Fabien Espana, Restaurant Le Soufflot, Irancy

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– Obviously, being born and bred in Burgundy there are many memories and occasions that come to mind... There was a Chablis Blanchot 1995 at Domaine Raveneau – a unique moment in terms of complexity in a wine... superb! Then there was a vertical tasting – from 2007 to 1973 – at Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin...

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– Coming from Irancy I would say my own village – the panoramas, the cherry trees in bloom, the vineyards, the people, the cellars, the winemakers, the wine and of course the little restaurant and bar in the village...

– And outside my region, I have great memories from the top of the Solutré Rock in Pouilly-Fuissé. There is a wonderful view from up there; on a clear day you can see the Mont Blanc. You see all the valleys, the vines... And you have the wonderful white wines to taste.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Being a restaurant owner the list will be long, and it will take week if nothing is to missed... and you will put on five kg. For starters you have the jambon persillé, the escargots, the oeufs en meurette and the gougères. For main course you have the boeuf bourguignon, the magret de canard aux griottes, the jambon à la chablisienne and the sandre à l'irancy. Then our cheeses – époisses, chaource, soumaintrain, saint felicien etc. All enjoyed with a glass of good Burgundy wine – young, old, white, red or rosé – its all your choice.

Pierre Bart,
Domaine Bart,
Marsannay-la-Côte

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– It was a DRC La Tâche from 1989 that I had at a restaurant four years ago. It had an incomparable freshness, a touch of liquorice and a perfect balance.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– Marsannay-la-Côte of course! Not only because I am a winegrower here, but also because the soils are very varied and there is a very good price/quality ratio. It’s a young appellation, from 1987. There are also some discussions today about adding premier crus. More on this project later.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– There is also a very strong potential in the Hautes-Côtes (both Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits) for the same reason; a very good price/quality ratio. But I will stop here, because there is much to be said.

Jean-Michel Chartron, Domaine Jean Chartron, Puligny-Montrachet

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– The tasting of a bottle of Romanée-Conti 1937 shared with my wife and two close friends at restaurant Lameloise in Chagny. A wonderful wine, wonderful people and wonderful cuisine made this wonderful moment. Nearly the same thing happened just a few weeks ago with good friends in a much more simple restaurant like Alex in Louhans, while sharing a Tête de veau sauce Gribiche with a magnum of Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Pucelle Monopole 1996 from our estate.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– There are so many wines from less renowned villages like Rully in Côte Chalonnaise, or like Saint Aubin, Saint Romain or Savigny in Côte de Beaune, that offer such a great wines… and above all… such good value!

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– There are so many lovely recipes in Burgundy! Let’s take five examples. The roasted Bresse chicken with Epoisse Berthaut sauce of restaurant Caveau des Arches in Beaune. The steamed lobster tail and vegetables with a light creamy sauce served in a glass jar of restaurant Le Benaton in Beaune. The pan seared sweetbreads of restaurant Auberge du Vieux Vigneron in Corpeau. The homemade pike quenelle – quenelle de brochet – of restaurant Le Gourmandin in Beaune. And to end with, try the frog legs simply pan seared with garlic and parsley on the terrace in front of the Saone River at restaurant Au Beau Rivage in Allerey sur Saône. Enjoy!

Maxime Champaud, Domaine Philippe Germain, Nantoux

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– It's very difficult to tell which is the most memorable. I'll just talk about three of them: the first one is a tasting from barrels of the 2005 vintage at Vincent Dauvissat's cellar, with himself, just marvelous for the wines and for the great guy, fantastic... The second was a Volnay Taillepieds 2001 from Nicolas Rossignol, an idea of the perfection. The third was a bottle of Puligny-Montrachet Champgains 2000 from Comte Lafon, sweetness and freshness, purity, unbelievable...

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I think all the vineyards pf Monthélie and Auxey-Duresses are not as wellknown as they should Naturally, we produce and sell those two wines in white and red in our cellar and I don't tell that for this reason. Everyone who taste is always surprised and happy to find a Burgundy wine they don't often drink, which is very pleasant, something they don't need to wait many years to drink, and especially with low prices...

