6 foodie events to warm you up in Burgundy this winter

At Clos de Vougeot, eggs en meurette are an institution – so it made sense that this wine estate should be principal host of the world day devoted to this Burgundian speciality. On 11 and 12 October 2019, visitors unearthed the secrets of this dish – served at the Château de Clos de Vougeot since 1953 – consisting of poached eggs, onions, bacon and shallots with a Burgundy red wine sauce. Tastings, cooking classes with chef Olivier Walch’s team and the ‘eggs en meurette world championship’ took place over the two days, all championing Burgundy’s gastronomy.

Every year, Chalon-sur-Saône celebrates the end of the harvest and the work of the winemakers with a festive weekend known as the Paulée, in reference to the last shovel of grapes poured into the press. Festivities were kicked off on 18 October by the Horn Sonneurs du Débuché de Rully, on Rue de Strasbourg. Combining wine tastings, concerts and fun workshops, La Paulée Côte Chalonnaise is all about fine food, terroir and traditions and includes the solemn Saint-Hubert mass and a gourmet Burgundian dinner, prepared this year by star chef Cédric Burtin.

For over 150 years, wine lovers from all over the world have met in Beaune on the third weekend of November (15-17 November 2019) for the famous auction of wines from the town’s Hospices. The hospital institution, founded in the 15th century, sells the spoils from its time-honoured vineyard, 85% of which are Premiers Crus and Grands Crus. A portion of the proceeds from the auction, organised by Christie’s, allows for the maintenance and modernisation of the Hospices, while charities benefit from the sale of the ‘Pièce du President’, a vast 228-litre barrel. The town of Beaune comes alive for the occasion with street performances, tastings, a gourmet village and a half marathon.

Get the lowdown on Burgundy’s wine here.

Food meets heritage in Noyers-sur-Serein, a medieval village in Burgundy where time seems to have stood still. People come here for its half-timbered houses, ornately carved stone houses, little streets and squares, as well as for its truffle market, famous throughout the region. Organised by the Brotherhood of the Noyers Truffle on 3 November and 24 November 2019, these markets will begin with the sound of the clarinet and a bronze bell, followed by a judging of the truffles by ES-quality commissioners known for their strictness. Local products and wines are also showcased at a farmers’ market. It’s a great opportunity to explore Noyers-sur-Serein, ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.

More on Burgundy’s five ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ here.

Whether you prefer chicken, capon or turkey, Bresse poultry is the undisputed star of the Christmas table. Bred in the former province of Bresse, it’s famous for the tenderness of its flesh, created by the technique of ‘rolling’ or swaddling it firmly in a fine vegetable web. Before being swaddled, poultry from Bresse – an AOC since 1957 – is plucked by hand and then washed. The annual Glorieuses de Bresse are a series of traditional poultry competitions rewarding the most beautiful birds. For Burgundy’s Bresse, Louhans is hosting the event on 14 December 2019. Visitors come to admire the birds and make their choice for the holiday season. After the competition, breeders and chefs meet around the stalls where the most beautiful poultry are sold.

More on Bresse chicken and other Burgundy specialities here.

The 76th year of the Saint-Vincent Tournante will be held in Gevrey-Chambertin at the heart of Burgundy’s climats, from 25-26 January 2020. Organised by the Brotherhood of the Tastevin Knights, which is headquartered at the Château de Clos de Vougeot, this wine festival celebrates the patron saint of winemakers every year. Over two days, the host village welcomes other appellations, offering tastings, parades and initiations, alongside two gala banquets. From 24-25 January, chefs William Frachot (who holds two Michelin stars) and Dominique Dansard will work their magic with Burgundy produce: expect gougères, parsley ham, Bresse poultry dumplings and roast venison. Special vintages will accompany the dishes, created for the occasion with grapes donated by winemakers from different appellations.