Preparing for a visit to Cote-d'Or

Erwin Dink

Erwin Dink
I will be visiting France for a week in October. Specifically, here:


(Rue haute - 21520 Lignerolles Cte-d'Or)

While I once stayed in nearby Veuxhalle for a couple days I have not ever visited any wineries in the area and I have a rudimentary knowledge of French wine. I will be traveling with a small group of people (6-8) with varied interests. We will have a car but most will return to our home here each night.

I am seeking suggestions for:

wineries that are within driving distance for day trips (assuming there are any);
wine bars or restaurants;
a book or two to purchase now for advance research about this region;
any other non-wine sites to visit (art, history, outdoor activities, etc.).

If the options in the immediate vicinity are limited then some of our group will be willing to drive drive a little further and possibly spend a night or two elsewhere.

Anybody?
 
This appears to be north of Dijon, am I correct? If so, visiting domaines in Burgundy including Chablis should not be difficult - we're talking about at most a 90 minute drive. Where do you shop? does your favorite merchant work with a particular importer a lot? if so, ask to be set up with appts with one or more of the domaines that importer imports. You will need appts at any of the better (and I'm speaking fairly broadly) domaines/negociants.

If you don't subscribe now to burghound, start a subscription and ask for his special issue with tips for visiting burgundy - it provides restaurant suggestions, tips for visiting, etc. The Hospice des Beaune in Beaune is worth visiting and the market in the square on Saturday morning is fabulous. I really liked Auberge La Miotte in Ladoix for dinner, in particular.
 
originally posted by maureen:
This appears to be north of Dijon, am I correct?
If you are north of Dijon, visit the wonderful preserved walled medieval village of Flavigny. Also entertaining is the Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin, where a noble exiled from the court of Louis XIV for too ribald and satirical writings collected a interesting gallery of portraits of famous and scandalous characters from French history.
 
originally posted by maureen:
This appears to be north of Dijon, am I correct? If so, visiting domaines in Burgundy including Chablis should not be difficult - we're talking about at most a 90 minute drive. Where do you shop? does your favorite merchant work with a particular importer a lot? if so, ask to be set up with appts with one or more of the domaines that importer imports. You will need appts at any of the better (and I'm speaking fairly broadly) domaines/negociants.

Yes, I think we'll be about an hour and a half north of Dijon. Thanks for the tip about appointments. I'm used to driving randomly around CA wine regions and just dropping in to whomever I stumble on.

There are a couple of decent wine shops here in Atlanta but most of them seem to carry a pretty generic selection of wines - similar to what I can get at the supermarket. I buy most of my wine direct from CA wineries and only shop locally in the summer. I have very little experience with French wine. I will take your advice, though, and visit one of the better stores and start asking questions.

If you don't subscribe now to burghound, start a subscription and ask for his special issue with tips for visiting burgundy - it provides restaurant suggestions, tips for visiting, etc. The Hospice des Beaune in Beaune is worth visiting and the market in the square on Saturday morning is fabulous. I really liked Auberge La Miotte in Ladoix for dinner, in particular.

Burghound is a little intimidating. It's expensive and quite dense. Since my budget precludes my drinking fine Burgundies I fear a subscription would be of little use to me. I'll inquire about the special issue you refer to - that sounds exactly like what I need. I'll also jot down the other reco's.

Thanks much.
 
If you are north of Dijon, visit the wonderful preserved walled medieval village of Flavigny. Also entertaining is the Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin, where a noble exiled from the court of Louis XIV for too ribald and satirical writings collected a interesting gallery of portraits of famous and scandalous characters from French history.

Excellent suggestions. On the list they go! Thanks.
 
Burghound's visiting guide is available without a subscription.

To visit domains in Burgundy, you absolutely must make an appointment. Write them a nice email, in French (if you can). Start now... many of them only read their email occasionally.

Looking at Google Maps you are not too far from Troyes, which is Champagne country.
 
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:
Burghound's visiting guide is available without a subscription.

To visit domains in Burgundy, you absolutely must make an appointment. Write them a nice email, in French (if you can). Start now... many of them only read their email occasionally.

Looking at Google Maps you are not too far from Troyes, which is Champagne country.

I bought the Cote d'Or travel guide. It's exactly what I was looking for only better.

Yes, I believe we are near Champagne. It looks like we'll be in a great location.
 
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