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– I think eggs in red wine sauce, oeufs en meurette, is the course to taste. Difficult to forget our famous snails, just cooked with butter and parsley, a bit of bread, with a glass of Meursault, two or three friends... "What else" as George Clooney says in the TV commercial, it's the same for this...

Fabrice Laronze, Domaine des Terres de Velle, Auxey-Duresses

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– It was in the dark side of an old cellar in Beaune. I was alone with my tastevin and a light. I was a young – very young – cellar rat at Maison Joseph Drouhin and I was in charge of racking a barrel: this means I had the responsability to separate the lies from the clear wine, a very delicate and precise task, especially since this wine was a 1989 Montrachet Grand Cru Marquis de Laguiche... What a memorable day; from this moment I understood why I was studing oenology, why I wanted to become a winemaker, and simply why Burgundy is worlwide so fascinating!

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Auxois area, of course; it is not far away from Beaune (30 min on the motorway – direction Paris), the landscape is totally different, it is very green, the heritage is rich, there are lot of places to visit – Chateauneuf, Commarin, Semur-en-Auxois, Flavigny and don't miss the Church of Saint-Thibault (where I was married !). You can also bike there near the canal de Bourgogne.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– There are plenty of good restaurants in Burgundy, but have a break, have a picnic in the vines for exemple. There is a good baker's in every small village where you can buy a delicious baguette. A good charcutier preparing his own jambon persillé is also easy to find. You can buy an Epoisses cheese at the supermarket if it is a Berthaut one and that's it! Call me if you need a good bottle of Auxey-Duresses, Volnay or Puligny-Montrachet and enjoy...

Benoît Charbonnaud, Maison André Delorme, Rully

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– In 1985 I was a student in oenology at Maison Louis Jadot. I had the chance to participate in a vertical tasting of Corton-Charlemagne, from 1966 to 1983. Coming from Charente (in western France) I was mainly into the sauvignons. It was love at first sight and I have never left these great big white burgundies.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Crémants de Bourgogne. For a long time we have been talking about technique, but now we also talk about terroir. It brings subtleties of origin, like you can see in a Chablis, a Meursault or a Pouilly. Selecting the parcels is crucial and like with still wine you can’t make good crémants without good land and good grapes.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Burgundy has a very rich gastronomy. You must try the jambon persillé au Bouzeron, the snails and cheeses such as the rare Cîteaux and the exceptional Époisses.

David George-Perpiña,
Domaine George,
Courgis

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– My first tasting of the Hospices de Beaune wines, in 2005 at the Hospices.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– Probably the Maranges wines. Particularly from Domaine Regnaudot and Domaine Bouthenet.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– The jambon persillé and gougères!!

Albéric Bichot, Maison Albert Bichot, Beaune

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– The tasting of a Musigny Grand Cru 1997 from Domaine Comte de Vogüe, that took place in our St Nicolas XIVth century cellars, for the 60 years wedding anniversary of my grandparents. Or the tasting of one of our estate wines, Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru from Domaine du Clos Frantin, 1990 vintage, tasted with close friends for the 1999/2000 New Year's Eve.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. A cooler climate allows a typical yet different expression of pinot noir. Wines with density, complexity and generosity at the same time, at a good price. A very nice landscape too, great for walking in autumn as there are many places in the hills with great views over the valleys, vineyards and forests.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Apart from the very traditional cooking, I personally enjoy a brouillade d’oeufs à la truffe de Bourgogne. (scrambled eggs with Burgundy truffles). To be appreciated with a wine like our Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes from Domaine du Pavillon, especially with eight to ten years of age, so that it develops a buttery mouth but still has some tension in it. Easy to prepare, but quality of ingredients is the key to success.

Nicolas Rossignol, Domaine Nicolas Rossignol, Volnay

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– It’s easy to say Romanée-Conti for the most memorable experience, but there’s also Domaine Georges Roumier – for me Christophe's wines are the most beautiful reds in Burgundy at the moment. And also Domaine Guy Roulot in Meursault – Jean Marc works with so much purity!

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– St Aubin is not at the right level, it's maybe one of the best white wines in Burgundy – an appellation change a lot with many good winegrowers – Olivier Lamy, Marc Colin, Domaine Larue, Domaine Bouton etc.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– There are many good things to eat in Burgundy and many good restaurants at high level. There are cheeses like Époisses and Citeaux, snails of course – and not necessarily with butter and garlic, but cooked in many other ways, and one of the best meats ... the Charolais!

