Burgundy

Get to know Burgundy

Eastern France’s Burgundy is a prime winegrowing country. This area was once covered by a large sea, leaving today’s vineyards with unusual mineral-rich limestone and unique terroir. Combined with the vineyards’ privileged location and a favorable climate, the area produces some of the world’s great wines. Wine aficionados will know the names Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Beaune, Mâcon, and Nuits-Saint-Georges AOCs. Walking through the vines with a winemaker is an unforgettable experience that gives insight into the fascinating play between grape varieties, terroir, and cultivation and production techniques that influence the final product. Many of the winegrowing techniques were developed and the plots divided by monks a millennium ago. 

Beyond its wine, Burgundy boasts a rich history. Grandiose architect, charming villages, and an impressive concentration of medieval castles and churches are evidence of that history. The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, the Hospice de Beaune, and the Fontenay Abbey are but a few of the region’s great monuments. The Benedictine Cluny and Cistercian Citeaux monasteries were two of Europe’s great medieval monasteries, growing to wield tremendous religious and intellectual influence throughout the continent. 

Among the French, Borgogne is loved for its nature. It boasts rolling hills, navigable canals, pristine lakes, and extensive cycling trails. Sports and nature enthusiasts can go walking, biking, rafting, canoeing, and sailing. The Morvan National Park is full of dense woodland and majestic flora and fauna. 

History 

From the 10th through the 15th centuries, the Duchy of Burgundy and the Free Country of Burgundy were separated from France. The large and powerful kingdoms flourished. Their territories grew to include parts of modern-day Alsace and Lorraine, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. They were a fearsome enemy of France and an ally of the English during the Hundred Years’ War. When the last Duke Charles the Bold was killed in 1477 the kingdom was annexed into France. The wealthy Burgundians left behind stunning castles, churches, and half-timbered houses. 

Cuisine

As a world-famous wine region, it comes as no surprise that Burgundian cuisine incorporates lots of wine. Be sure to try to stick to your-ribs boeuf bourguignon (a stew of beef, mushrooms, onions, and carrots in wine). Coq au vin is a similar dish made with chicken. You can also find wine poached eggs in the surprising oeufs en meurette.