Côte Chalonnaise Wine Route

Stretching between the famous Côte de Beaune and the Côte Mâconnais, the Côte Chalonnaise Wine Route is Burgundy’s understated star. Here, rolling hills draped in vines yield some of the region’s best-value wines – crisp, mineral-driven whites from Rully and reds from Mercurey. This is a route for travellers who want to escape the crowds, taste in family-run domaines, and soak up the slow rhythms of rural France. The landscape is classic Burgundy: patchwork vineyards, stone villages, and the occasional château peeking through the trees.

Highlights & What to See

• Mercurey – The largest producing village in the Côte Chalonnaise, known for its powerful, structured reds (Pinot Noir). Visit the Château de Germolles, a rare 14th-century ducal residence.
• Rully – Famous for its vibrant, unoaked Chardonnays and lively Crémant de Bourgogne. The village itself is a quiet gem with a Romanesque church.
• Givry – A charming village with a rich history; its wines were once favoured by King Henri IV. Taste at a local caveau and wander the narrow lanes.
• Buxy – A medieval market town with a strong wine cooperative. Don’t miss the local Saturday market and the ancient ramparts.
• Château de la Crée – A stunning 18th-century château in Santenay (just south), surrounded by vineyards and offering tastings of its estate wines.
• Cluny – While technically south of the Côte Chalonnaise, the former Benedictine abbey town is an easy detour for history lovers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Devote a full day to the Côte Chalonnaise Wine Route – ideally two if you want to linger over tastings and explore the hilltop villages. Start in Chagny or Mercurey, wind south via Rully and Givry, and finish in Buxy. Mornings are best for visiting domaines (many open by 10am), while afternoons are perfect for a picnic among the vines or a stroll through a medieval village. Combine with a night in a local chambre d’hôte to truly unwind.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Beaune – The historic heart of Burgundy wine, just 20 minutes north, with its famous Hôtel-Dieu and endless cellar doors.
• Chalon-sur-Saône – A lively river city with a great food market and the Musée Nicéphore Niépce (photography museum).
• Couches – A medieval village with a ruined castle and a focus on local crafts and wine.
• Autun – Roman ruins and a stunning cathedral, about 30 minutes west, perfect for a cultural counterpoint.
• Mâconnais – The next wine region south, home to Pouilly-Fuissé and the dramatic rock of Solutré.

Please check official sources for current details.