With over 600 artifacts, the Burgundy Wine Museum illustrates how winemaking shaped Burgundy’s history. Wander through the centuries-old building to see historical tools for wine production, wine-related art, a collection of bottles illustrating the evolution of the iconic Burgundy bottle shape and beautiful Aubusson tapestries.
Start by exploring the exterior of the museum. The picturesque mansion is the former residence of the dukes of Burgundy. The building is idyllic, with pointed turrets and flower boxes overflowing with colorful stems.
The visit begins in the history room, which houses artifacts that span centuries of winemaking history. Take note of the 2nd-century frieze depicting the importance of winemaking at the time. Elsewhere in the museum, you will find a collection of presses that date from the 16th to the 19th century, several wine-related tapestries and very early tasting cups.
Learn about an important aspect of wine appreciation, the glassware. The thickness, color, bowl size and shape and depth of fill all have impact on the distinctive tastes of Burgundy wine.
The final room on the tour is the Ambassadors’ Room, named for the fraternity that was founded after World War II to publicize French wines. Learn how the founders aimed to promote Burgundy wines by assigning them to ambassadors from prestigious families. The organization’s founding document is on display.
Admire the artwork in the Ambassadors’ Room by Jean Lurçat, a French artist known for his contemporary tapestries. The large wall hanging shows the emblem of the group, a Gallic rooster. The organization stopped meeting in the 1970s, but their legacy lives on in the modern-day renown of Burgundy wines.
Most of the exhibits at the Burgundy Wine Museum are in French, but excellent audio guides are available in English. Note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays in the summer and on Mondays and Tuesdays in the spring and fall. The museum is also closed for the winter months. Discounts are available for children and students. Purchase a combination ticket with the Museum of Fine Arts. The guided tour has an additional fee.
