Chablis, the renowned wine region of northern Burgundy, unveils its secrets through an engaging 80-minute guided tour led by Clotilde Davenne’s domaine. Knowledgeable guides invite visitors to explore the stunning vineyards, explore the unique terroir, and savor a selection of exceptional wines crafted by this acclaimed winemaker. With a focus on quality and Burgundian diversity, this accessible experience promises to enhance one’s understanding of fine wines. As you embark on this journey, prepare to uncover the captivating story behind the Chablis appellation and the artistry of Clotilde Davenne’s winemaking.
Key Points
- Domaine Clotilde Davenne offers an 80-minute guided tour of its vineyards in the Chablis, Saint-Bris, and Irancy regions, with a wine tasting experience.
- The tour is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible, with pricing starting at $16.70 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tasting experience showcases a selection of wines from Chablis, Saint-Bris, Irancy, Burgundy, and Crémants, providing an opportunity to appreciate the diverse terroir and winemaking expertise.
- Clotilde Davenne has led the Domaine since 1989, focusing on developing exceptional cuvées that reflect the unique Burgundian mosaic of terroirs.
- Visitors may face challenges in navigating to the correct location, but the guided tour and insightful wine tasting experience are worth the extra effort.
Activity Overview
Visitors can expect an 80-minute experience at Domaine Clotilde Davenne, including a guided tour of the vineyards with explanations on terroir and history, followed by a wine tasting.
The activity is offered in English and is wheelchair accessible. Priced from $16.70 per person, the visit allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour explores the Chablis, Saint-Bris, and Irancy wine regions, although itineraries may be subject to change.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Auxerre.
Itinerary Details
The visit begins at the Domaine Clotilde Davenne in Chablis, where guests embark on a guided tour of the vineyards.
The tour highlights the key regions of Chablis, Saint-Bris, and Irancy, providing insights into the diverse terroir of the area.
The itinerary includes:
- An exploration of the vineyards, learning about the unique characteristics of each subregion.
- Discussions on the history and winemaking practices of the Domaine.
- A focus on showcasing Clotilde Davenne’s exceptional cuvées that exemplify the Burgundian mosaic.
While the itinerary is subject to change, the tour offers a comprehensive look at the winemaking traditions and terroir of this renowned Chablis estate.
Winemaker Background
Clotilde Davenne, the oenologist and winemaker, has been at the helm of the Domaine since 1989.
She manages 30 hectares of small plots across the Saint-Bris, Chablis, and Irancy regions, focusing on developing exceptional cuvées that showcase the Burgundian mosaic.
With her expertise and commitment, Davenne has built a reputation for crafting wines that truly reflect the unique terroirs of these renowned winemaking areas.
Her passion for her craft and deep understanding of the Burgundian winemaking tradition are evident in the high-quality, expressive wines produced at the Domaine Clotilde Davenne.
Tasting Experience
Guests at the Domaine Clotilde Davenne can savor a selection of wines from the Chablis, Saint-Bris, Irancy, Burgundy, and Crémants appellations during the tasting experience.
The experience includes:
- A variety of wine options to sample, showcasing the diverse terroir and winemaking expertise of Clotilde Davenne.
- Tasting glasses and water provided to enhance the sensory exploration.
- The tasting isn’t suitable for children under 18 years of age.
The tasting allows visitors to explore the unique characteristics of Burgundian wines and appreciate the dedication and skill of the winemaker.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
According to the reviews, visitors have given an overall rating of 4 out of 5 for their experience at Domaine Clotilde Davenne.
Reviewers praised the wine selection and the informative guide during the tour. However, a few noted that they initially had trouble navigating to the correct location, as it wasn’t located directly in Chablis as expected.
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Exploring Chablis Terroir
The Chablis region, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, is renowned for its distinct terroir that imparts a unique character to the wines produced here.
This terroir is defined by three key factors:
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Geology: The soils in Chablis are characterized by Kimmeridgian limestone, which is rich in marine fossils and imparts a distinct minerality to the wines.
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Climate: The cool, semi-continental climate with its long, sunny growing season and diurnal temperature variations allows for a slow, gradual ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and elegant complexity.
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Aspect: The gently sloping vineyards, often facing south or southeast, provide optimal sun exposure and drainage, further contributing to the exceptional quality of Chablis wines.
Burgundian Mosaic Wines
Chablis winemaker Clotilde Davenne’s focus extends beyond the renowned Chablis appellation, delving into the broader Burgundian mosaic.
Alongside her Chablis offerings, she manages 30 hectares of small plots across Saint-Bris and Irancy, crafting exceptional cuvées that showcase the diversity of Burgundy’s terroirs.
Davenne’s approach revolves around developing unique expressions that highlight the region’s mosaic-like character.
Visitors can savor a selection of these Burgundian wines during the tasting experience, which includes Chablis, Saint-Bris, Irancy, and Crémants.
Visitors to Domaine Clotilde Davenne may initially struggle to locate the winery, as the article notes an incorrect address was provided.
To find the domaine, follow these steps:
- Head to the Chablis region, the primary home of Clotilde Davenne’s vineyards.
- Look for signage directing you to the Domaine Clotilde Davenne, as the actual location may differ from the initially listed address.
- Once at the domaine, enjoy the guided tour of the vineyards and the insightful wine tasting experience highlighting the Burgundian mosaic.
With a little extra effort to navigate to the correct location, visitors are rewarded with an informative and memorable visit to Domaine Clotilde Davenne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Bring My Own Wine Glasses?
No, you don’t need to bring your own wine glasses. The experience includes tasting glasses for the wine selection. Just come ready to learn about the winemaking and enjoy the Chablis, Saint-Bris, and Irancy wines.
Can I Purchase Bottles of Wine After the Tasting?
Yes, guests can purchase bottles of wine after the tasting. The tour includes a selection of Chablis, Saint-Bris, Irancy, Burgundy, and Crémant wines, allowing visitors to buy their favorites to take home.
Is Food Provided During the Wine Tasting?
The wine tasting experience does not include any food. However, visitors can purchase bottles of wine and enjoy them with their own picnic or at local restaurants after the tasting.
Can I Take Photos During the Vineyard Tour?
Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the vineyard tour. The tour guide encourages guests to capture the beautiful scenery and learn about the winemaking process. However, it’s best to check with the staff beforehand.
Are There Any Additional Fees Besides the Tasting Price?
The activity price includes the vineyard tour and wine tasting. There are no additional fees mentioned. The tour is wheelchair accessible and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Sum Up
The Chablis Clotilde Davenne visit and tasting offers an engaging 80-minute guided tour that delves into the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Chablis, Saint-Bris, and Irancy. Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors can savor a selection of exceptional wines crafted by Clotilde Davenne, who has been at the helm since 1989. This accessible experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking to enhance their understanding of fine Burgundian wines.
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