3 Cités des Vins reveal the secrets of the Burgundy vineyards

By The editor , Published: 19 May 2020, 18:26

What is a Climat? What are the specificities of Burgundy’s land and vineyards? What are the differences between a Chablis wine and a Mâconnais wine? So many questions… and you’ll find the answers in the three ‘Cités des Vins’ that will be unveiled in Burgundy in spring 2021. France.fr offers you a sneak preview.

It takes three ‘Cités des Vins’ to evoke the richness of the Burgundy vineyard and the subtleties of its wines. Beaune, Chablis and Mâcon have been chosen to host the three sites, each of them revealing one of the facets of the wines of Burgundy – whose vineyards are divided into characteristic parcels known as the Climats.

Rehabilitation

In Chablis, the Cité des Vins will take up residence in the old cellars of Pontigny Abbey. Dating from the 12th century, the building will be rehabilitated and complemented by a contemporary extension in respecting its ancient heritage. Wood, stainless steel and concrete will be the main materials used for the project, with sober, durable architecture designed by Atelier Correia.

Rehabilitation

Discover Chablis

The focus will be on the wines of Chablis and Grand Auxerrois, with scenography designed around the geological strata of the soil and immersing the visitor in the heart of the vineyard. From Vézelay to Saint-Bris and Irancy… all the wines of Chablis will reveal their secrets.

As for Mâcon, its Cité des Vins will unite two existing buildings with a strong, curving central extension, inspired by a wooden grape press with its 17-metre-high totem. The design is in the hands of architectural firms RBC and ACL, who are collaborating on the project. As in Chablis, quality materials related to the wine world such as wood, Burgundy stone, glass, metal and zinc will be prioritised.

History, terroir and conviviality

The town of Mâcon will focus particularly on the wines of southern Burgundy. Through immersive design, visitors will discover the history of the vineyard, the role of man, the mosaic of terroirs known as the Climats, and the subtlety of the wines and the hospitality they cultivate.

Even if the exact specifications of the Cité des Vins in Beaune are unknown for now, we do know that the town, famous for its Hospices, should accommodate what will become the emblem of Burgundy wines. The building will be part of a new complex that includes a hotel and two restaurants.

Find out more:

By The editor

The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.

Burgundy

More
ideas

Burgundy

Wine

Architecture

Enjoy

9 gourmet experiences in the Vallée de la Gastronomie