1 ABOUT WINES & CHATEAUX Established in 2003 by Tanneguy de Ravel, located in Cote d’Azur (Grasse) and joined in 2013 by Catherine Thevenin in Burgundy ( Beaune ) Wines and Chateaux is a DMC that specialises in Wine and Gourmet tours and Events with a zest of Culture for small groups and corporates in the French and Italian vineyards. We organise bespoke itineraries & activities to the main vineyards of France and Italy for individual clients (FIT ) , small groups and Incentive groups. We speak French, English, Spanish, Italian, Portugues and cover the whole of France territories and some in Italy as well. WINES and CHATEAUX works within the legislation with the french Tourist License Nº IM006110044 OUR ACTIVITY : * To create and operate the best possible day tours to give the opportunity to visitors from all over the world to experience behind the scene France’s wonderful region, its wines, regional products & passionate people. * To propose getaway packages & tailor made holidays to those who would like to spend an overnight, a weekend or several days in the heart of the vineyards.
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ABOUT WINES & CHATEAUX
Established in 2003 by Tanneguy de Ravel, located in Cote d’Azur (Grasse) and joined in 2013 by Catherine Thevenin in Burgundy ( Beaune ) Wines and Chateaux is a DMC that specialises in
Wine and Gourmet tours and Events with a zest of Culture
for small groups and corporates
in the French and Italian vineyards.
We organise bespoke itineraries & activities to the main vineyards of France and Italy for individual clients (FIT ) , small groups and Incentive groups.
We speak French, English, Spanish, Italian, Portugues and cover the whole of France territories and some in Italy as well.
WINES and CHATEAUX works within the legislation with the french Tourist License Nº IM006110044
OUR ACTIVITY : * To create and operate the best possible day tours to give the opportunity to visitors from all over the world to experience behind the scene France’s wonderful region, its wines, regional products & passionate people. * To propose getaway packages & tailor made holidays to those who would like to spend an overnight, a weekend or several days in the heart of the vineyards.
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* To organise memorable and magical experiences for Corporate Events & Conferences out in the wine country, and design creative tailor made activities for teambuilding and incentive programs.
Located in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, our main programs take places in BURGUNDY but we also operate in regions that we love and that we know very well such as
ALSACE * BORDEAUX * CHAMPAGNE * JURA * PROVENCE *
THE LOIRE VALLEY * LYON & THE RHONE VALLEY *
France is a country synonymous with wine and fine wine regions like Bordeaux and Champagne are known by virtually all wine lovers on the planet.
Burgundy of course is also a cult region for wine collectors and enthusiasts and who hasn´t heard of Sancerre or Muscadet (zippy Loire Valley wines)? Beaujolais, its neighbour can be combined with, as well as Jura
Alsace is revered for its aromatic whites and fairy tale villages.
Provence is loved for its dreamy scenery and rosé wines that offer nostalgic reminders of summer vacations.
The Rhône valley offers a treasure for red wine lovers, from spicy Châteauneuf-du-Pape to silky Côte-Rôtie.
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The Loire Valley, from Touraine to Sancerre and from Coteaux du Vendômois to Châteaumeillant, the
wine areas of the Loire Valley are rich in exceptional wines boasting great diversity and authenticity.
Also enjoy visiting the Loire Châteaux, the sights to see are breathtakingly beautiful: royal chambers
and canopy beds, ancient furniture and tapestries, fine staircases and period fireplaces, little towers
Don’t miss this unique collection of tomato varieties in Montlouis at Château de la Bourdaisière
created in 1998 by the Prince Louis Albert de Broglie …
So far, we have not created programs in The Languedoc, Cahors, Bergerac, Savoie, Corsica , there are so many other wine regions in France to explore … But we can answer any requests on these regions .
GROUPS & GUIDES:
WINES and CHATEAUX is specialized in small groups to be able to personalize all our day tours to suit
most of our guests' needs and wishes. Our private group trips range in size from four to 22 (and sometimes many more!) Whatever your group size and type, we’ll design inclusions that suit your
unique needs, like meals, family activities, photography experts,
We offer selected accomodation such as private castles, Chateaux- Hotels, Relais & Chateaux or beautiful B&B at the winemaker’s in the middle of the vineyards or in small villages .For bigger
groups, we work with chain hotels .
