Dijon: Wine, Cheese, and Burgundy Treasures Tasting Experience

History

Burgundy’s culinary and wine culture traces back to Roman times, but it was the Cistercian monks in the Middle Ages who refined viticulture, mapping the region’s unique climats—vineyard plots recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Dijon, the historic capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, became a gastronomic hub, blending wine with local specialties like cheese and blackcurrant-based crème de cassis, a liqueur born in the 19th century. Nonnettes, gingerbread cakes with roots in medieval monasteries, evolved into Dijon’s iconic orange-filled treat, reflecting the region’s sweet-making tradition.

La Source des Vins, set opposite the 13th-century Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, embodies Dijon’s heritage as a center of Burgundian taste. This tasting experience celebrates the region’s terroir, pairing its world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with cheeses like Époisses and Comté, alongside the “black jewel” of cassis and nonnettes, connecting centuries of craftsmanship to modern palates in an authentic setting.

Highlights

• Discover Burgundy’s wine and cheese pairings, showcasing UNESCO-listed climats.
• Taste artisanal crème de cassis, the region’s iconic blackcurrant liqueur.
• Enjoy nonnettes, Dijon’s unique gingerbread-orange sweets.
• Experience a convivial tasting in a historic cellar opposite Saint-Bénigne Cathedral.

Full Description

Immerse yourself in Burgundy’s gastronomic heritage with a 1–1.5-hour tasting at La Source des Vins, a charming cellar opposite Dijon’s majestic Saint-Bénigne Cathedral. This intimate experience, set in the heart of Dijon’s city center, introduces you to the region’s terroir through four carefully selected Burgundy wines, representing the diversity of its UNESCO-listed climats. Each wine—likely Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from regional to Premier Cru appellations—is expertly paired with a regional cheese, such as creamy Époisses or nutty Comté, highlighting how textures and flavors harmonize.

Guided by a knowledgeable host, learn about Burgundy’s winemaking traditions, the significance of climats, and the art of food-wine pairing. The experience concludes with a sweet flourish: a tasting of artisanal crème de cassis, Burgundy’s emblematic blackcurrant liqueur, known for its rich, fruity depth. Paired with a nonnette—a gingerbread-based sweet filled with orange marmalade—this duo celebrates Dijon’s culinary legacy. The convivial setting fosters interaction, with time to chat and savor, making it a perfect blend of education, flavor, and Burgundian warmth.

Why Choose This Experience?

This tasting is ideal for food and wine lovers seeking an authentic, accessible dive into Burgundy’s culinary soul without leaving Dijon. The curated selection of four wines and cheeses, plus cassis and nonnettes, offers a comprehensive taste of the region’s terroir in a compact 1–1.5-hour format. The historic cellar’s ambiance, opposite Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, adds charm, while the host’s expertise ensures an educational yet relaxed experience.

Perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers, it balances guided insights with social time, as noted in reviews. Its central location makes it an easy addition to a Dijon day trip, complementing visits to nearby sites like the Palais des Ducs or Burgundy vineyards, offering a delightful snapshot of the region’s gastronomic treasures.

What’s Included

• Tasting of four Burgundy wines (regional to Premier Cru).
• Four regional cheeses paired with the wines.
• Artisanal crème de cassis tasting.
• Nonnette (gingerbread-orange sweet) tasting.
• Guided commentary on Burgundy’s climats and pairing techniques.

Itinerary

• Meet at La Source des Vins, opposite Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, Dijon.
• 1–1.5-hour tasting experience:
  • Introduction to Burgundy’s climats and wine culture (10 minutes).
  • Taste four wines paired with regional cheeses (40–50 minutes).
  • Sample crème de cassis and nonnette (10–15 minutes).
• Time for questions and conversation in the cellar.
• Conclude with optional purchases of wines or local products.

Pricing

From $57 per person

Meeting Point

La Source des Vins, opposite Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, Dijon city center (exact address provided in booking confirmation, Open in Google Maps).

How to Get There

• By Tram: Line T1 or T2 to Darcy or Godrans stop, a 5–7-minute walk to the cathedral.
• By Bus: Routes 3 or 5 to Darcy, a short walk to La Source des Vins.
• By Foot: From Palais des Ducs or Place de la Libération, it’s a 5–10-minute walk.
• By Taxi/Rideshare: Request drop-off at Saint-Bénigne Cathedral, Dijon.

Good to Know

What to Bring:

• Comfortable clothing (the cellar may be cool; a light jacket is advised).
• A notebook or phone for tasting notes (optional).
• Cash or card for potential purchases of wines or local products.
• A water bottle for hydration (no food/drinks allowed during tasting).

Know Before You Go:

• Not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or babies under 1 due to alcohol content and tasting focus.
• Participants must be 19+ for wine and cassis tasting; ID may be required.
• The cellar is not fully wheelchair-accessible; contact the operator for mobility concerns.
• Arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in; late arrivals may miss the guided portion.
• No bread included (noted in a review); consider eating lightly beforehand.
• Commentary is in English (may be fast-paced); confirm language when booking.

Reviews

• The owner was so friendly, and her explanations complemented our vineyard visits. Highly recommend this authentic tasting!
• Great time! The guide balanced talking about wines and cheeses with giving us space to chat. Really enjoyable.
• Wonderful wines and delicious cheese, though a little bread would’ve been nice. The English explanation was fast but informative.