via Winalist which filters experiences by verified reviews. Small family estates in Marsannay or Fixin are often excellent surprises — less famous than Gevrey-Chambertin, but very generous with explanations and tastings.

A tip we give all our guests: don't visit more than two estates per day. Beyond that, your palate tires and you enjoy each tasting less.

Bonus: the Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin

The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin is worth a visit, especially for its exhibitions and architecture. It's more of a cultural venue than a tasting spot per se, but the wine workshops organised there are interesting for learning the basics. A nice complement to estate visits.

Read also: check out our guide to wine activities in Dijon, our best cellar visits and the must-try food & wine pairings.