Claire Naudin, Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand, Magny-les-Villers

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– My tasting at the Domaine de la Romanée Conti in 1993. This really shook my world as a young oenologist. Where I expected power and concentration I found elegance, finesse and emotion. The techinal challange was enormous after this.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Hautes-Côtes vignoble is unfairly overlooked. You find very interesting terroirs here, old vines, wines with an excellent price/quality ratio and highly motivated winemakers, because they have often started from scratch and they are used to fight hard!

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Don’t miss the nonettes roties à l'Époisses, a sweet and sour dish that is easy to prepare and that is a off the beaten path, an explosion of flavours that brings together our history (the spices) and our cheese heritage (the Époisses).

Blair Pethel, Domaine Dublère, Beaune

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– A magnum of 1978 Chateau de la Tour Clos Vougeot, which I served to my prospective parents-in-law the first time I ever met the. I had bought the magnum on my first ever trip to Burgundy in 1987. When the time came to meet my future wife’s parents, I was already living with their daughter. Thus we invited them to our flat in London, where they would have to be on their best behavior, rather than go to their house, where I would have to behave. The Clos Vougeot worked like a charm, and my wife and I just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– For me, the walk between Curtil-Vergy and the ruined Abbaye de St. Vivant in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits is spectacular, and little seen by tourists. On a spring day, with the wildflowers blooming and the views stretching forever into the horizon, it’s magical. Then you come to the ruins! What an atmosphere, to stand in the place where the monks lived who trekked every day over the hills to Vosne to tend their vines in the Middle Ages.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Fabienne Escoffier’s sweetbreads a la crème. And Fabienne Escoffier’s œufs en murette. And the tarte normande from Boucher. And a runny Epoisses from Alain Hess. And a baguette from the former Sebstian Fischer. And local asparagus in spring. And a roast poulet noir. And Lameloise. And the list goes on and on…

Sylvain Dussort, Domaine Sylvain Dussort, Meursault

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– In Burgundy we are really lucky to have so many tastings, receptions and dinner parties, so it is sometimes difficult to choose one. But being a producer in Meursault I keep the famous Paulée de Meursault, as one of my favourite memories; this magic day when you can taste more than 100 different wines, starting with a ten year old aligoté, then moving on to the premiers crus of Meursault and then finishing off with the marcs and fines de Bourgogne or even Irish whiskey served by the guests in kilts.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I like to go on quad bike, and at the moment I have the chance to go riding around the Lac des Settons, a lake in the Nièvre, just in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, as well as around two other lesser-known lakes – the Lac de Pannecière and the Lac de Saint Agnan. Here you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor actvities, go hiking or ride mountain bike.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– As an aperitif, a real Kir (crème de cassis and aligoté) with gougères (choux pastry with cheese); the escargots de bourgogne, jambon persillé, the oeufs en meurettes; the Charolais beef or fricassée de volaille de Bresse à la crème; the cheeses – the Époisses and the Délice de Bourgogne.

Philippe Dève, 1000 Bourgognes, Beaune

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– I’ve spent all my summer holidays in a small village in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. We had great fun helping the winegrowers of the village in the vineyards (ah, the pêches de vigne, wild peaches, were a real treat) and our reward was to go down the cellar and taste (with moderation) the wines that were maturing. It was there that I learnt to appreciate the Burgundy wines. I still remember a Pommard from 1959, a great year!

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I still enjoy it very much to go through the little village of Monthelie where you have the most beautiful view over Meursault and Auxey-Duresses. This part of the Côtes de Beaune is a real treat for the eyes, where the vineyards and the sky change depending on the time of day or season.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– When you come to Beaune you shouldn’t miss the jambon persillé. It’s only here that they know how to make it. I prefer the one from Moron in Pommard. It’s without a doubt the best. You can also buy it on the market in Beaune on Saturday mornings.

Patrick Essa, Domaine Buisson Charles, Meursault

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– There is not just one, but numerous great wines that we have tasted in the family on holidays and birthdays. I remember a Pommard Rugiens 1919 or 1929 when I wasn’t yet 20, Meursault Charmes from 1947 and 1949 that were the last bottles from grand père’s cellar and also a sumptuous Volnay Santenots from 1929 that I had for my 40th birthday. These wines were unbelievably youthful, able to hold up against time!

