Beaune - A Little Fairytale, Every Cellar with Its Own Story

They say all roads lead to Burgundy - and our wine journey began right there.

Perhaps no wine region in the world has been studied as deeply as Burgundy. Its unique landscape, known as the climate, was even recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2015.

While Bordeaux often follows the single estate principle - where grapes are grown and wine is made within one property under one owner, Burgundy tells a different story. Here, the focus is on expressing terroir, which is why single-vineyard wines are so common, each crafted from grapes grown in a specific plot of land.

The fragmented ownership of Burgundy’s vineyards traces back to Napoleon’s inheritance laws, which required that property be divided equally among all heirs. Today, out of more than 600 vineyards in the region, only 2% are classified as Grand Cru, followed by Premier Cru, Village, and regional appellations. This clear hierarchy reflects Burgundy’s philosophy: every vineyard has its own identity, microclimate, and history. The interplay of soil, slope, and exposure determines which sites achieve the coveted Premier Cru or Grand Cru status - a legacy that continues to define Burgundy’s prestige.

The power of terroir is beautifully captured in its two iconic grapes - Chardonnay, which reveals countless expressions from mineral-driven to rich and oaked, and Pinot Noir, the heart of Burgundy’s elegant, finely structured reds.

Burgundy is also home to the négociant model, still responsible for 60–65% of total production. Many of the region’s most famous wine houses continue to follow this approach. Among them is Patriarche, located in the historical center of Beaune, with its five kilometers of underground cellars, two centuries of history, and millions of bottles quietly aging beneath the city. The atmosphere is nothing short of enchanting, drawing visitors from around the world. Today, Patriarche remains one of Burgundy’s leading négociants, skillfully balancing tradition and innovation.

Choosing which winery to visit can be a delightful dilemma - each feels like a small fairytale with its own story to tell. Yet, one place that truly stands out is the Cité du Vin museum, offering a modern and immersive introduction to Burgundy’s wine culture.

Burgundy might just be the region that best defines what the world of wine is truly about. The new generation of winemakers understands that their mission is to protect the soil and preserve this heritage for those who will come after them.

As Mrs. Lali Mosiashvili would say, “Wine is made in the vineyard.”