For oenophiles, Gevrey-Chambertin is a bat signal. The quaint commune in the Côte de Nuits area of Burgundy, just south of Dijon, is one of the world’s greatest wine-producing regions, with nine Premier Cru and 26 Grand Cru vineyards. Here, the pinot noir grape is used to create some of the world's most prized (and expensive) wines. Tasting those wines is the best thing to do in Gevrey-Chambertin—but you can also discover nearby nature reserves, visit gourmet restaurants, and travel the Route des Grand Crus to Burgundy’s top wine villages.
Although you can visit Gevrey-Chambertin for tours and tastings all year, the best time to explore is between late spring and early autumn, when this often-damp region is at its best and brightest. The harvest usually takes place in September, so some wineries may be busier than usual, with tastings harder to come by. Alternatively, drop by in January to attend the annual Saint Vincent Tournante wine festival held the last weekend of the month.
Gevrey-Chambertin is the northernmost of the great Côte d’Or communes, and it’s located just 9 miles (14 kilometers) south of the regional hub of Dijon. Direct TER trains link the two (and travel further south to Beaune and other wine villages), and limited bus services operate locally. However, to make the most of this rural region, it’s worth traveling by car or bike—or booking a guided tour.
Intrigued to explore Gevrey-Chambertin (and the wider, UNESCO-listed Burgundy wine region) but new to what it offers? Begin your visit at Dijon’s Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin. The interactive, multi-part museum and exhibition hall celebrates and educates about traditional French food and wine—and its dedicated wine area provides an excellent primer for first-timers and numerous tasting opportunities.