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I own a small house up in the arrière côte, not far from the Morvan. I love to walk in the woods that surrounds it, where I can go for my favourite leisure activity; picking mushrooms. Walking alone among the tall trees gives me a lot of peace and pleasure. The forests in Burgundy are there to be discovered for the wilderness and the beauty. Now, off you go!

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Pigeon en vessie - pigeon in pig's bladder – at Lameloise (in Chagny). Contrary to the traditional Burgundian dishes – snails, oeufs en meurette for example – it enhances the qualities of the Côte d’Or wines and it is undoubtedly the most complex meat you can have with a grand cru, white or red. It’s great art and a very refined delicacy that is a work of civilization.

Grégory Vallet, Hôtel-Restaurant de la Poste et du Lion d'Or, Vézelay

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– Admittedly both my wife Magali and I really appreciate this kind of pleasures... Until now the most memorable moment was last autumn when we went tasting at three of our partners in the Côte de Beaunee and the Côte de Nuits; to taste for example a Corton Charlemagne 2007 in front of  a feuillette as well as a Volnay, Meursault, Pommard...

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I think the Morvan deserves a wider recognition because of its rich flora (wildflowers, mushrooms, firs) and fauna, lakes and ponds; it’s perfect for people who love peaceful open spaces. The views are exceptional, there’s nothing like it in the rest of the region.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– When it comes to specialities, that you can have any time of the day, these are the ones I prefer:
- The snails obviously!!! In all shapes and forms...
- The cheeses: Epoisses, Brillat, Chaource, Aisy Cendré, Abbaye de la Pierre qui Vire, l'Ami du Chambertin, crottins du Morvan, Caillé de chévre...
- The mustards and the pain d'épices
- Dishes made with red wine; Œufs pochés, Boeuf Bourguignon, Poires au vin...
- The candy (Négus de Nevers), but also the chocolate and the Cassis...
- And finally of course, the wines, from the Auxerrois, Chablis, the Côte de Nuits, the Côte de Beaune, the Mâconnais and Chalonnaise...

Thibault Liger-Belair, Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair, Nuits-Saint-Georges

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– My most memorable experience was on my first job in Paris when I was 22. I worked for a company who organized some wine events and one day they had a tasting with the Domaine de la Romanée Conti wines and my job was to open all the bottles – more than 30 bottles – and to taste all for to see if there are no problem with each one. I have tasted a vertical of all the wines in 1991 vintage from Echezeaux to Romanée Conti, simply amazing.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– When you come from Hautes-Côtes de Nuits to the Côtes de Nuits you have a very nice view of the hautes côtes with a lot of valleys and you arrive by the Route de Chaux in Nuits-Saint-Georges and you have the view of all the Côtes and in front of you the Jura. During winter with a very clear weather you can see the Mont Blanc and all the Côte de Beaune, sometimes I stop a minute for to look the view it’s always different and pretty.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– I love to go to the market in Beaune on Saturday mornings, you have a small producer of organic vegetables at the corner of the market, and after I buy some cheese to the fromager Alain Hess. But also a good Côte de Boeuf from Charolais grilled with some vine wood. The fat of the meat make a beautiful association with the tannins of a Nuits Saint Georges, very simple and very good.

Daniel-Etienne Defaix, Domaine Du Vieux Château Chablis, Chablis

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– A Chablis premier cru Les Lys 1893, as well as one from 1915 which was vinified by the women during the war. They had never vinified previously (They didn’t even go down in the cellar before!!!) And it was very good.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– Marsannay on the Côte d’Or produces very good reds. The crus from Beaujolias, for those who accept them as being Burgundian; a Fleurie has a remarkable ageing potential. The original premiers crus of Chablis, often overshadowed by the emblematic and very commercial straight Chablis.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Les escargots de bourgogne. Les andouillettes au Chablis tirées à la ficelle. La moutarde aux graines de bourgogne et au vin de bourgogne. Les œufs en meurettes. Le jambon à la chablisienne. Les  filets de sole au chablis. Le coq au Chablis ou au Chambertin.

