Burgundy: Even with an Alcohol Allergy, It’s Still Wonderful

Burgundy (BURGUNDY) is located in central-eastern France, with hilly terrain. It is known as 'the most complex and difficult wine region on Earth,' and is the only wine kingdom in France that rivals Bordeaux—the Queen of French wines.

Following my third sister, I wandered somewhat aimlessly into Dijon, surrounded by vineyards and countless wineries.

We stayed in Beaune, south of Dijon, nestled between the golden Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, with endless Pinot Noir and Chardonnay everywhere.

But Sister Xi is allergic to alcohol!

Yet Burgundy, even with an alcohol allergy, is still wonderful.

Dijon, a lovely and exquisite little city.

Explore the old town following the owl trail.

Touching the owl relief with your left hand is said to bring good luck.

Notre-Dame is worth a visit.

Despite the alcohol allergy, it didn’t stop us from picking one or two of the many local wineries to browse. Knowing that many Chinese tourists come, every winery has Chinese staff.

The expensive red and white wines cost five or six times more back home in China.

Remember the free-spirited nun from the film 'La Grande Vadrouille'? The famous Hôtel-Dieu is nearby in Beaune, a fifteen-minute drive away, and the entrance fee is not expensive.

Now it has become a medical museum—the ticket is worth it.

After the tour, don’t forget to visit the wine shop across the street. The Hôtel-Dieu winery is also famous.

My third sister bought a bottle of 2016 Pinot Noir for fifty euros. When she checked the price back in China, it turned out to be more expensive than Moutai. She regretted not stocking up a few more bottles.

After visiting the museum and browsing the wine shop, it was time to sit down and rest.

Coffee and macarons are a must.

We stayed in a small family guesthouse in the village of Meurault.

The landlady had quite a temper, and the guesthouse was tiny. Our group of three cars had to split up, with one car of friends staying elsewhere.

The courtyard was beautiful, and the breakfast was superb.

We enjoyed dinner at an open-air restaurant at the edge of the village.

Waking up early in the morning, I jogged to a small hill outside the village.

The sunlight spilled over the grapevines, wrapped in golden mist, and I watched the farmers working the fields early in the morning. What a leisurely delight.

Burgundy, with an alcohol allergy, is still wonderful.