As vineyard work intensifies and winegrowers struggle to keep pace with the rapid growth of the vines, Bourgogne is preparing for another August harvest.
This year, the season is once again moving very quickly. Unseasonably warm and rainy weather in February triggered an early restart of the vine cycle beginning in mid-March.
However, budbreak progression was disrupted by several cold spells accompanied by morning frosts between mid-March and early April. These conditions caused some damage, particularly in Chablis, the Grand Auxerrois, and the Châtillonnais.
The average date for mid-budbreak (50% green tips) was March 28, close to that of 2020, another notably early year. Nevertheless, frost damage and bud predation created significant variability across affected vineyard parcels.
The continuation of warmer-than-normal weather throughout April encouraged very rapid vine growth, with the appearance of one to two additional leaves per week. Cooler temperatures in early May are expected to slow growth somewhat, but shoot thinning and trellising operations are already underway.
The road to harvest is still long.
The next crucial stage: flowering.
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Vinexpo Asia: Bourgogne Wines in the Spotlight in Hong Kong
Next week, from May 26-28, Bourgogne wines will showcase a selection of high-potential appellations at the Bourgogne Wine Board stand.
Wine professionals will once again gather around Bourgogne wines at Vinexpo Asia Hong Kong from May 26-28.
At stand F122, the Bourgogne Wine Board will highlight a targeted selection of Bourgogne and Mâcon appellations plus geographical denominations (aka Bourgogne + and Mâcon +), showcasing appellations that remain relatively underrepresented internationally.
This selection reflects the diversity of Bourgogne terroirs while responding to current market expectations, particularly in terms of value and positioning.
Throughout the fair, five “Wine Talks” will be led by recognized experts from the Chinese and Hong Kong markets: Reeze Choi, Debra Meiburg, Julien Boulard, Rebecca Leung, and Jennie Mack. These sessions will provide deeper insight into terroir and distinctive features of Bourgogne winemaking.
The event represents a strategic opportunity for importers and trade professionals seeking to diversify their portfolios and strengthen the positioning of their wines within Asian markets.
Through the MOCCA, VITISOL, VITIFLUX, and Carbon Neutrality projects, this event will provide insight into issues surrounding organic matter, carbon storage, and vineyard carbon footprints.
Presentations, practical workshops, and discussion sessions will punctuate the evening, offering concrete tools and perspectives for participants.
Journalists are invited to attend the event.
For more information and registration: cecile.mathiaud@bivb.com
For reference:
VITILIENCE CAP-2050 aims to strengthen the resilience of Bourgogne vineyards in the face of climate change by 2050. Launched in January 2026 for a three-year period, the project’s ambition is to design and test innovative vineyard systems capable of adapting Bourgogne wine businesses to future growing conditions while ensuring long-term economic resilience through 2050.
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Professional Tasting in Melbourne
On June 2, the Bourgogne Wine Board will be in Melbourne for a new edition of Bourgogne Wines - Take a Closer Look.
Following a successful first edition in Sydney, which brought together more than 200 wine professionals, “Bourgogne Wines - Take a Closer Look” continues its momentum in Australia with a stop in Melbourne.
Organized by the Bourgogne Wine Board, the event is designed to strengthen both the visibility and understanding of Bourgogne wines within the Australian market.
The program will include a tasting featuring 20 importers, offering a representative overview of the diversity of Bourgogne appellations, along with a master class dedicated to lesser-known Village appellations. A thematic tasting table will also spotlight Bourgogne and Mâcon appellations with complementary geographic denominations, segments with strong market potential.
An immersive “Unlock Chablis” space will additionally offer an educational and experiential introduction to this emblematic appellation.
This event represents an opportunity for professionals to deepen their expertise and connect with key Bourgogne wine stakeholders active in the Australian market.
Held in Beaune on April 24, the Prix d’Excellence des Vins des Hautes Côtes - a historic competition that has celebrated these wines for more than 70 years - brought together 101 wines evaluated by a panel of 31 tasters.
In total, 33 wines received awards, including 13 from the Hautes Côtes de Beaune and 20 from the Hautes Côtes de Nuits.
Beyond the results themselves, this year’s edition highlighted the evolving identity of the Hautes Côtes within Bourgogne. Long viewed as discreet appellations, these vineyards are increasingly attracting attention for their freshness, balance, and consistency - qualities that have become especially valuable in warmer vintages.
Situated between 320 and 450 meters in altitude, the Hautes-Côtes vineyards benefit from cooler growing conditions that help preserve tension and aromatic precision in both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Judges noted a marked rise in overall quality across both reds and whites, confirming the steady progression observed in recent vintages.
Once considered secondary within the Bourgogne hierarchy, the Bourgogne Hautes Côtes are now emerging as compelling alternatives for both consumers and professionals seeking wines that combine character, accessibility, and value.
Terres Secrètes Strengthen Commitment to Biodiversity
Until May 28, the Cellar will host its Biodiversity Fortnight in Prissé, with a program combining education, vineyard discovery, and environmental awareness.
The initiative reflects a broader long-term commitment led by the cooperative’s winegrowers to integrate biodiversity more deeply into vineyard management practices.
A 2024 study conducted in partnership with the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) highlighted the remarkable biodiversity found across the vineyards, further encouraging efforts already underway.
This momentum has notably led to the creation of the “Alliance Naturelle” GIEE group, alongside a coordinated action plan focused on technical support, environmental practices, and the continued development of certified organic and HVE viticulture.
Throughout the Biodiversity Fortnight, visitors will be invited to discover these initiatives through a series of educational and public-facing activities.
Several activities will take place throughout the Biodiversity Fortnight:
• an exhibition dedicated to vineyard biodiversity,
• a free vineyard treasure hunt,
A conference dedicated to bats - the featured species of this year’s edition - will also take place on May 27 at 6 p.m. with Alexandre Cartier (in French).
The initiative will extend beyond the tasting room as well, particularly through activities organized with local schools to help raise awareness among younger generations about biodiversity-related issues.
Practical information: Until May 28, free admission, Prissé tasting room (9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / 2 p.m.-7 p.m.).
A Season of Wine and Cultural Experiences with Domaine Auvigue
Domaine Auvigue has unveiled its 2026 wine tourism program, featuring a series of experiences centered around wine, heritage, and the landscapes of the Mâconnais.
Through their shared wine tourism initiatives, Domaines Loron and Auvigue create a natural connection between the neighboring and complementary regions of Beaujolais and the Mâconnais, offering visitors an immersive perspective on the vineyards.
The program includes several highlights throughout the season: an exceptional opening of the estate during the European Heritage Days on September 19, and a “Vignobles en Scène” wine tourism event on October 16 and 17 featuring a candlelit tasting paired with gastronomic creations.
Among the new additions, the former church of Fuissé - now transformed into a winemaking facility - has become a central part of the visitor experience, illustrating the close relationship between heritage and wine production.
This program forms part of a broader wine tourism offering built around guided visits, tastings, and events throughout the year, all designed to showcase the terroirs, expertise, and diversity of wines from the Mâconnais.
Organized by the Association of the Climats of Bourgogne, this summer program highlights the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape through a series of immersive events.
The “Undergrounds” series will open the season in Beaune with three June events: June 11 (“between the divine and wine”), June 18 (exploring the historic winegrowers’ district of Faubourg Saint-Nicolas), and June 25 (discovering Beaune’s largest network of underground cellars). A new event in another emblematic Bourgogne town will also be announced soon.
The “Apéros with a View” series will also return throughout the summer, with the upcoming program to be revealed shortly.
Among the partner events, “Élégance des Volnay” will take place on June 27 and will feature a presentation by Bertrand Gauvrit, director of the association.
This summer program invites both professionals and wine enthusiasts to discover the Climats of Bourgogne through convivial, heritage-driven experiences.
More information is available on the official website of the Association of the Climats of Bourgogne Vineyard - World Heritage.
The Hospices de Beaune are committed to tackling rare diseases
A strong commitment to reducing isolation and restoring hope will be highlighted during the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction this coming November.
In France, three million people live with a rare disease, many of which remain invisible and poorly understood. The Hospices de Beaune have chosen to place this cause at the heart of their commitment.
Faithful to their historic mission, the Hospices de Beaune continue to support patients and families searching for solutions. During the renowned Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction, the Pièce des Présidents will be dedicated to this cause.
Funds raised through the charity barrel sale will support both research and patient care initiatives.
The goal is to accelerate diagnoses, which are often far too slow, while also improving patient support and quality of life.
This initiative continues a centuries-old tradition of solidarity while illustrating the connection between heritage and medical innovation.
Located in Meursault, Domaine Boyer-de Bar - founded in 2018 by Emmanuel Lucas de Bar and Vincent Boyer - has opened a new space dedicated to showcasing its Bourgogne wines.
The tasting room offers visitors the opportunity to discover a representative range from the estate, including Meursault Village and Premier Cru appellations, as well as Bourgogne (white and red), and Gevrey-Chambertin.
The wines are crafted according to specific technical choices: reds and whites are aged in oak barrels, with the whites also undergoing maturation in concrete eggs, while the rosés are cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks.
Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the tasting room welcomes both private visitors and groups, either by appointment or during designated opening hours. Tastings are priced at €10 per adult, refundable with purchase.
Les Musicaves 2026: Three Days of Music and Wine in Givry
From June 25-27, the Les Musicaves festival returns to Givry for a new edition blending international musical programming with the promotion of local wines.
Hosted at Domaine Thénard, the event offers a cultural and sensory experience in the heart of the vineyards, combining concerts, tastings, and discoveries of the local area.
The 2026 edition continues the momentum of a growing festival that welcomed more than 2,000 attendees in 2025, with an eclectic and internationally minded three-day program.
Beyond the concerts, several activities will further enrich the experience, including tastings with Givry winegrowers, guided vineyard walks, workshops, and activities designed for a wide range of audiences.
The festival also continues its environmental commitments through locally sourced catering, a zero-waste policy, and initiatives encouraging sustainable transportation.
The festival further strengthens its identity at the intersection of culture and wine, highlighting the Bourgogne region through a program that remains both accessible and firmly rooted in the local community.
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.
EN DIRECT 9 issues per year, published by
Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne
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DIRECTOR: SYLVAIN NAULIN
EDITOR IN CHIEF: CECILE MATHIAUD – cecile.mathiaud@bivb.com
TRANSLATOR: SARAH JACKSON
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