Alain Suguenot, Member of parliament and Mayor of Beaune

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– A friend gave me a bottle of Romanée Conti. We opened it the same evening. I remember this exceptional moment very well. It was a summer’s night and we were having dinner out on the terrace. There are not words to describe this fine moment of joy and delight that we shared with friends.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Val de Saône deserves to be better-known. It’s a territory which history goes back to the Middle-Ages; there is a rural landscape with the river, the meadows and the forests. The small town of Saint-Jean de Losne that dates back to the 13th century is today the leading river marina in France. It’s an ideal starting point for a cruise on the canals.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Burgundian gastronomy is very tasty. As for myself, I particularly like the œufs en meurettes. And of course, you can’t miss the famous snails, even if this speciality may seem a bit odd for visitors from other countries.

Alexandrine Roy, Domaine Marc Roy, Gevrey-Chambertin

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– As a Burgundian winegrower I have very unique opportunities to taste very unique wines. I get to attend “private” tastings where I have the chance to taste very rare and amazing wines. Some really impressed me! Among my best memories is a vertical tasting of Musigny from Comte Georges de Vogüe at the IPNC (International Pinot Noir Celebration) in 2004. It was the first time I tasted it, and I will never forget it.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I think we tend to forget “small” appellations, like Marsannay, which is most “famous” for its rosé wine… But it does not reflect the richness of the wines produced in this area. Some Marsannay reds are amazing and completely unknown.

– From my own experience; I have two small parcels in Les Champs Perdrix (Marsannay) located on the slope of the hill that produc a fantastic white wine from chardonnay grapes. I have to fight hard to convince people to try it. But everybody who taste it become hooked!

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– There are too many culinary specialities in Burgundy to be listed here… But I would say the famous Oeufs en Meurette is great as well as the Boeuf Bourguignon. These dishes are very typical and absolutely delicious when well-cooked… A place where I like to eat is Les Tontons in Beaune. Authentic cooking made with fresh, local and mainly ”bio” ingredients… Great place to go.

Romaric Chavy, Domaine Chavy-Chouet, Meursault

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– For many many years, my grand father (Domaine Chavy-Ropiteau) sold his whole production to negociants and because of that we don't have so many old bottles in the "oenothèque". But I had a great surprise one day at the Paulée de Meursault with a Meursault 1er cru Genévrières 1979 that my grandfather made and it was very special for me!

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I'm a big fan of the Côte Chalonnaise, I think they deserve more interest and more recognition for the high overall quality of their wines. It is my favorite choice in restaurants. Of course there are the "stars" that everybody knows, Domaine Milan in Chassey-le-camp is doing great!

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– My grandfather on my mother's side is a cook and the butcher of Meursault so I have learned some of his famous recipes, like saucisson sec and jambon persillé. The ”Terrine chaude de la mère Daugier” at the restaurant Le Chevreuil in Meursault is amazing and Le Comptoir des Tontons in Beaune is my favorite place to have a very good meal.

Claire Forestier, Terres d'Arômes, Nuits-Saint-Georges

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– Smelling the delicate perfume developed by the flowers of the vines. This happens at the flowering season, mid June. One has to set your nose right next to the flower (the head inside the canopy) and breathe slowly. The palette of aromas is amazing and it will be different from one vineyard to another.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I love driving from Vosne Romanée towards Vougeot at the sunset, in June. On a clear day, a few morning clouds, near the Clos de Vougeot, looking west on the hill, the light is beautiful and dramatic, the colors are stunning.

– Another place I love is the Maconnais area, where I grew up: hiking to the top of Vergisson or Solutré, contemplating the view:  the vineyards and the villages down below.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Here is my shopping list:
• Jambon Persillé (Boucherie Vié in Nuits-St-Georges) . With a 2007 Monthélie Blanc – Terres d’Arômes.
• Cote de Boeuf Charolais grilled on a fire place (Boucherie Vossot Rue Maufoux in Beaune) and Burgundian truffles mashed potatoes (harvest period October to Christmas time). With a 2007 Nuits-Saint-Georges, Charmottes – Terres d’Arômes.
• Cheeses: Epoisses Berthaud, Delice de Pommard and Comté aged 24 months (Fromagerie Hess in Beaune). With a 2007 Mazoyères-Chambertin – Terres d’Arômes.
• Macarons from the Patisserie Bouché and Mango Sorbet (Place Monge in Beaune). With a 2002 Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Noir – Gonet-Medeville.

