Veuve Ambal’s 1.5-hour cellar tour promises an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. Delving into the intricacies of Crémant de Bourgogne production, this guided tour takes visitors through aging cellars, workshops, and an exclusive tasting of three distinctive sparkling wines. With a focus on innovative processes and automation, the tour offers a captivating glimpse into the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious explorer, this wheelchair-accessible experience in English and French is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking.
Key Points
- A 1.5-hour guided tour of the Veuve Ambal winery in Montagny-lès-Beaune, focusing on the production of Crémant de Bourgogne.
- The tour includes visits to the aging cellars, workshops, and a tasting of three Crémant de Bourgogne wines.
- The tour is priced at $11.13 per person and is limited to 10 participants, with wheelchair accessibility.
- Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with tour times available at 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM.
- The winery uses modern production techniques, including pneumatic presses, temperature-controlled fermentation, automated riddling, and robotic disgorgement and labeling.
Tour Overview
The Veuve Ambal Cellar Tour with Tasting lasts for approximately 1.5 hours and takes place at the Maison Veuve Ambal in Montagny-lès-Beaune.
The tour’s price starts from $11.13 per person, and the group size is limited to 10 participants.
Guests can choose from guided tours in English and French, as well as audio guides available in German, French, English, Japanese, and Dutch.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Montagny Les Beaune.
Highlights of the Experience
Highlights of the experience include a guided winery tour that delves into the production of Crémant de Bourgogne. Guests will explore the aging cellars and workshops, learning about the wine production processes, including the use of automation tools. The tour culminates in a complimentary tasting of three Crémant de Bourgogne wines.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tour Focus | Crémant de Bourgogne production |
| Inclusions | Aging cellars, workshops, tasting |
| Learning | Wine production processes, automation |
| Tasting | 3 Crémant de Bourgogne wines |
Booking and Availability
Booking the Veuve Ambal Cellar Tour is a simple process. Visitors have the option to reserve their spot and pay later. Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
To check availability, guests can select from the following start times:
- 10:30 AM
- 2:30 PM
- 3:30 PM
- 4:30 PM
The production site is closed on weekends and public holidays, so guests should plan accordingly. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
With these booking options and considerations in mind, visitors can easily secure their spot for this immersive Crémant de Bourgogne experience.
Meeting Point and Important Notes
The meeting point for the Veuve Ambal Cellar Tour is the production site, located along the A6 motorway at Exit 24.1 Beaune centre/Hospices. Visitors should be aware that the production site is closed on weekends and public holidays. Plus, pets are not allowed on the tour.
| Meeting Point | Production Site |
|---|---|
| Location | Motorway A6, Exit 24.1 Beaune centre/Hospices |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Closure | Closed on weekends and public holidays |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Tour Languages | Guided in English, French; Audio guide in German, French, English, Japanese, Dutch |
Customer Ratings and Reviews
How have customers rated and reviewed the Veuve Ambal Cellar Tour? Based on 98 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Customers particularly appreciated the service and organization, both scoring 4.6 out of 5. The guide received a 4.2 rating, and the value for money was scored 4.4.
Highlights from customer feedback include:
- The tour was deemed "interesting" with "informative audio guides."
- The wine tastings were "enjoyable."
- Customers noted the impressive automation used in the wine production processes.
Wine Production Processes
Touring the aging cellars and workshops at Maison Veuve Ambal allows visitors to gain insights into the wine production processes, including the use of automated tools. The winery tour delves into the various stages of Crémant de Bourgogne production, from pressing and fermentation to bottling and labeling. Visitors can observe the sophisticated machinery that streamlines tasks like riddling and disgorging. The tour provides a comprehensive understanding of how traditional methods blend with modern technology to craft these sparkling wines.
| Step | Technology Used |
|---|---|
| Pressing | Pneumatic presses |
| Fermentation | Temperature-controlled tanks |
| Riddling | Automated gyropalettes |
| Disgorgement | Robotic bottle handling |
| Labeling | Automated labeling machines |
Aging Cellars and Workshops
Visitors descend into the historic aging cellars at Maison Veuve Ambal, where thousands of bottles of Crémant de Bourgogne rest patiently, slowly developing their characteristic flavors and textures.
The tour provides a glimpse into the winery’s workshops, where:
-
Remuage, or riddling, is performed by hand or with the aid of automated gyropalettes to gently turn the bottles and encourage the yeast sediment toward the neck.
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Dégorgement, or disgorgement, is carried out to remove the yeast plug, allowing the Crémant to be topped up and sealed.
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Dosage, the final step, involves adding a measured amount of liqueur to balance the wine’s acidity and reach the desired level of sweetness.
These meticulous processes ensure the consistent quality of Veuve Ambal’s acclaimed Crémant de Bourgogne.
Complimentary Tasting of Crémant De Bourgogne
The Veuve Ambal tasting experience allows guests to sample three different Crémant de Bourgogne wines.
These sparkling wines are made using the traditional Champagne method, resulting in a refined and elegant taste. Visitors can expect to try a brut, a rosé, and a blanc de blancs.
The tasting provides an opportunity to learn about the nuances of each style and discover the unique characteristics of Crémant de Bourgogne.
With the guidance of knowledgeable staff, guests can appreciate the artistry and attention to detail that goes into producing these exceptional wines.
The complimentary tasting is a highlight of the Veuve Ambal cellar tour, offering a delightful sensory experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?
The tour permits photography, but visitors should avoid disrupting the tour or the winery’s operations. Guests are advised to follow any instructions from the guide regarding when and where photography is allowed.
Can I Purchase Bottles of Crémant De Bourgogne at the End of the Tour?
Yes, visitors can purchase bottles of Crémant de Bourgogne at the end of the tour. The production site has a boutique where guests can buy the sparkling wines they’ve just learned about and tasted.
How Close Is the Production Site to the Nearby Town or City?
The production site is located just off the A6 motorway, exit 24.1 for Beaune centre/Hospices. It’s conveniently situated just a short drive from the nearby town of Beaune, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?
There is no stated dress code for the tour. However, visitors should dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes, as the tour includes walking through the production site and cellars.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks to Enjoy With the Wine Tasting?
No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own food or snacks to enjoy during the wine tasting. The tour provides a complimentary tasting of 3 Crémant de Bourgogne wines as part of the experience.
Sum Up
The Veuve Ambal 1.5-Hour Cellar Tour provides an informative and engaging experience for up to 10 participants. Visitors can explore the aging cellars, workshops, and enjoy an exclusive tasting of three Crémant wines. With a focus on innovative production processes and automation, the tour offers a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each bottle in a wheelchair-accessible environment, available in English and French.
You can check availability for your dates here: