Crémant de Bourgogne Turns 50: A Sparkling Celebration!
The Crémant de Bourgogne appellation will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 with a festive and event-filled program led by the Crémant de Bourgogne Producers’ Union. Three highlights will mark this special edition:
• April 24 in Beaune - A unique round table at the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne will offer a deep dive into 300 years of sparkling wine history. Historian Thomas Labbé will present his book Bulles, published by Éditions de La Martinière, followed by a book signing and a guided tasting. • The book Bulles - Available starting April 25 in French, this engaging publication traces the fascinating evolution of Crémant de Bourgogne through stories, archival material, and photography. • October 17-19 - The Paulée de la Côte Chalonnaise will spotlight the 50th anniversary of the AOC with a special edition: activities, tastings, and a celebratory banquet will set the tone for a convivial weekend.
Discover Fixin, a lesser-known AOC, in the BIVB’s Upcoming Webinar
On June 18, take a deep dive into the Fixin AOC with Master of Wine Robin Kick during an immersive webinar featuring video reports, interviews, and a guided tasting!
Wednesday, June 18, the “Rendez-Vous avec les vins de Bourgogne” webinar will shine a spotlight on the Fixin appellation.
Recognized since 1936, this Village appellation from the Côte de Nuits lies just north of Gevrey-Chambertin. Planted on clay-limestone soils along the slopes, Fixin enjoys an exceptional terroir that offers a wide range of expressions.
Its winegrowing heritage includes several Premier Cru Climats - such as “Clos Napoléon” and “Les Hervelets” - that contribute to the appellation’s strong reputation.
This session, hosted by Master of Wine Robin Kick, will include:
• An overview of the appellation’s key features through video segments and interviews with passionate winegrowers.
• A guided tasting of several Fixin wines that capture the essence of the appellation.
Live broadcast times (Paris time):
• In French at 4PM
• In English at 9AM, 11AM, and 7PM
Be sure to check your local time to avoid any scheduling issues.
Three ways to join and engage via the live chat:
• Join an in-person group led by one of our Official Trainers. Contact them directly to sign up.
• Watch from home and receive a tasting kit with 6 wine samples. Complete this registration form (limited kits available).
• Log in from home without a tasting kit and take this opportunity to expand your knowledge of the appellation at www.rendez-vous-vins-bourgogne.live. No registration required.
The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) invites you to a deep dive into the world of Bourgogne wines. Held on Thursday, May 29 and hosted by Miyuki Morimoto and Yūya Kondō, the event will feature guided tastings and gastronomic experiences designed to enhance your understanding of Bourgogne’s terroirs.
Register now to take part in this unique opportunity to experience the diversity and richness of Bourgogne wines in an immersive and educational setting.
In a spirit of transmission and support for younger generations, the Bourgogne wine Board (BIVB) will give registration priority to participants under the age of 40.
For more information or to register, contact Cannelle Peulot - Export communication officer at Bourgogne Wines Board (BIVB).
Brazil – Journalists are invited to Take a Closer Look at Bourgogne Wines
Bourgogne wines continue their world tour with the ‘Take a Closer Look’ campaign, inviting journalists and influencers to Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) has decided to enter the Brazilian market in 2025 - a market that is growing slowly but steadily (see "Economic News").
In mid-May, Anne Moreau, President of the Communication Commission at the BIVB, will be the Bourgogne wine spoke-person during two events aimed at Brazilian media and influencers, held in São Paulo (May 13) and Rio de Janeiro (May 15).
These events will spotlight lesser-known Village appellations from Bourgogne. There will also be a focus on Chablis wines. The BIVB aims to promote and inform about the diversity of these appellations and the opportunities they offer. As Brazilian consumers express growing interest in quality wines, the BIVB seeks to guide them toward an accessible Bourgogne - one that aligns with the habits of Generation Y.
Invitation-only event. For more information, please contact us.
Take a Closer Look at Bourgogne Wines in Sydney!
Discover Bourgogne beyond the iconic appellations! Join us on May 27th in Sydney for an exclusive tasting and immersive master class.
The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) invites journalists and members of the trade to uncover a deeper story, one that goes beyond the iconic appellations, and to explore the hidden treasures of this historic region. We are delighted to introduce you to the concept of "Take a Closer Look" at Bourgogne Wines.
This is an invitation to step off the beaten path and delve into the lesser-known appellations that form the heart of Bourgogne’s remarkable diversity.
On May 27th, experience the diversity and depth of Bourgogne’s Terroir, expressed through:
• An exceptional range of wines presented by 23 importers.
• An interactive master class which will put under the spotlight Village AOCs
• A special selection of Bourgogne and Mâcon plus geographical denomination.
• An immersive educational experience about Chablis wines inspired by the online game Unlock Chablis.
After Sydney, it’s now Seoul’s turn to take a closer look at Bourgogne wines! The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) invites journalists and member of the trade to continue exploring the hidden treasures of this historic region. Through the "Take a Closer Look" concept, discover lesser-known appellations that showcase Bourgogne’s remarkable diversity.