We allow ample time for photo stops, to talk with wine-makers and for answering individual questions.
Our itineraries may change to always visit the best small boutique wineries & sight attractions.
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OUR GUIDES
Our excellent expert guides are the key for a great day trip.
They are knowledgeable and passionate about wine, local attractions and French history in general.
Professional, fun and enthusiastic, they are eager to share their knowledge with you. They speak
fluent English language. But also Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.
Learn from your guide about Burgundian wines like pinot noir and the importance of terroir with a
Côte de Nuits or Cote de beaune vineyard tour. Visit classic wine-producing villages and see some of
the region’s historic memorials during the scenic ride. Note the castle-like buildings, vineyards, and
quaint signs with grape bunches marking the Route des Grands Crus (Route of Great Wines).
Follow your wine specialist into a caveau, or wine cellar, to try sips of the wines as you learn about
them. Toward the end of the tour, sample a delicious plate of local artisanal cheeses paired with two
wines .
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GUIDED TOUR IN A MINIVAN/MINIBUS /COACH
PUBLIC WINE TOURS
You will shared the excursion with other people within a small group of 4 to 8 participants. Half or Full Day wine tours for individuals in
minivan or minibus with departure from Beaune or Dijon train station or hotel or Chalon sur saone harbour /
PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
You are a party of friends, a wine club, a family, a corporation, an international
school, etc. travelling to France, take one of our private tours and be just amongst yourselves! Groups from 2 to 50 people.
BIKE TOURS
SELF GUIDED OR GUIDED TOURS ?
Self-guided individual bike tours have become increasingly popular because of the flexibility and independence they offer. They cost less than guided bicycle tours but still maintain a level of support and convenience that allows you to explore on your own schedule without sweating the logistics. Be sure to consider your comfort level with navigating a different culture and foreign language, reading maps and signs, ordering food, and dealing with flats or other minor emergencies – some travelers don't enjoy doing these things for themselves, but others find them the best part of an adventure. "Self-guided" does NOT mean that you're totally on your own. While you'll have more flexibility to ride at your own pace and take breaks at your leisure, the tour operator still organizes the logistics for you.
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OTHERS MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION
Horse drawn cart Citroen 2 cv
WW Coccinelle Jeeps
Tasting in the vineyards Hot air balloon
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OUR PARTNERS:
Wine-makers & small producers, they all have been selected by WINES and CHATEAUX for the
quality of their wines & regional products, their excellent welcoming and because they are
passionate about their job.
COOKING CLASSES
The cooking school, epicurean destination and wine shop is located in the center of historic Beaune. They have created a destination for food and wine lovers that highlights the local
artisan food producers and winemakers of Burgundy and throughout Europe
The program includes a market tour, hands-on cooking class and five-course lunch. A complimentary wine tasting from their Wine
Shop is paired with the menu.
They meet you in the morning to explore the local market where
we select the ingredients for the cooking class. They prepare
lunch with you and teach you classic techniques guests can use
at home. After the cooking class, you sit down for the long
French lunch, in celebration of Burgundy. You learn the secrets of shopping and cooking as the
French do, cooking with the seasons and you will enjoy a convivial lunch with other like-minded
people. All instruction is in English.
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WINE TASTING SEMINARS – WINE AND CHEESE TASTING – WINE AND CHOCOLATE TASTINGS
Whether you are a beginner, amateur or connoisseur, you’ll enjoy attending those informative and
fun wine tasting sessions which take place in a wine school in Beaune or in a château in the Cote de
Beaune or even in Dijon .
You can choose between 1h30 or half day or even a full day .
You will taste the wines in a structured way and talk more easily about them. The 8 wines (including
a grand cru) are tasted blind - to avoid being influenced by the label.
GASTRONOMY
The Burgundian cheese platter features Epoisses, Cîteaux, Soumaintrain, and Bouton de Culotte,
Brillat-Savarin,
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DIJON : Discover the charms of the historical centre of Dijon and its market. Treat yourself to tasting
some of our specialities: mustard, blackcurrant, gingerbread. You will learn about their history…
These regional specialities will hold no more secrets for you.
