100 years of Burgundy’s finest wines

If you’re passionate about wine or simply curious about Burgundy’s storied viniculture, a tasting experience focusing on a century of vintages in Beaune is hard to beat. This tour, offered by Millésimes à la Carte, promises a journey through time with seven carefully curated wines, including some of the rarest and most prestigious bottles in Burgundy. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your wine adventure, this tasting offers a mix of education, emotion, and a touch of history—plus, the chance to sample vintages you won’t find on store shelves.

What truly makes this experience stand out is the chance to taste a 1923 Beaune and some exceptional Grand Cru wines like Corton Charlemagne and Corton Bressandes. The intimate size of the group (no more than 10 participants) ensures personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, making the session both friendly and informative. The location is cozy and welcoming, just minutes from the Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne. That said, if you’re after a quick, casual splash of wine, you might find the two-hour commitment a bit more involved than a typical tasting.

This experience is ideal for wine lovers seeking a unique historical perspective, curious travelers eager to learn about Burgundy’s terroirs, or foodies who love exploring old vintages and the stories behind them. It’s a well-balanced mix of rich history, expert storytelling, and high-quality wines, making it a worthwhile cultural addition to any trip to Beaune.

Good To Know

• Exclusive access to 7 rare vintages spanning 100 years, including a rare 1923 Beaune.
• Prestigious wines like Grands Crus Corton Charlemagne and Corton Bressandes showcase Burgundy’s timeless quality.
• Small-group setting (up to 10), ensuring personalized attention and relaxed conversation.
• Educational and engaging guide sharing anecdotes, tasting tips, and preservation insights.
• Vintages not available in stores, served in optimal conditions for a true tasting experience.
• Ideal for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers wanting a deeper dive into Burgundy’s wines.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience in Detail

The Setup and First Impressions

You’ll meet at Millésimes à la Carte, located at 1 rue du Moulin Noize in Beaune. With private parking available and a cozy shop setting, it’s a relaxed start to your wine journey. The ambiance promises a more intimate, less commercial atmosphere than larger, busier tastings often found elsewhere.

The guide, a specialist in old vintages, immediately sets a friendly, knowledgeable tone. Expect a warm introduction that emphasizes not only the wines but the stories behind each bottle. The small size of the group, capped at 10 participants, encourages interaction, making it easy to ask questions and share impressions.

The Wines: A Walk Through Time

The lineup of seven wines is carefully selected to illustrate the evolution and diversity of Burgundy’s wine regions. Each bottle offers a different glimpse into the region’s terroirs, climate variations, and winemaking styles. Here’s what you can expect:

• Chablis Blanchots Grand Cru 2015 by J. Moreau & Fils, served in a magnum. This large bottle size means it’s in excellent condition, providing a clear window into how Chablis’ mineral-driven style ages.
• Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 1994 by Olivier Leflaive, representing a classic example of Burgundy’s renowned white wines. The guide will likely share insights into the aging potential of such vintages.
• Beaune 1923 by F. Moreau & Fils, a rare, century-old wine that makes this tasting stand out. Expect subtle aromas and complex flavors that only time can develop.
• Volnay 1955 by J. Roussel, demonstrating the elegance of Pinot Noir from Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune.
• Pommard ‘Cuvée Dames de la Charité’ 1975, from the famous Hospices de Beaune. This bottle embodies centuries of tradition and charitable winemaking.
• Corton Bressandes Grand Cru 1985 from Domaine Dubreuil Fontaine, showing off Burgundy’s climatic variability and the importance of terroir.
• Volnay 1er Cru Cuvée Gauvain 2023 from the Hospices de Beaune, a recent vintage highlighting Burgundy’s ongoing excellence.

What Makes Each Stop Special?

Each wine tells its own story. The 1923 Beaune is particularly notable—it’s a rare chance to experience a wine that has aged for a full century, with descriptive tasting notes emphasizing unexpected aromas and nuanced flavors. Reviews mention the guide’s storytelling prowess, which makes the wines come alive; one remarked, “He shared anecdotes that made the experience both educational and emotional.”

The Grand Crus like Corton Charlemagne and Corton Bressandes are showcased at their best, offering a taste of Burgundy’s ability to produce wines with timeless greatness. Their complex profiles reveal the region’s climatic influences and soil diversity. Guests often comment on how these wines display “a perfect balance between power and finesse,” reflecting Burgundy’s reputation for elegant, age-worthy whites.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Educational Element

Throughout the tasting, your host shares insights into how old vintages develop, how to appreciate subtle aromas, and tips for preserving older wines. Expect to learn about proper tasting techniques, how to differentiate between vintages, and why certain wines age gracefully while others don’t.

Guests appreciate the personalized attention—reviews mention the guide’s ability to answer questions with depth and clarity. Many speak of the emotional impact of tasting a century-old wine, noting that it’s a rare privilege to experience such a historic vintage in good condition.

Practical Details

The experience lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable yet immersive session. The cost of $128 per person is a fair investment, considering the rarity and quality of the wines. Compared to typical tastings, this one emphasizes value for those eager to explore vintages unavailable elsewhere.

Booking can be done with flexibility—reserve now & pay later—and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the event. The small-group format enhances the experience, allowing for a more relaxed, engaging environment.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tasting is perfect for serious wine lovers who want to expand their knowledge of Burgundy’s history and terroirs. It’s equally suited for curious travelers who want a more meaningful cultural experience in Beaune. Foodies interested in old vintages will enjoy the nuanced flavors and stories behind each pour.

It’s less suitable for pregnant women and children, as alcohol consumption is involved. Also, if you’re after a quick, casual tasting, this more in-depth, educational session might feel a bit prolonged.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those eager to connect with Burgundy’s vinicultural past, this experience offers a rare chance to taste vintages you won’t find in stores, served in optimal condition. The expert guide’s storytelling makes each bottle come alive, transforming a simple tasting into a mini history lesson.

The small group size enhances the feeling of exclusivity and allows for personalized insights. The 7 wines chosen are a perfect mix of historic and modern, with a focus on prestige and rarity. The price point represents good value given the quality and uniqueness of the wines.

This tour fits best for travelers who appreciate depth over breadth, those who love learning as much as tasting. If you’re looking to add a sophisticated, memorable chapter to your Burgundy journey, this is a highly recommended choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving ample time to savor each wine and participate in discussions.

Where does the tasting take place?
At Millésimes à la Carte, located at 1 rue du Moulin Noize, Beaune. Parking is available in their private lot.

What wines are included?
Seven wines, including a 1923 Beaune, Grand Crus like Corton Charlemagne and Corton Bressandes, and notable vintages from 1955, 1975, and 2015.

Is the tour available in English?
Yes, the tour is offered in both French and English, with live guides available.

What is the group size?
Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, due to alcohol, it’s not suitable for children or pregnant women.

If you’re ready to explore a century of Burgundy wines in a relaxed, engaging setting with expert guidance, this tasting is a splendid choice. It offers more than just wine—it’s a chance to connect with Burgundy’s vinicultural story, one glass at a time.

You can check if your dates are available here: