Wine Trip 2025 |
Burgundy & Chablis

Wow, what an incredible journey! If you were there, you know exactly what I mean. And if you weren’t, let me take you along on a trip filled with stunning scenery, unforgettable wines, spontaneous moments, and memories that will last a lifetime. Our 2025 wine trip to Burgundy and Chablis was truly one for the books, and I can’t wait to share the highlights.

An early morning (Day 1)
The adventure kicked off early on April 27th, right after Kingsday, when we all gathered at the bus, still buzzing from the celebrations. With our trusty driver Mike at the wheel of the Birwa bus we set out for France, eager for a week of exploration, tasting, and fun. The excitement was palpable as we headed into the heart of wine country, ready for whatever surprises lay ahead.

And then we arrived at Gîtes Le Hameau des Pierreux, nestled in the picturesque Grotte de Champ Retard. This cozy spot offered rustic cabins and trapper tents, making us feel right at home amidst nature. The best part? We were the first international group to stay here, which made the experience even more special. Hosted by the lovely Odile, the accommodation was charming and welcoming, setting the perfect tone for the adventures to come.

Chablis & Auxerre (Day 2)
On our first day in France, we visited the charming town of Auxerre. We wandered through its cobbled streets, admired the Gothic beauty of the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, and enjoyed a delicious lunch that many of us are still talking about. But the real highlight of the day was our visit to Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard. From the moment we were greeted warmly and we got guided through a tasting that showcased their craftsmanship across generations. The father’s wines were the embodiment of classic Chablis; pure, minerally, and elegant. Meanwhile, the son’s creations brought a fresh, modern perspective, blending tradition with innovation. Tasting these side-by-side offered an insightful glimpse into how a family can evolve their winemaking while honoring their roots.

That evening, the group relaxed and enjoyed some drinks, sharing stories from the day and soaking in the good vibes. It was a perfect start to our adventure, a mix of beautiful scenery, great company, and unforgettable wines.

Burgundy tastings & Camp Fire (Day 3)
The next day took us into Burgundy. We began at Château de Chassagne- Montrachet with the Picard family, whose warmth and hospitality made us feel like old friends. Their estate was stunning, and learning about their dedication to quality was inspiring.

Later, we visited Château de Pierreclos, perched amidst breathtaking landscapes. This château was straight out of a fairy tale, with picturesque surroundings and a fascinating history. The wines we tasted there were exceptional, each expressing Burgundy’s legendary terroir. A surprising highlight was their peach and blackcurrant liqueur, a delightful twist that added a fun, flavorful surprise to the tasting experience.

On this day, we arrived at the accommodation latte in the evening. While others were busy preparing dinner and taking showers, a few of us chose to warm up by the cozy fire, sharing a quiet moment together.

Chablis, Kayaking & Pub Quiz (Day 4) 
We started our day by splitting into two groups. One half started in Chablis, where they spend there first half of the morning sipping espresso's, having a look at the Serein (the main waterway of the Chablis wine district) and going on a stroll. Whilst the other half of us started their day by visiting Domaine Louis Moreau, hosted by the passionate Rachel. Her enthusiasm and deep knowledge made the tasting both fun and incredibly educational. We left her tasting with a newfound appreciation for Chablis unique qualities & lot's of bottles of wine.

After switching groups, we headed out for our exciting kayaking adventure in the afternoon. Sunglasses were lost, wild herbs were found, ruinnes where exploired and everyone had a blast navigating the waterways.

That evening, some of us gathered around a bonfire, making wild garlic herb butter from the herbs they had foraged (durring the kayaking) then roasting it over the flames, whilst others started at the pub quiz hosted by our treasurer Huub and our Wine Trip committee member Anne Sjoerd, a great way to end a day filled with laughter and adventure.

Burgundy & Bonte Avond (Day 5)
The following day was a highlight of the trip 'Burgundy and Bonte Avond'. We started at wineries around Beaune, visiting Maison Shaps first. Hanna welcomed us like old friends, sharing stories and insights that made the tasting truly memorable. Their rosé was the only rose of the trip that we have taste, and it was fantastic, a true showcase of their craftsmanship, with a background of dedication to the industry. Next, we headed to Domaine Truchetet, we're the first to visit them at their new location. Here Pauline shared her passion for organic viticulture. Her stories about sustainable farming practices made the wines taste even better. The organic approach added an extra layer of respect for their craft.

That evening, we gathered for Bonte Avond; an event shrouded in mystery and mischievous fun. While I can’t reveal what happened during the night (what happens at Bonte Avond stays at Bonte Avond), I can say it was absolutely legendary. Laughter, surprises, and a sense of camaraderie filled the air, making it a night we’ll never forget.

Hangover Brunch, Burgundy & Beaune (Day 6)
Our final (active) day started with a hangover breakfast/brunch, a much-needed recovery after the night before :).

Then we headed to Domaine Chanzy, where Joanne greeted us with warmth and shared her passion for winemaking. She told us stories about the progress and answered all our questions whilst we were climbing down deeper and deeper into the cellar. Their wines blew us away, and we stocked up to bring some of Burgundy’s magic home. After that, we made our way to Beaune for a culinary adventure and many of us took our first taste of snails! (Yep, French cuisine at its finest).

As the trip wound down, we relaxed by the bonfire once more, whilst playing the mafia game (or weerwolven van Wakkerdam, in Dutch). Some of us stayed late, waiting for the sun to rise and soak up the last bits of the trip’s magic. It was a bittersweet ending, a sad moment to leave, but with grace for everything we had experienced together.

Looking back

In the end, this trip was more than just a trip. It was an immersive journey into the heart of France’s legendary wine regions and into the hearts from each other. From cozy nights around the campfire to enlightening tastings in historic estates, every moment was special. We laughed, learned, and tasted our way through some of the best wines in the world and made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Here’s to future adventures, more moments together, and plenty of corks popping. Cheers to Burgundy, Chablis, and the unforgettable memories we created together!

With lots of love,

Puck Holtslag
Wine Officer & Wine Trip Committee | 2024 - 2025

(*More detailed reviews about the wineries are given on Google.)