Dijon: Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Masterclass with Local Expert

Summary

Pinot Noir tasting journey in Dijon guided by Burgundy wine expert

You’ll swirl four Burgundy Pinot Noirs with a local expert in Dijon, starting from Village up to Grand Cru level. Expect hands-on tasting tips, stories about Burgundy’s vineyards, laughter over your attempts at French words, and time to savor each pour. This masterclass brings you close to the heart of Burgundy’s wine culture — stains optional.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was that my shirt had a tiny stain before we even started — red, of course, like it knew where we were going. Dijon’s streets were busier than I expected for a weekday morning, and I almost walked right past the little doorway where Mattéo was waiting. He greeted me with this easy smile and a “Bonjour!” that made me feel less like a tourist and more like someone who actually belonged here, just for an hour or so.

Inside, it smelled faintly of old wood and something earthy — maybe cork dust? We gathered around a long table, just five of us, and Mattéo started pouring the first Pinot Noir. He explained the difference between Village and Grand Cru wines, but not in that snobby way you sometimes get; he kept pausing to check if we understood or wanted to smell again. I tried swirling the glass like he showed us — nearly sloshed it onto my notebook. The wine tasted lighter than I thought it would, almost floral at first sip. Someone asked about “climats,” and Mattéo pointed out how each vineyard’s slope and soil changed everything. It felt weirdly intimate, learning how much care goes into every bottle.

By the third glass (the Grand Cru), my French pronunciation hadn’t improved but my confidence had. Emily from our group tried describing the taste as “like velvet,” which made everyone laugh because none of us really knew what velvet tasted like anyway. There was this moment when sunlight came through the window just right — catching the ruby color in my glass — and honestly, I still think about that view sometimes. We didn’t rush; Mattéo let us linger over each pour, answering questions about Burgundy’s wine history or just telling stories about his grandfather’s vineyard outside Beaune.

I left feeling slightly buzzed but mostly grateful — not just for good wine but for being let into this quiet world behind Dijon’s busy streets. If you’re looking for a day trip Pinot Noir masterclass in Dijon with real local warmth (and yes, all four Burgundy wines included), this is one of those rare things that feels both simple and special at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Burgundy wine tasting experience

• Meet Burgundy wine expert
• Learn wine tasting basics
• Taste 4 wines from Village to Grand Cru

Top questions

Is this Pinot Noir masterclass wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tasting venue is wheelchair accessible.

How many wines do we taste during the session?

You’ll taste four different Burgundy wines from Village to Grand Cru.

Who leads the wine tasting in Dijon?

The session is led by a Burgundy wine expert such as Mattéo, Emily or Adrien.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Infants and small children can attend if they are in a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the venue.

Are service animals permitted?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tasting.

Is this recommended for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol consumption.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided Pinot Noir masterclass in central Dijon with a local Burgundy wine expert leading you through tastings of four different wines — from Village appellation up to Grand Cru level — all within an accessible venue where you’re free to linger and ask questions as you taste.