MUSTARD
FALLOT the last independent and family mustard mill in Burgundy can be visited
In Beaune – you’ll visit the factory and have a tasting of different mustards
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Truffle Discovery.
You will visit the Castle Entre-Deux-Monts, where Thierry Bezeux be waiting for you, with his little Lagotto (the only breed of dog known
for sniffing out truffles). They make you a demonstration of their technique to search of
truffles in the ground, and will explain the life cycle of
the truffle and ways of cooking.
For lunch, you will stay on site and enjoy a traditional
meal prepared by Mrs. Bezeux based exclusively
around truffles and Burgundy.
BLACK CURRANT
Cassis, the blackcurrant, grows abundantly in Burgundy, thriving in the same soil and climatic
conditions as the vine. Used widely in apéritifs, desserts and infusions, this little black pearl not only
tastes good, it does you good too.
The Ferme Fruirouge in the little village of Concoeur run is worth a visit. Specializing in soft red fruit
from raspberries and strawberries to white and red currants, and most importantly blackcurrants,
you can buy a host of products such as jams, drinks, crème de cassis, vinegars, mustards and vodka
made in their kitchens. The products are organic,
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VILLAS / CHATEAUX FOR RENT :
For our clients wishing to feel at home In France, we seek out the most appropriate villas or
chateaux or stunning appartment in Burgundy and Provence. These can be rent fully service with a
housekeeper, a cook, a driver, a gardener.
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About Burgundy
Burgundy is distinguished both by its history, religious art, tasty cuisine and unparalleled quality of its wines.
Monastic flowering knew that Burgundy from the tenth century, with the orders of Cluny and Citeaux, made it a center of Roman and Medieval Civilization, that of the monks builders and winemakers.
Very early, in Burgundy, men have worked to unlock the secrets of wine quality. In the fourteenth century, under the magnificent courtyard Dijon, Beaune wines acquire their acclaim.
The Burgundy vineyard, which enjoys exceptional climatic and geological conditions, also owes its reputation to its rich traditions and valuable know-how of its winegrowers. Thus, the villages of the coast, where such evocative names,Chambolle Musigny, Vougeot, Pommard, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, are as much territory to explore for visitors looking for wine getaways and tasty surprises.
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For wine lovers, Burgundy is a must-see destination, a place where wine-making techniques are the result of centuries of trial and error, producing a level of refinement and care all too rare in the
modern world. Though there are some white varieties produced here – most notably Chablis – it is the reds which dominate, especially on the Cote de Nuits.
Heading south out of Dijon, follow the 37 miles (60 kilometers) of the “Route des Grands Crus” of the
Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits and you’ll encounter such fine drops as Gevrey-Chambertin – a hearty accompaniment to local specialties like boeuf bourguignon – fragrant Nuits-Saint-Georges and
fruity Romanée Conti.
You’ll encounter wine-making on an intimate scale, with many vineyards producing a small output highly prized by connoisseurs. Some varieties are so limited that you won’t find them at all outside
the region.
With an expert on hand, you’ll learn all about the winemaking process – the geographic conditions which influence flavor, the blend of grape varieties which make up each wine, and the meticulous
harvest and fermentation process. Step inside cool stone cellars to taste the region’s best wines and you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about.
Even if you’ve never been on a wine-tasting excursion before you’ll soon be sizing up your wines like an expert, assessing their appearance, aroma and – of course –
This area of Burgundy has much to offer, from charming market towns to stately old homes, such as the Château du Clos de Vougeot. The gently undulating countryside is a pleasure for the eyes as you
travel between wineries.
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Pommard and Château de Pommard
the Climats of Burgundy have been classified on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a “cultural site”
which embodies the combined works of nature and man
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HOTELS
We work with some of the most beautiful hotels of the region . 4 or 5 stars or Relais et chateaux or 4 **** B&B
With a SPA beauty center
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A zest of CULTURE
Burgundy is rich in religious history.
Beaune The city of Beaune, snug within its medieval walls, makes a handy base for exploring the
region. You'll feel comfortable right away in this prosperous and popular town, where life centers on
the prestigious wines grown in the picturesque vineyards all around. Medieval monks and the
powerful dukes of Burgundy laid the groundwork that established this town's prosperity. The monks
cultivated wine, while the dukes cultivated wealth.