Jean-Claude Brelière, Domaine Jean-Claude Brelière, Rully

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– My most memorable experience is when my father opened a bottle of his white Rully, Les Margotés 1er Cru from 1956, to celebrate my return home in 1983. I was then 33 years old and I had decided to take on the domaine after my parents. It has been a unique moment in my life.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– It is the Côte Chalonnaise, where we have our vineyards, that deserves a large rand better reputation, for the quality of its production and the good value.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– One should not miss the Coq au Vin, the Boeuf Bourguignon, the Jambon Persillé and the famous cheeses.

Alexandre Leclercq, Caveau de la Tour, Meursault

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– When I did a vertical tasting on Drouhin's Clos des Mouches Blanc from 1994 to 2004. Fabulous evening with one of the most beautiful wines in Burgundy.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– I started to drink burgundy wines with Aloxe-Corton from Edmond Cornu: great wine. So I believe Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, Ladoix are overlooked by the market. But in fact that's ok, because the production is small, and we have enough wines for the local consumption.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– For the tourist, they can find many restaurants with local specialities. But I prefer to recommend the market in Beaune on Saturday mornings. You must buy your bread at a little "etal" on the market. Just near the entrance of Hospices de Beaune. The lady makes her own bread, seven differents varieties, 100% organic bread. Just fabulous.

– Inside the hall (in front of the Hospices de Beaune) you can find a guy who sell the most fantastic Comté I ever tasted. He comes from Jura with the local production in Comté, oldest one (up to 30 mounths aged), young and fruity one. Some pieces of charcuterie. Excellent for your health.

– On 4 Rue Monge, in Beaune, Charcuterie Raillard who produce the most extraordinary Jambon Persillé of the region. You can't miss this speciality from Burgundy, and you must to buy it there.

– And one last thing – visit Arcenant for the liquor of blackberry and other red fruits.

Jean-Pierre Renard, A Taste of Burgundy, Echevronne

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– A Meursault-Charmes 1846 Bouchard Père et Fils, tasted in November 2006, which was served at the dinner to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the wine merchant Bouchard Père et Fils. Its amber colour with mahogany tints, its extraordinary complex nose and the still agreeable sensation in the mouth have left an unforgettable memory. It was a moment of rare emotion for the 70 people present.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Hautes-Côtes which are situated only a few kilometres from the Route des Grands Crus, offer visitors beautiful panoramas. The limestone plateau broken up by wild coombs framed by impressive cliffs (Arcenant, Saint-Romain, Bouilland, Orches….). One shouldn’t miss the magnificent view one has from the hill above the picturesque village of Pernand-Vergelesses.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Without any doubt – Oeufs en Meurette – (Eggs poached in a red wine sauce) never fails to please visitors who come here to enjoy good food and wine. Of course the traditional way is to poach the eggs in the sauce and not add them later. Not to be missed.

Sylvain Bouhélier, Domaine Sylvain Bouhélier, Chaumont-le-Bois

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– The harvest of 1993 is a very fond memory. It was the first time I vinified my wine. The inauguration of the wine press together with friends and the people in the village is an unforgettable moment, the beginning of an adventure...

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– In the north of Côte d’Or is the Châtillonnais, which is part of the secret Burgundy. The beauty of the landscape and the charm of the small villages make it a welcoming and peaceful place. But it is also a place where history is present everywhere – you have the treasures of Vix (the Vix krater is the largest known vessel for wine from antiquity) and the monastery at Molesme (cradle of the Cistercian Order). The Châtillonnais is also the best place for the Crémant de Bourgogne!

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– The pain d’epice (gingerbread) is a must in Burgundian gastronomy. The top restaurants use it for delicious sweet and sour dishes. You can also enjoy it with a black currant sorbet and a good Crémant de Bourgogne demi-sec.

Stéphanie Courtault-Michelet, Domaine Jean-Claude Courtault, Lignorelles

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– A memory from tasting; a Petit Chablis 1999... with the class of a premier cru. That was the comment by a class of oenologists tasting the wines of the domaine. If our domaine has a good reputation for its fresh and fruity Petit Chablis the 1999 was particularly successful. We have tasted this perfectly structured wine more recently and it still holds up.

