Côte de Nuits

Stretching from Dijon down to Corgoloin, the Côte de Nuits is the hallowed heartland of Burgundy’s most celebrated red wines. This narrow, east-facing slope produces Pinot Noirs of profound depth and complexity – names like Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges are whispered with reverence by wine lovers worldwide. But beyond the cellar doors, this is also a landscape of patchworked vineyards, medieval villages and quiet country lanes perfect for a self-drive exploration. Whether you’re a committed oenophile or simply a traveller who appreciates beauty in a glass, the Côte de Nuits rewards a slow, savouring approach.

Highlights & What to See

• Route des Grands Crus – The D974 (and parallel D122) winds past the region’s most famous vineyards. Stop at Clos de Vougeot, a walled vineyard and historic château that once belonged to Cistercian monks.
• Vosne-Romanée – The epicentre of Pinot Noir perfection. Don’t miss the Romanée-Conti vineyard (view from the roadside) and the village’s excellent wine shops.
• Gevrey-Chambertin – The largest village in the Côte, with a handsome château and dozens of domaines offering tastings. The 9th-century church is worth a glance.
• Nuits-Saint-Georges – The area’s commercial hub, with a lively Saturday market and the Cassissium (a blackcurrant liqueur museum) for a fruity detour.
• Château du Clos de Vougeot – A must-visit historic winery where you can tour the medieval cellars and see the giant wine presses.
• Hiking the Vineyards – The GRP® Tour de la Côte viticole offers a 7km loop with panoramic views from the hill above Vosne-Romanée.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to explore the Côte de Nuits properly – two days if you want to visit multiple domaines and also hike. Start early in Nuits-Saint-Georges, then work north, stopping at three or four villages. Pace yourself: tastings add up, and the winding roads demand attention. A half-day is only enough for a whistle-stop drive and one or two cellar doors, which feels rushed given the quality on offer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dijon – The historic capital of Burgundy, with its mustard shops, half-timbered houses and excellent Musée des Beaux-Arts.
• Beaune – The wine capital of the Côte de Beaune, home to the Hospices de Beaune and a vibrant food scene.
• Côte de Beaune – Just south, this sister slope produces legendary whites (Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet) and reds (Volnay, Pommard).
• Châteauneuf-en-Auxois – A stunning hilltop medieval village with a castle, a short detour west of the Côte.
• Abbaye de Cîteaux – The birthplace of the Cistercian order, deep in the forests east of Nuits-Saint-Georges – a peaceful contrast to wine country.

Please check official sources for current details.