Beaune's real charm is the town itself, which is especially vibrant on Saturday, the market day, when
colorful stands fill the square.
There is one must-see sight in town, the Hospice de Beaune, a medieval hospital. Six hundred years
ago, concerned about the destiny of his soul, one of Burgundy's wealthy sons attempted to buy a
ticket to heaven by building this charity hospital. Rich and poor alike came here to die (or
occasionally get better). The colorful glazed tiles on its roof established the classic style repeated on
ancient buildings all throughout Burgundy.
Hospices de Beaune A hospital foundation from the Middle Ages, the Hospices de Beaune is one of France’s most prestigious historic monuments. Its flamboyant Gothic architecture, its polychrome roofs and a renowned vineyard make this museum one of Burgundy’s gems.
DIJON
Former capital of the mighty dukes of Burgundy, Dijon is a vibrant city that drips with history. Philip the Bold and John the Fearless: their names say it all. They ruled their fiefdom with ruthlessness, terror and cunning.
The centre of Dijon is relatively compact and best explored on foot. The medieval Notre-Dame
quarter is home to many of the city’s glories, including the outlandish townhouses of the richest
burghers.
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The oldest buildings have wood-beamed storeys overhanging the street. The later Renaissance
edifices are built of finely carved stone. Don’t miss a visit to the tourist office: it’s housed in the 15th-
century Hotel Chambellan on Rue de la Chouette and is one of Dijon’s finest structures.
The Ducal Palace still stands at the city’s heart: the adjacent Musée des Beaux-Arts houses the lavish
tombs of the duchy’s formidable rulers and is well worth a visit.
Dijon is also a great place to initiate yourself into fine Burgundian cuisine. Don’t miss the city’s
sumptuous food market (Tues, Thurs, Fri morning and all day Sat).
Château du Clos Vougeot Standing in the very heart of Burgundy’s vineyards, it was originally a wine farm, built in the 12th century by monks from the nearby Abbey of Cîteaux. In the 16th century, a
Renaissance style château was added to the existing buildings.
With its medieval vat-house and presses, Cistercian cellar and original kitchens, it forms a unique architectural whole, attracting history lovers, architecture lovers or wine lovers. The Chateau du Clos
de Vougeot also hosts famous receptions. It is renowned as one of the very best “table d’hôte” of France.
Even though the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot does not produce wine anymore, it stays the symbol of a millenary of Burgundy’s History. The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin acquired the Château in
1945, and started to restore it, turning it into the seat of the Order.
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Fontenay Abbey, is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard in a marshy Burgundy valley, the magnificent Romanesque style of the abbey has not
changed over the years. Except for the refectory which was destroyed, all the rooms have survived intact: church, dormitory, cloister, council room, heating room, lodging for the abbots and the forge. Today Fontenay attracts more than 120 000 visitors from around the world.Citeaux abbey and now is
classified a world class UNESCO heritage site
CHABLIS and THE YONNE DEPARTMENT
Chablis is in the Yonne department of the northern Burgundy region, 150km from Beaune
You will most likely visit Chablis to sample the wine, but the town itself also deserves an exploration -
it is a pretty place with some attractive medieval houses, some with ornate door and window
openings, and a few other buildings of interest to discover.
Pontigny Abbey one of the great cistercian monasteries of France (along with Fontenay Abbey ,also
in Burgundy), the abbey was built in the 12th century. The monastic buildings that once surrounded
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the abbey are no longer in existence, having been destroyed during the revolution, but the large
abbey church was retained as the village church for Pontigny and is in very good condition.
Note: it was the cistercian monks of Pontigny abbey who first planted vines in the chablis region.
Don’t miss Noyers sur serein is a little further, at about 30 kilometres south-east of Pontigny, but the
historical centre and riverside setting make the journey to this village, classified as one of the 'most
beautiful in France', very worthwhile.
