Burgundy Bucket List
by Michel Thibault and Chan Cox, Chan’s Wine World & Spirits
For years, Chan Cox and Michel Thibault talked about seeing the Tour de France and visiting some of Burgundy’s greatest wineries. This year, they finally made it happen — a Bucket List to remember!
Chan on the Tour
What could be better than a week in French Burgundy with my daughters, Cassie and Caitie, and my very good friends Marla and Michel?
Michel and l have followed the Tour de France for years, promising ourselves we would attend someday. As a former triathlete, I have immense respect for those I consider to be the toughest athletes in sports. Growing up in Grenoble, Michel fell in love with the Tour and its heroes as a boy attending stages in the Alps. So, with Michel’s guidance we enjoyed a sprint stage through Puligny-Montrachet and a time trial stage from Nuits-Saint-Georges to Gevrey-Chambertin.
For me, the Tour transcends bicycle racing the way the Masters transcends golf, with 21 grueling stages in 23 days throughout France and its neighboring countries, covering 3,492 kilometers or 2,169 miles. So put a check mark on my bucket list!
Ready for Le Tour!!! Chan & Michel have talked about this moment for years.
Michel on the Tour
Many folks enjoy watching the Tour on TV, but if you ever have a chance to go, don’t hesitate. Half the pleasures of the Tour are experienced on the ground.
For example, most folks don’t know it, but there is a huge caravan of exciting vehicles passing through the race course an hour before the racers. Just like for Mardi Gras in New Orleans, dozens of funny shaped cars (one is a hot dog, another is a chicken, etc.) entertain us by throwing beads, foods (like salami!!) beer, key chains… you get the picture.
Michel & Marla cheer on the US and French riders!
Music is blaring out of their strange vehicles and everyone is trying to get a memento. Especially popular are the free polka dot jerseys and the racing caps, whether gold or blue, white and red.
Another great aspect of the Tour is the picnic lunch! Such a fun thing to get cheeses, cold cuts, fruit, breads, desserts and of course wine to share while waiting for the racers.
Le Tour & a French-style Pique-nique, with Grands Crus, of course! Chan, Caitie & Cassie Cox with Céline Lannoye.
Finally, meeting other folks who are as excited about the Tour as you are is another treat. They travel from far to follow compatriots, family members or friends. But most impressive is that all spectators cheer ALL racers alike. I love the Tour!!!
Chan on Burgundy
To make this trip even more unforgettable, we were blessed to share Michel and Marla’s vast knowledge and experience as we secured visits with many of the most revered and historic Burgundian wineries.
As a restaurateur I have so admired the French culture and their passionate chefs and sommeliers. In Burgundian restaurants one has the opportunity to enjoy rare, collectible wines at extraordinary values not seen in the US complementing their artful and savory cuisine. To quote the old saying: “What grows together goes together.”
Alexandre Abel, Domaine Ponsot Director, with Caitie, Chan & Cassie Cox.
Michel on Burgundy
Burgundy wineries are quite difficult to visit as production is small, demand is enormous and wineries are usually family owned with very little staff to handle visits. So, I will share a secret with you (You are so lucky to have this inside information! ) Instead of visiting wineries, focus on the restaurants owned by wineries. They will sell you a tasting while you are enjoying their food.
Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin is such a place. There for 100 € per person, you can enjoy a fabulous lunch with six wines including two Grands Crus. In Puligny-Montrachet, experience La Table d’Olivier Leflaive, an excellent restaurant where the sommelier will explain the wine selection you are having and its relationship with your food.
And finally, book a table at the restaurant Ma Cuisine — a Beaune favorite since 1996. With a wine list of more than 20,000 bottles you’re sure to find a number of rare treats. Just terrific and another way to tick off Bucket List Experiences!
At Maison Trapet, Caitie & Cassie Cox, Michel & Marla, and Chan Cox enjoy the rare wines of Gevrey-Chambertin along with authentic Bœuf Bourguignon and local cheeses.
