We will be catching up with events for 2022 soon

Finding out what’s on in Burgundy is getting easier, but it is still can be pretty hit and miss! We strongly recommend that you visit the Tourist Office in Meursault or Beaune to find out precise details.

The best guide to what’s on that we have found is the “What’s on in and around Beaune” website. Put in your dates and off you go!

On this page we will occasionally highlight specifics that have caught our eye, or things we have discovered which are not featured in the above guide.

 

What’s on in the Cote d’Or in Autumn 2019

Well, of course, it’s the Vendange! Generally this happens in late August/early to mid September. In 2017 vignerons are currently expecting it to be more or less on time. But who really knows until a few days before it happens?!

So don’t expect the vignerons to have tourists uppermost in their minds at this time of year – it is a nerve racking  business, deciding when to pick.

However, there is lost to see with all of that action going on!

It can be a bit more noisy than usual with the end of harvest parties which go on, but, hey, they deserve it!

In the slider above, we show a few pictures of what goes on in Autumn…

The first entries below relate to long-running events and then we go into specific one-off events by date…

On 7, 28 September and 12 October 2019 in Beaune there is a full day introduction to wine tasting (09.15 to 18.30). It comprises an introductory course, a commented tasting, lunch with wine tasting, afternoon landscape analysis in a Grand Cru vineyard, visit to Clos de Vougeot and a personalised tasting in a Cave. Run by the Ecole des Vins de Bourgogne, 6 Rue du 16eme Chasseurs. €210 per person from here. You actually get a diploma at the end of it!

 

From March until October 2019 in Beaune, at a restaurant called Helice, we have been told that there are snail tastings! You start with a plate of snails (funnily enough!), then a toast with mousse of snail and then a snail salad. this is accompanied by a glass of Burgundy white wine.

 

Every Saturday from 3 March to 2 November 2019 in Nolay, there is a visitor experience, including visits to the vineyards, demonstrations of the work being done at that time of year, exploration of the winery and explanation of the vinification process, ending with a convivial tasting of four wines. It lasts 90 minutes. €6 and €3 for children. Meet at the Tourist Office, 13 Rue de la Republique in Nolay.

 

From 6 April to 22 September 2019 the Alesia Roman reconstruction park is running an exhibition of glass jewellery, covering the history of glass from Egyptian times, via Celtic and Gallic glass makers, to current glass making in Nigeria.

It is near Alise-Sainte-Reine about an hour from Puligny.

 

 

From 19 April to 8 November 2019, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, there are aperitifs accompanied by music at the Hostelerie de Levernois in Levernois. It is reputed to have a very fine restaurant too!

 

 

 

 

From June until 15 September 2019, in the gardens of the Chateau de Gilly, and within the Chateau itself, there is an exhibition of sculptures by some 20 different artists. It is open daily from 09.00 until 20.00. Free entrance. Works are for sale!

 

At the Alésia Gallo-Roman theme park in Alise-Sainte-Reine there are many activities throughout the year, but especially in Summer. They have visits to Roman ruins, re-enactments and special exhibitions. Great for children!

See their website www.alesia.com

 

 

There will be more to come regarding Autumn 2019 – as soon as we find out, we will update these pages!

 

Until 30 September 2018 there is an exhibition of sculptures by 20 different sculptors in the Chateau de Gilly at Gilly-les-Citeaux.

It is open daily from 09.00 until 20.00. Free entrance. Works are for sale!

Thank you to Le Bien Public for the picture.

 

 

 

 

.

 

At the Alésia Gallo-Roman theme park in Alise-Sainte-Reine there will be:

8, 9 September 2018 – demonstration of delicate handmade ornaments (needles, dominoes etc) from wood and other natural materials such as bone – 10.00 until 12.30 and from 14.00 to 17.00 or 18.00

See their website www.alesia.com

 

 

 

 

On 15 and 16 September 2018, Cave Patriarche is offering an historical guided visit to their cellars, followed by a tasting of 10 wines. On Saturday 15th visits will be at 10.00, 14.30, and 16.30 (in English). On Sunday 16th at 10.00 and 14.30 (both in French).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until 16 September 2018 there are light shows projected onto the most historic buildings in Beaune. There is even an App that you can get and follow a route with a description of what is being portrayed at each site. Tel 03 80 24 57 75 or go to the tourist office in Beaune.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 14 and 15 September 2018 at the Abbaye de Fontenay, there will be a rehearsal of Gregorian chanting by a group of about 40 singers from the Schola d’Europe. 10.00 to 12.00.

 

On 15 September 2018 in Clos de Vougeot, there are guided tours led by specialist historians. They will take place at 11.00, 14.30 and 16.00 and will focus on the “Climats”. At 14.00 and 15.30 there will be sessions focusing on the architecture and history of the Clos de Vougeot. Free entrance.

 

On 15 and 16 September 2018 at the Maison des Climats in Beaune at the Port Mairie de Bourgogne in Beaunee, we have free visits to this key exhibition about the Cimats of Burgundy. 09.00 until 18.30, with special guided visits led by volunteers from 14.00 to 17.00.