SPA AND WELLNESS
In Meursault, spa specialized in red fruit treatment
Beaune, Vosne-Romanee, Joigny, Saulieu
Bathe in a tub of red grapes, enjoy a massage with crushed grapeseeds; is this a quirk that's going to
catch on? At a time when anti-aging treatments are big business, the beneficial effects of using
grapeseed oil for massage, exfoliation and facials is making a storm. The chemicals which prevent
arteries from clogging up if you drink red wine, polyphenols and resveratrol can do as much good
externally as they do internally. The powerful antioxidants combat the effects of aging.
As it happens, the Pinot Noir grape variety, for which Burgundy is so famous, contains the highest
concentration of these chemicals in their skins and seeds
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The other regions in which we operate
Alsace
Alsace is the smallest region in metropolitan France, however it is a region packed tightly with culture, gastronomic delights and of course vineyards. The region offers a cultural blend of modern French institutions and traditional Germanic cuisine and architecture. Alsatian cuisine, marked by the use of pork in various forms evokes conviviality and dishes are served with generous portions. Foie gras has been produced in the region since the 17th Century, however Sauerkraut remains its gastronomic symbol.
The region is famous in particular for its picturesque villages and its large number of churches and castles, which have miraculously survived five Centuries of wars between France and Germany. It is also famous for wine-making, with 170km of vineyards spanning the Route des Vins d’Alsace and the stunning forests and lakes of the Vosges Mountains are a sight to behold.
Strasbourg is the region’s capital and the seat of several prestigious European institutions. Its historic centre is a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alsace’s semi-continental climate typically brings cold and dry winters and hot summers to the region.
The wines of Alsace are, in the most part, white and the wines are usually made from a single
variety of grape. The Vosges mountains protect many of the best vineyards from rain and this means that the
climate is drier than it might otherwise be. Our Alsace wine tasting tours are based around these sheltered villages.
The drier climate in the region allows the grapes to stay on the vines further into the autumn which results in the grapes becoming riper before being harvested.
The terroir in the Alsace region is varied creating different characteristics within the wines produced.
Sun, sea and fabulous wines- what more could a wine-lover want in a holiday destination? This picturesque region is located in south-eastern France, on the Mediterranean and close to Italy. It is a popular holiday destination amongst French nationals as well as international travellers due to its sunny weather, colourful countryside, wine, gastronomy and its culture rooted in tradition. Covering a large area from the Mediterranean Sea to the French Alps, this vast and beautiful region merits a long trip and many of our guests enjoy combining several of our Flexible Breaks to fully discover the wines. The joie de vivre attitude here is contagious and our guests particularly enjoy sipping pale rosé in quaint local cafés and picnicking in the pretty vineyards. Wine-making in Provence began 2,600 years ago, when the Greeks founded the city of Marseille. Today, the region is famed for fresh, summery rosé wines and these wines account for over half of the region’s production.
The Côtes de Provence is Provence’s largest AOC followed by the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence.
The Bandol AOC however is perhaps the most famed internationally, producing particularly superb spicy and full-flavoured reds. Neighbouring Bandol, the white wines of Cassis are also highly-regarded. The main grape variety that you will find in Provnce wines is Mourvedre and it is often blended with Grenache and Cinsault.
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Jura
Jura is a French Department named after the Jura mountain range. It is one of the four Departments
that make up the Franche-Comté Region. The Plaine jurassienne (flat open country) borders onto
Burgundy to the west, while mountains separate the Department from Switzerland to the East. The
landscape gradually changes as you move from west to east and the altitude increases in steps like to
a staircase.
While it is very much true that Jura resembles a pallet of beautiful landscapes, it is nevertheless a
never-ending source of tourist attractions. Visitors can gain a real insight into the essence of Jura
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through its 12 unmissable attractions and the most intrepid tourists can also set off to unearth its
unlimited hidden jewels in terms of natural formations, heritage and culture.
There are 4 regional appellations ; Arbois, Cotes du Jura and the smaller Etoile and Château-Chalon
plus 2 wine style appellations that covers the whole area, Crémant du Jura and Macvin ( a vin de
liqueur ) .
5 grape varieties are used today :
For whites ; Chardonnay and Savagnin , plus Poulsard , Trousseau and Pinot noir for reds You have to come and discover the mysterious Vin Jaune .
