Château du Clos de Vougeot in the Côte-d'Or900 years of history is no mean feat. If you go back to the origins of the Château du Clos de Vougeot, you’ll find that it was built in the 12th century. At that time, it was the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux (yes, yes!) who decided to build wine-making buildings on the land. It may not yet be the château as we know it today, but these were the foundations of an estate that is inextricably linked with Burgundy.
Burgundy Session 1 2024 Vweb 694What can you see around the Château du Clos de Vougeot? Vines, vines and… vines. And that’s not something we don’t like. The estate enjoys an ideal geographical position at the heart of the Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne, which is why it is also the headquarters of the association. As for the château, it stands on the prestigious Clos de Vougeot, a parcel planted with Pinot Noir since the 11th century by Cistercian monks. Although the Clos is now shared between several estates, they all produce wine under the same appellation: Clos Vougeot Grand Cru.
Aerial view of Château du Clos de VougeotCombine the rigour of Cistercian monasticism with the elegance of the Renaissance and you have a château with an architecture that is inimitable in Burgundy. After being built efficiently by the monks, the estate was given a new lease of life in the 16th century by Dom Loisier. Then abbot of Cîteaux, he decided to build a manor house in pure Renaissance style. The result? A monumental main building with blonde stone facades and sculpted dormer windows. A fine contrast with the sober, functional style of the winery and cellar, built by the monks. Today, the Château du Clos de Vougeot finds its balance between these two complementary structures.
Château du Clos de Vougeot in the Côte-d'Or
Chapter of the Knights of TastevinNever in vain, always in wine. That’s the motto of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin ! Created in 1934, the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin’s mission is to showcase the products of Burgundy, starting with its fine wines and gastronomy. And it has to be said that it has pulled out all the stops since then. The Confrérie now has over 12,000 members all over the world, but their paths will always cross at Château du Clos de Vougeot.
Since it was listed as a Historic Monument in 1949, the Château du Clos de Vougeot has been open to the public all year round. For the more curious, the estate offers guided tours of this jewel of Burgundy’s heritage. From the cellar to the wine press, via the Renaissance-style facades, this is an opportunity to delve into the history of the château over the centuries.
Château du Clos de Vougeot in the Côte-d'Or
Château du Clos de VougeotWhen you think of Vougeot, you think of the château… but above all, you think of the wine! Nestling in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards, Clos de Vougeot has been classified as an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Grand Cru since 1937. It is one of the most prestigious appellations in the Côte de Nuits. Although the château no longer produces wine, other estates located on the Clos ensure that this remarkable Pinot Noir grape variety continues to flourish. Visit one of the many vineyards in the area for a tasting of exceptional wines.
Looking for an anecdote to tell at dinner? You’re in for a treat. As well as being the headquarters of the Climats de Bourgogne appellation and the head of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the Château du Clos de Vougeot is also the world’s temple… of eggs in meurettes. Yes, you read that right. This dish made with poached eggs and red wine sauce is not only a symbol of Côte d’Or cuisine, it’s also the château’s signature recipe for chapter evenings*. This is also where the annual world championship of egg meurettes is held. There’s plenty to get you out of your shell.
*Gathering or meeting with the members of a brotherhood.
Championnat Oeufs En Meurette at the Château du Clos de VougeotChâteau du Clos de Vougeot is in Burgundy, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits vineyards in the Côte d’Or department. It is located in the wine-producing village of Vougeot, between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin. It is just a few kilometres from Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wines, and Dijon. It is also a key stop-off on the Burgundy Grands Crus Route.
Clos de Vougeot produces exclusively red wine… and not just any red wine! The Pinot Noir grape variety is classified as an AOC Grand Cru. The Clos boasts more than 50 hectares of vines cultivated by some 80 different owners, giving birth to fine, elegant and singular wines.
Yes, the Château du Clos de Vougeot is open to visitors! You can choose between a self-guided tour following the information terminals or a guided tour to discover the history of the estate (by reservation only). For opening times and prices, go directly to the château website.
Yes, it is possible to take part in a tasting at Château du Clos de Vougeot. Although the estate no longer produces wine, it does offer a special tasting lunch: La Table de Léonce. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can tantalise your taste buds with local specialities revisited and enhanced by great Burgundy wines. Subject to availability!
