(Small) Guide to Burgundy

After spending a few days in Burgundy this summer, and a few days some years ago, I’ve put together a few tips and suggestions for anyone who is thinking about visiting this beautiful wine region.

Where to Stay

I always stay in Beaune. A relatively big town, compared to the other small ones like Volnay or Mersault, it has everything you’ll need, along with some pretty great restaurants. Many Airbnb’s are scattered over the city, as well as many different hotels. Depends on your price range and wishes, of course, but you’ll most likely find a place that suits your needs.

A place I can highly recommend is Beaune Duplex Maison du Bastion 4, found on Airbnb. Beautiful garden, nice rooms, kitchen and parking. There are also multiple apartments, so larger groups can fit nicely here.

Where to Eat

Here are some of my go-to places for lunch and dinner:

Caves Madeleine
Le Bistrot Bourguignon
Ma Cuisine
La Sufflot
Volnaysien

Wineries

Now, Burgundy is busting with wineries. Of all sizes, shapes and forms. We all have different tastes and preferences, and mine might vary drastically from yours. But here are some of my favorite winemakers in the area.

Michel Lafarge
Joseph Voillot
Domaine Dujac
Comte Liger-Belair
Benjamin Leroux
Matrot

Wine Shopping (the best kind of shopping)

If you’re looking to buy wine in Burgundy, here are some of the best places (in my opinion) to find great wines.

Mes Bourgognes Beaune
Cavon de Bacchus, Nuits St George
Caveau de Puligny Montrachet
Caveau Chassagne Montrachet

“Sightseeing”

One thing I recommend everyone to do, is to just explore. These small towns are filled with beautiful streets, buildings and “landmarks”. You can take a stroll down “Rue de La Tache”, or walk to the famous Romanee-Conti vineyard or take the “obligatory” picture with the cross. So much history and so many great wines. It’s paradise for us wine lovers. And I can’t wait to go back!

Piemontegirl is going to Bourgogne

It is true I have a soft spot for Italy and the Barolo region, but I also really like Burgundy. I am going to Beaune this summer, hopefully visiting a few wineries and eating lots of good food. I really wanted to visit Marc Colin but it is proving to be very difficult. IMG_2805

When I was in Burgundy last time we visited Matrot and Liger-Belair. I have previously tried Matrot’s wines but not Liger-Belair. The tasting experience with LM Liger-Belair was incredible. LM is a really interesting guy and his passion for wine is very contagious. The whole tasting was done out of the barrels in the cellar and I had the pleasure of trying his white wine that was only a project at the time. It is now for sale and I frequently drink it at Territoriet in Oslo.

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This year I hope to visit LM again, but other winemakers are on the list as well. It would be great to visit Matrot again, Elsa and Adele are always a treat. My parents also met some winemakers at a wine tasting so maybe we will go to one of their wineries.

 

 

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It should be a fun trip no matter what, and Beaune is such a beautiful town. I can’t wait to wander around the town, visit the wine shops and have a glass of wine at one of the restaurants along the streets. Hopefully I’ll buy a bottle or two to bring back home. Or maybe 10.

Day 1

I’m back! And damn it feels good!

After I checked in at my aribnb I ran across the street to one of my favorite places, More e Macine. And as I suspected I was met with many friendly and familiar faces. I sat down at a table alone, but shortly thereafter Renato Corino and his wife asked me to join their table. I gladly accepted and a few hours later we got up to leave.

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Old picture from More e Macine

It’s the best feeling. The people here are so welcoming, I don’t think I have ever truly been alone when I am in this area. No wonder I love it here so much.

It was so good to see Ito again, along with the staff at More e Macine. A few other familiar faces came and went, as is the atmosphere in La Morra.

Great start to the vacation! Stay tuned!

My upcoming trip to Barolo

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With the trip fast approaching, many plans have fallen into place. This time I would like to try a few new things as well as revisiting my favorite spots and my favorite people. Here are some of my stops this trip.

More e Macine

This osteria has become a staple during my trips, usually with multiple visits. Lunch, dinner, aperitivo, coffee; whatever it may be, this place always welcomes you. It also happens to be where I am celebrating my birthday!

Manzone

I always try to do something new, visit someone new or try something different, and this time I am visiting Manzone. Manzone is located in Monforte and the family has been making wine since 1925. Today it is Mirella and Mauro along with their father Giovanni who are working at the winery. I’m excited to meet them!

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Centro Storico

Tucked away in Serralunga you find Ciccio at his wonderful restaurant Centro Storico. I already reserved a table and I can’t wait to sit down and watch him carve prosciutto at the counter.

Silvia Altare

I can’t wait to wrap my arms around my dear friend Silvia. It has been way to long since I saw her! And, they got a new puppy at the winery! The picture below is Silvia’s mother, Lucia, with their new puppy.

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Osteria Veglio

Since the new owners have taken over, this is one of my favorite places to go. Sitting on that balcony overlooking the vineyards while eating one of the best panna cotta’s ever know to man is always on the list!