pilgrimage to burgundy with matt straus
A Journey by Neal Rosenthal
March 27- April 3, 2022
Scroll down for Day-by-Day Itinerary and Reading Suggestions
We are delighted to invite you to join us on what promises to be an incredible journey to France this coming March.
There will be so much to discuss, to see, and of course, to taste, this March in France. We will gather in the storied cellars of the Jura, Burgundy, and Beaujolais to hear the tales of this vintage and the varied ones before it. We will discover the magic of living with the seasons and the trials of their unpredictability, and we will delve into the growers’ innovative plans for the future.
A memorable trip awaits and we are eager to share the adventure with you.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Sunday, 27 March
We will gather in Lyon this morning.
Our gastronomic adventure begins with a tour of Les Halles de Paul Bocuse.
After a foodie tour and grazing lunch at the many beautiful food stalls, we make our way to the Jura by car.
We descend to the village of Arbois where we check into La Closerie les Capucines.
Time to settle in to our rooms and an optional visit to Louis Pasteur’s house
Welcome toast followed by a dinner showcasing the best produce prepared by Matt Straus.
Overnight: La Closerie les Capucines
Monday, 28 March
Time this morning to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
Depart for a Hike into the woods and vineyards of Pupillin to move our bodies and better understand the Jura terroir. We will be joined by vigneron Mickael Overnoy Crinquand who is one of the only winemakers in Jura also making cheese.
Wine tasting with Mickael Overnoy Crinquand to follow.
Simple lunch back at La Closerie with salads, charcuterie and local cheese
Following lunch, we will be tasting at the biodynamic winery Domaine de la Touraize in Arbois
Return to the hotel to rest.
The day will conclude with a dinner at le Grapiot, famous for its wine list in Pupillin
Overnight: Closerie des Capucines, Arbois
Tuesday, 29 March
Depart this morning to the South to discover the beautiful l’Etoile appellation and the wine from Nicole Deriaux, at Domaine de Montbourgeau,
We will depart to Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, for a quick lunch at the winemakers’ favorite restaurant, La Cabotte in Nuits-Saint-Georges
We will follow the famous Route des Vins to explore the terroir of the Côte de Nuits and will go taste at one of Neal growers
Drive along the renowned Route des Vins to Auxey-Duresses.
Settle in to our lodge and home for the next two days, nestled between the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune.
Drinks and dinner here this evening with special guests.
Overnight: The Hungry Cyclist Lodge, Auxey Duresses.
Wednesday, 30 March
We research the other side of the Côte d’Or today with a first tasting at one of Neal’s grower.
We will have lunch at the Meursault-based restaurant le Soufflot, to experience their vibrant cuisine.
After lunch we will reach the wilder and less-frequented Hautes Côtes de Beaune, with the Buisson family winery in Saint Romain.
Drinks and dinner at the lodge joined by local vigneron.
Overnight: The Hungry Cyclist Lodge, Auxey Duresses.
Thursday, 31 March
This morning we set off to explore the formidable Côte Chalonnaise with a stop in the bucolic village of Mercurey. Tasting at Domaine Meix Foulot
Continue into the Maconnais region where we will have lunch la courtille de Solutré
Continue for a visit with Olivier Giroud’s Clos des Rocs
Transfer to Villa Alexandre for check-in and time to rest before dinner.
Festive dinner with invited vigneron of the Beaujolais at the hotel.
Overnight: Villa Alexandre, Beaujolais.
Friday, 1 April
To help us keep in shape, we will spend the morning on a hike to a glorious viewpoint.
Picnic lunch at the top of the hill with incredible views on the newly ranked “Premiers Crus” of Pouilly
Tasting at Domaine Dubosc
Return to the hotel for some time to relax before dinner.
Option to take a walk through the vineyards with Loïc.
Dinner at the revered 2 Michelin star restaurant from Japanese chef Masafumi Hamano le 14 Février in Saint Amour
Overnight: Villa Alexandre, Beaujolais.
Saturday, 2 April
Departure this morning for Lyon.
We continue our exploration of this fascinating cultural capital with a guided tour of the Museum of Beaux Arts.
Lunch at our favorite local bouchon, le Bel Ami.
Check in to Villa Maïa, perched high on Fourvière, the city’s highest point.
Some time to rest and refresh before heading out again late afternoon.
Deep-dive into Lyon’s rich history of silk with a private tour this afternoon.
Final celebratory dinner at the highly regarded vegetarian restaurant, Culina Hortus
To conclude our day, we will enjoy our evening at the oldest jazz club in the city, the Hot Club
Overnight: Villa Maïa, Lyon
Sunday, 3 April
Departures at leisure.
Please inform us of your departure plans so that we can assist you with a transfer to the train station, airport, or otherwise.
Please note, this itinerary is subject to slight change due to weather, scheduling conflicts, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Reading Suggestions
Reflections of a Wine Merchant
Neal Rosenthal
Inside Burgundy
Jasper Morris
Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine 2022
Hugh Johnson
The Wines of Burgundy
Laurent Gotti, Sylvain Pitiot
The Initiates: A Comic Artist and a Wine Artisan Exchange Jobs
Etienne Davodeau
Chéri
Colette