– A memory from vinification; Chablis 2002 – a wonderful vintage for Domaine Jean-Claude Courtault. During the vinification the lees had a wonderful bouquet. The cellar was filled with this lovely smell. It was a real pleasure doing the racking. The bouquet and pleasure were perfectly restored in the wine. It resulted in a perfectly stuctured wine, with subtle aromas and a good length. Magnums of this wine can still be kept for another ten years.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Chablis region, where the river Serein flows, is a very hilly vignoble where it is easy to understand the four appellation levels depending on slope and exposure. You can discover it by car or by foot; in the valleys covered by vines or at the top of a hill (like Lignorelles) – the views are wonderful.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Gougères (choux pastry with gruyère), with Petit Chablis as an apéritif… it's the perfect way to whet your appetite.

Didier and Michel Lamblin, Lamblin & Fils, Maligny

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– Last week we welcomed a group of Canadians and for this occasion we opened a bottle of Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaumes 1983. Despite of the yield of this vintage (+70hl/ha), after 25 years, the quality was definitely exceptional! This wine was vinified by our father, Jacques Lamblin, and it was a great moment of “souvenirs” to share.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The Chablis vineyard is covered by 20 small lovely villages. To understand the appellations of Chablis, the terroir, its relief and typicity, it is absolutely needed to visit them all – especially Maligny, very well known for its 1ers crus Fourchaumes!

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Jambon à la Chablisienne - just perfectly delicious.

Jim Tanner, La Boutique de Bacchus, Nantoux 

Jim Tanner is also the author of the book Vintage France: Adventures Along the French Wine Route.

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– Easy.  A 1983 Ramonet La Montrachet.  It was such an incredible experience, this single bottle of wine warranted an entire chapter in my book.  We called it (the wine, that is) "God in a Bottle" – for no mere human could combine all of the necessary factors of grape, terroir, weather, wine-making skill and good fortune that would produce such a wonder.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The genuine warmth and friendship that one can find in the small villages - especially those of the Hautes Cotes, Maconnais, etc where tourists are less frequent.  Too many visitors spend too much time in Dijon, Chalon or even in Beaune, to the exclusion of the smaller villages. Don't get me wrong, Dijon and Beaune are wonderful, but to discover the real essence of Burgundy, you have to get to where life is about the simple pleasures - like making new friends, or sharing a bottle of wine and some fromage...

Speaking of food, what is not to be missed when visiting Burgundy?
– Oeufs meurette.  It is not something that, when described, may sound particularly appealing - especially to American or English palates.  My first taste was under duress - but only the first bite.  Now, it's a love affair - one of the truly simple, yet marvelously delicious creations, of Burgundian cuisine.

Nicole de Merteuil, Hôtel Bergerand’s, Chablis

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?
– To take a university course at UCLA in California about wine discovery... I didn't know anything about wine, didn’t know the difference between Burgundian wine and one from the Bordeaux region... The first thing I learned was how to regognize at first sight a Burgundy from a Bordeaux... It was the distinctive shape of the bottle! Today some twenty years later I live in Burgundy, in Chablis and my life is completely different, I run a bed & breakfast and I hold a wine bar and animate a wine tasting club in Chablis called Sarah's Vineyards. My life is great here...ilovechablis! - the wine, the people and the region.

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?
– The department of Yonne (89), the northern part of Burgundy. The visitors and the tourists just make one day stop in the region to buy chablis and continue their route to Beaune... That is why I am trying to promote this region with my website and a tour called "72h dans l'Yonne".

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?
– The Jambon au Chablis, which was created by Chef Charles Bergerand, the founder of the hôtel I run. I also very much like les oeufs en meurette and the gougères.

Fabienne Gaillard-Nicot, Domaine Ballorin & F, Morey-Saint-Denis

When it comes to Burgundian wine which is your most memorable experience?

– 1992 Montrachet – Domaine Jacques Prieur

In your opinion which is the most overlooked part of Burgundy?

– The Marsannay area and the region of St Romain, Auxey-Duresses and Saint Aubin.

Speaking of food, what is not to missed when visiting Burgundy?

– Jambon persillé