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Wine in Dijon?

Wine in Dijon? The Domaine de la Cras

Whilst Beaune is universally renowned for its Burgundy wines, Dijon also boasts a rich wine-growing history , as evidenced by the city’s architecture. The inclusion of the Climats of the Burgundy vineyards on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a recognition of a model of viticulture that continues to flourish today between Dijon and Beaune.

The golden age of Dijon wines

As early as the 14th century, Dijon had its own vineyards, cultivated on the hillsides of Dijon, Chenôve and Marsannay-la-Côte. Until the 18th century, the winesfromMarcs-d’Or, Champs-Perdrix and the hamlets of Larrey rivalled the great white wines of Meursault. Until the end of the 19th century, the production of grand crus on the Dijon hillsides remained flourishing, with over a thousand hectares of vineyards. Vineyards then spread across all the districts until urbanisation brought this golden age to an end. The statue of the grape-harvester, which stands proudly atop the fountain in Place François Rude, serves as a reminder to the people of Dijon of this prestigious past.

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Wine Workshop at the Summit
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VARGAS Photo

The Renaissance from the Dijon vineyards

Today, the vineyard is undergoing a genuine renaissance with the planting of new vines on the Côte de Dijon. Two and a half hectares of vines will be dedicated to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Conservatory, with the aim of identifying the vines best suited to climate change.

The Cras Estate

In 2013, Dijon Métropole acquired the La Cras estate, a plateau situated within the Burgundy Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC Bourgogne) region. The land at La Cras offers exceptional conditions for vine cultivation: very chalky, stony and well-drained soils, a due south aspect and an altitude of around 400 metres, comparable to that of the Hautes Côtes-de-Nuits vineyards. Marc Soyard grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across the estate’s 8 hectares and produces red, white and rosé AOC Bourgogne wines.

The wine-growing regions of mainland France

Dijon Métropole plans to replant 50 hectares of vineyards across the 300 hectares of land designated as part of the Bourgogne AOC. There are four major wine-growing areas: La Cras, Montrecul, Les Marcs-d’Or and La Rente Giron. The vineyard in Marsannay-la-Côte has its own appellation, comprising 600 hectares of vines.

Discover the different climates de Bourgogne

Of all France’s wine-producing regions, Burgundy boasts the greatest number of appellations d’origine contrôlées. Divided into four categories, the crus appellations – known as ‘climats’ – remain the most prestigious.

Whilst the reputation of Burgundy wines is closely linked to the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune, Dijon Métropole aims to restore the ‘Côte de Dijon’ to its former glory and join the Route des Grands Crus.

Key takeaways

A unique wine-growing heritage

Dijon has a prestigious history of wine-making, which is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Domaine de la Cras

An exceptional vineyard, acquired by Dijon Métropole, where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown.

The revival of the vineyard

The Côte de Dijon is regaining its former glory and embracing new, innovative vineyards.

Not to be missed!

In a city where the wine-growing heritage and a passion for the local terroir are evident on every street corner, let yourself be surprised by all the unmissable experiences on offer in Dijon. This selection highlights the very essence of the...