It does mention anything about an entrance fee…

 

 

 

 

 

On 16 September 2018, there will be two celebratory events at the Abbaye de Fontenay.

At 10.30 there will be a mass celebrated jointly by the Archbishop of Dijon and the Abbot of Citeaux. The mass will be accompanied by the Schola d’Europe Gregorian choir.

At 21.00 there will be Vigils in honour of Saint Bernard with 12 readings and 12 responses, accompanied by the Schola d’Europe Gregorian choir.

Both of these events are “free for the faithful”

 

Also on 16 September 2018 in half hourly visits from 15.00 until 17.30 in Beaune there will be a guided visit of the 13th century Chapelle du Saint-Esprit. This Chapel actually predates the Hotel Dieux.

Please book in advance at the Beaune tourist office – 03 80 26 21 30.

 

 

 

 

 

On 22 September 2018 we have a “fantastic picnic” at the Fallot Moutarderie in Beaune. There will be a cooking demonstration by the B Comme Burgui food truck, preparing little appetisers etc.

Wine tasting from Maison Champy (apparently the oldest wine house in Beaune) and finger food at the moutarderie from 11.00 until 16.00 (their poster says 15.00!). €8.

 

 

 

 

 

Also on 22 September 2018 at the Maison Prosper Maufoux in Santenay, there will be a guided visit of the house and its cellars. There will also be a tasting of six wines from Bourgogne to Grand Cru, accompanied by six Bourguignons amuse bouches. 11.00 until 12.30, €29 per person.

 

Also on 22 September 2018 at Maison Louis Jadot in Beaune, there is a special evening, based on the theme of the ageing of wine, led by Christine Botton, the Oenologue at Louis Jadot since 1985!

The evening starts with a guided visit to the cuveries and the ageing cellars, followed by a tasting focusing on the different stages of evolution of both their white and red wines.

This will be followed by a dinner in the dining room attached to the cuveries, accompanied by mature vintages.

Starts at 18.00, finishes at 23.00. €150 per person. Book as soon as you can! Telephone +33 (0)380 26 31 98.

 

 

 

On 22 and 23 September 2018 there is a slightly different “fantastic picnic”, this time at Veuve Ambal in Montagny-les-Beaunes. It runs from 10.30 to 12.00. The price is €7 and includes a guided visit around their Cremant-making operation, and finishing up with a tasting of a selection of cremants accompanied by Comte and pain d’epices.

 

 

 

 

 

On 22 and 23 September 2018, in the gardens of the Maison Bouchard Pere et Fils in Beaune, there will be another “fantastic picnic”. Visit their English gardens and admire fantastic views of the hill of Corton, Beaune roofs and the Volnay vineyards. Order a picnic basket or come with your own.

There are also guided tours at 10.00, 10.30, 11.00 and 11.30. Tastings of two different quality levels will happen at 10.00, 10.45 and 11.30. Pre ordered picnics will be distributed from 12.00 onwards and there will be an accompaniment of jazz music from 12.00 until 15.00. You will also be able to buy wines to accompany your picnic.

Book online at http://www.weezevent.com/fantastic-pic-nic-des-climats. The number of places for the tastings is limited to 20 people.

 

Also on 22 and 23 September 2018 at the Alésia Gallo-Roman theme park in Alise-Sainte-Reine there is a demonstration and workshop of wicker work! Learn how to make your own wicker work tray.

See their website www.alesia.com for more information.

 

Yet another “fantastic picnic” will take place at Ferme Fruirouge 2 place de l’Eglise 21700 Nuits-Saint-Georges. This one is on 23 September 2018.

Entrance is free and it takes place from 09.00 until 19.00.

Visit the workshop where the preserves, drinks, condiments etc are made and taste the products. This will be a 100% farmyard picnic! Bio and local!

 

 

 

 

 

JAZZ A Beaune 2018, always a bit of an enigma this one… The jazz and great wines of Burgundy festival in 2018 will take place as follows:

The Harvest festival of jazz is on 28 and 29 September after the harvest.

There will be “strolling jazz” through the centre of Beaune on 28 and 29 September, from 17.00 on 28 September and from 10.00 until 13.00 on 29 September.

Then there is a programme of concerts at the Ateliers du Cinema, 13 Boulevard Joffre.

For more information, go to www.jazz-beaune.fr and you can buy tickets as well.

And then (we believe) the Paulée Jazz in October (dates not yet given) with large concerts by artists of international renown. Tastings at 19.00 (for people with concert tickets) and then concerts at 20.30.

 

 

On 29 September 2018, Maison Louis Jadot in Beaune will open their doors for a visit to their cuveries, the ageing cellars and will also offer you the opportunity to discover the 2017 vintage through a tasting of their wines.

The address is 62 route de Savigny, Beaune. 17.30, €30 per person.