On June 5th, experience the diversity and depth of Bourgogne’s Terroir, expressed through:
- An exceptional range of wines presented by 25 importers.
- An interactive master class which will put under the spotlight Régionale and Village AOCs
- A special selection of Chablis wines
For more information or registration, contact Cannelle Peulot - Export communication officer at Bourgogne Wines Board (BIVB)
Economic news
United States: A Tariff Rollercoaster
A cautious sigh of relief across the industry after U.S. tariffs on European products were reduced for 90 days.
On April 2, Donald Trump made waves by announcing steep tariffs on imports from across the globe - 20% in particular for Europe. Though expected, the decision rattled international markets.
When the new tariffs went into effect on April 9, the industry welcomed with relief the news that, for Europe, they would be scaled back to 10% for a 90-day period. This opens the door for transatlantic trade to resume with the number one export market for Bourgogne wines.
20% isn’t a total stop - but a slowdown was inevitable
As early as April 3, the industry issued a statement regretting the decision to impose additional 20% tariffs on all European products. The move would severely impact exporters, their partners, and also American consumers.
For Bourgogne wine producers, total losses could approach €100 million.
"We’ve seen this before", recalls Laurent Delaunay, President of the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB). “During his first term, Donald Trump introduced a 25% tariff on still bottled wines in 2019 as part of the Boeing-Airbus dispute. The effect was immediate: our imports plummeted 15% by volume in 2020, leading to a 22% drop in revenue!”
Now the key question is: what happens at the end of the 90-day reprieve? The ball is in the negotiators’ court.
Bourgogne 2024: A Smaller Harvest, but Strong Market Momentum
Despite a reduced harvest and tightening global conditions, Bourgogne wines held their ground in 2024.
The 2024 harvest came in at 1.21 million hectoliters - a sharp drop compared to the exceptional 2023 vintage (-36.5%) but still well above the 2021 level (+20.8%). Thanks to healthy stock levels and two generous prior vintages, supply remains sufficient to meet market demand without pressure.
After two slower years, exports bounced back strongly (+8.9% in volume, +9.3% in value), surpassing €1.645 billion for the first time.
These positive results remain fragile, however, amid ongoing global uncertainty and unresolved questions surrounding new U.S. tariffs (see above).
In 2024, Brazil is the leading South American destination for Bourgogne wines, with exports up by +17.5% in volume and +21.8% in value compared to 2023.
White wines - led by Chablis and the Bourgogne AOC - clearly dominate the market, accounting for 77% of exported volumes. Bourgogne whites are winning over Generation X and millennials, who favor quality even when budgets are tight. Growth in the Off-Trade distribution channel (+11.8% since 2019) is reinforcing this trend, cementing Bourgogne wines in new consumption habits.
The recent reduction of trade barriers with the European Union could further accelerate this momentum, opening new opportunities for Bourgogne producers.
On May 29, 2025, Chardonnay Day will mark its 10th anniversary in the village of Chardonnay (Mâconnais) - the birthplace of the world-famous grape.
Organized by producers of the Mâcon Chardonnay appellation and their partners, the event offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of Chardonnay’s terroir. Attendees will have the chance to explore the history of this emblematic wine through exclusive tastings alongside local winegrowers.
New for this edition: the revival of the “Commanderie du Chardonnay d’Or” (a ceremonial wine brotherhood honoring Chardonnay), interactive activities themed around the “planet of Chardonnay,” and a retrospective celebrating 10 years of Chardonnay Day.
Festivities will take place on the Place de l’Église in Chardonnay, in the warm and welcoming spirit typical of Bourgogne.
An unmissable event for wine and heritage enthusiasts.
The official online store is now open, offering a wide range of exclusive merchandise featuring the event’s branding. These items will also be available at a network of partner retail outlets throughout the region.
The organizing team will be present at many events in 2025 to connect with the public and share official merchandise. One of the highlights to look forward to: Du côté des Maranges, taking place April 19-20 - a festive weekend dedicated to discovering the wines of the appellation. Tastings, meet-the-winemaker sessions, vineyard hikes, and lively activities will bring a warm and convivial spirit to the celebration.
To stay up to date on all things Saint-Vincent Tournante Maranges 2026, a dedicated newsletter has been launched.
The Maison Albert Bichot has launched a bold new experiment with its Secret d’Océan cuvée - a white wine made from Chardonnay that set sail aboard the cargo schooner Grain de SailII for a journey across the Atlantic.
The aim: to study the effects of ocean currents and maritime variations on the wine. After a stopover in New York, the ship returned to Saint-Malo (Britanny) on March 21.
The result?
The nose reveals a delicate bouquet of white flowers and citrus, evolving gently into saline notes. On the palate, the wine shows energy and freshness.
Minerality, tension, and a subtle hint of salinity come together in a beautifully balanced expression. At the same time, Albert Bichot continues its environmental commitment with a lightweight eco-designed bottle and a 100% recyclable cork made from plastic collected at sea.
Bourgogne vs. Burgundy: to re-affirm their identity, the region and the producers are reverting back to the original French iteration of the name, Bourgogne.
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TRANSLATOR: SARAH JACKSON
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