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The Rhone Valley
Chateauneuf du Pape Château La Nerthe There are two great grapes of the Northern Rhône: Syrah - the noble red wine grape (often called Shiraz outside France) Viognier- for white wines and, interestingly, a small proportion of some reds Marsanne and Roussanne are also grown for white wines.
In the Southern Rhône a large variety of grapes is permitted. These include: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut for reds
Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Roussanne and Marsanne for whites.
FAMOUS NAMES
North :
Hermitage, Cote Rotie, Crozes Hermitage, Cornas, St Joseph
South :
Cotes du rhone village, Chateauneuf du pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras , Beaumes de Venise,
Lirac
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Champagne Champagne is exclusively produced according to appellation rules in a small pocket of northeast France. Champagne is a mariage of 3 grape varieties: the Chardonnay: a white grape which adds elegance, liveliness with delicate floral and minerality, the Pinot noir: a black grape which brings body, power and longevity, and the Pinot Meunier: a black grape which gives flavor, fruitiness and flexibility in every bottle. Just an hour from Paris by high-speed train, Reims is a great jumping off point for discovering the region. Here, the big Champagne houses like Pommery and Veuve-Clicquot offer guided tours of their cellars: cavernous underground tunnels called crayères where millions of aging Champagne bottles represent a pretty penny. These prestigious maisons have luxurious tasting rooms where flutes of fizzing Champagne are sipped by a couture-clad crowd. But for those yearning to get close to the grape vines -- stomp around in the grass, pluck a grape straight from the vines, and talk face-to-face with a vigneron (winemaker) – here are some top picks for guided wine tours. Santé!
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Bordeaux and Aquitaine Benefiting from a mild and sunny climate as well as from a large variety of landscapes, Aquitaine offers a wide and diverse range of activities of landscapes : - from the medieval hamlets and bucolic scenery of the right bank; -to the 250 kms long beaches and sand dunes of the Arcachon Peninsula -to the flat, ex-swamplands of the Médoc punctuated with stately manors and wine estates; - to the natural, prehistoric and historic treasures, ( Dordogne ) - to its charming villages , its forest areas, the Pyrenees mountains, - to its upheld and authentic traditions , gastronomy And of course to its famous vineyards There are literally thousands upon thousands of wineries, many of which are household names to wine collectors. And the city of Bordeaux, whose historic mansions and graceful buildings have seen a major facelift and cleanup in the last decade, is something delightful. - -its huge 250 kilometres long beach of fine sand, Biarritz, lacanau, Cap Ferret, Arcachon ) -its charming villages, -its forest areas, its Pyrenees mountains, - its upheld and authentic traditions, -its famous vineyards and its specialities ( Medoc, St Emilion, Sauternes, Graves, Entre Deux mers, Bordeaux )
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Wines :
For many people, the very name Bordeaux conjures up images of grand Châteaux and equally grand
wines. Whilst wines from around the world have improved in quality over the last 20 or 30 years, it is
still the top Châteaux of Bordeaux against which the very best wines are compared.
The Bordeaux region produces such a diversity of wines that there is certain to be a wine to suit most
drinkers. The majority of Bordeaux wine is red, with red wine production outnumbering white wine
production six to one.
The 60 Bordeaux appellations and their wine styles are divided into six principal categories
The main reason for the success of wine making in the Bordeaux region is its excellent environment
for growing vines. The limestone foundation of the region leads to a soil structure that is heavy in
calcium. The soil of Bordeaux is composed of gravel, sandy stone and clay.
The concept of terroir plays a crucial role in the production of wine, especially within the premium
estates, who strive to produce terroir driven wines, which reflect the place that they are from. They
generally use grapes from a single vineyard.
We cannot present all our production but we also have programs in the Loire
Valley, Lyon , Paris and Italy . Please contact us for any requests .
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YOUR DMC IN France
Wines & Chateaux is your local partner in Burgundy and Provence and all over France for the
success of your corporate events. Whatever the level of assistance you may need, we
provide a high-quality serive, based on professionnalism ; attention to detail and creativity.
We can assure a very good knowledge of the destination, we negociate the best rates and
advise you on locations, best use of budget , suitable facilities , accommodation or venues.
Our playing field :
Burgundy, Provence, Champagne, the Loire Valley , Lyon, Paris.