 

 

 

 

Also on 29 and 30 September 2018 at the Alésia Gallo-Roman theme park in Alise-Sainte-Reine there is a demonstration and workshop of Ceramics. Learn about the ancient techniques and make a jar or an oil lamp.

See their website www.alesia.com for more information.

 

Also on 29 and 30 September, in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the marketplace and the Salle des Fetes, there is the Festival of cheeses from Bourgogne Franche-Comte.

Featuring this year Saint Nectaire.

This includes wine and cheese pairings, ancient methods of making Comte and cheese recipes.

 

 

 

 

 

Beaune vibrations 2018 happens in October all the way through to May 2019!

It takes place at La Lantern Magique (in the same building as the tourist office in Beaune), 19, Rue Poterne, Beaune. We cannot find out where to get tickets yet but ask at the tourist office in Beaune.

The first concert is by Soul and Funk group “The Butt Shakers”. It is on 5 October 2018 at 20.00 and entrance is €8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 6 October 2018 at Maison Louis Jadot in Beaune, there is a special evening, based on the theme of tasting wine analytically and sensitively, led by Christine Botton, the Oenologue at Louis Jadot since 1985!

The evening starts with a guided visit to the cuveries and the ageing cellars, followed by a tasting focusing on the different ways of appreciating wines.

This will be followed by a dinner in the dining room attached to the cuveries, accompanied by mature vintages.

Starts at 18.00, finishes at 23.00. €150 per person. Book as soon as you can! Telephone +33 (0)380 26 31 98 or email visit@louisjadot.com.

 

 

On 6 and 7 October 2018 at the Alésia Gallo-Roman theme park in Alise-Sainte-Reine there is a demonstration and workshop of weaving. Learn how to make your own belt or braid.

See their website www.alesia.com for more information.

 

 

On 13 and 14 October 2018 in Nolay there is an Autumn Fair with a walnut and chestnut theme. There will be various stalls selling walnut/chestnut-based products, books etc. There will also be sundry other amusements. 10.00 until 19.00 at the Salle Jean-Marc Boivin, Route d’Autun, Nolay. Entry, we think, is free.

 

 

 

 

 

On 13 and 14 October 2018 in Les Halles in Beaune, there is the annual “Pains, Vins, Fromages” fair! Organised by students from the school of tourism. You will be able to taste all sorts of fare, both solid and liquid! There will be an entry fee of €12, but it includes a specially engraved souvenir glass and tasting of all products. 13 October 17.00 to 22.00 and 14 October 10.00 until 19.00.

 

 

 

 

On 19 October 2018 in the Leprosy Hospital (!) in Meursault, we have a concert by a string quartet – a tour through the history of string quartet music, including Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Schuman, Tchaikovsky, Ravel and Duke Ellington. €5 per person. 20.30 start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 20 and 27 October 2018, Cave Patriarche is offering an historical guided visit to their cellars, followed by a tasting of 10 wines. They start at 10.00 and include an initiation into the wines of Burgundy. €39 per person. call +33 (0)3 80 24 53 87.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 27 and 28 October there is a sort-of “wine producers’ open doors” event in Auxey Duresses. It is called “Coup d’oeil, coup de Coeur” – sort of “a glance and you are smitten!”. Described as a “fun-filled weekend in the village’s cellars, combining wine, food and exhibits. 10.00 to 18.00 on both days. €5 entrance fee, including an engraved glass.

 

 

 

 

 

On 31 October in Le Cassissium in Nuits-Saint-Georges, there is a special Halloween cocktail evening!!  Visit the Vedrenne factory where they make the cassis, learn to make three different cocktails and taste different spooky cocktails from the simplest to the most complex (hic). 19.00 to 21.00 – we cannot see a price.

 

 

 

 

And now for the world famous event in Beaune on 16 to 18 November 2018. The charity Hospices de Beaune wine auctions. In their historical tradition they continue to generate funds for the Beaune hospitals, now relocated to slightly more modern premises!

Each year, on the third weekend of November, Beaune plays host to the world’s most famous charity wine sale. Professionals, connoisseurs and wine lovers come together for two days of festivities, the epitome of pure Burgundy tradition.

 

 

 

 

 

On 17 November 2018 in Meursault, Domaine Boyer Martenot will be hosting “Jazz en Cave” a jazz concert in their cellars. This will be accompanied by a tasting and amuse-bouche. 19.00 until 23.00. €15 last year.

 

 

If you fancy splashing out for a Gala event, then consider the special wine sale dinner at the Caveau de Pommard at 18.30 on 17 November (please check this date). It is a “brotherhood dinner”, so expect lots of Burgundian wine songs! Click here to discover more… Evening or cocktail dress, aperitif at 19.30. Tickets €120. For another €100 you can be inducted into their brotherhood! You must complete a form and pay in advance for this event.

 

 

We believe that the Dijon Christmas Market may start sometime around 24-26 November, but we do not have any information as yet. If you are interested in this, please ask us and we will make further enquiries.