Winter Soleil in Savigny-les-Beaune: Burgundy glow, winter edition
Burgundy in winter is a quiet kind of magic—stone lanes, cellar doors, and reds that warm like a good fleece. This season, Winehog’s Steen Öhman drops a simple, irresistible note about a local bright spot: Winter Soleil in Savigny-les-Beaune. As he puts it, go.
“Soleil is open this winter – join and enjoy.” — Steen Öhman, Winehog
That’s the whole vibe: low-key, high-pleasure. If you’re plotting a Burgundy escape while the vines sleep, Savigny—tucked in the Côte de Beaune just north of Beaune proper—is a sweet base. It’s known for graceful, red-fruited Pinot Noir, some quietly confident whites, and a village pace that favors conversation over crowds. Winter is when locals return to form and visitors get the Burgundy many of us romanticize.
Why Winter Soleil matters
Winter Soleil reads like a gentle invitation to slow down and drink with intent. Winehog’s ethos—“vins d’émotion”—is the north star here. Expect lively, hedonistic Burgundy that’s built for pleasure rather than posturing, the kind of bottles that make you say yes to another small pour and a longer story. While the post doesn’t list lineups (and we won’t invent any), the takeaway is clear: this is a seasonal beacon for people who want to taste what Burgundy feels like when it’s not auditioning for summer crowds.
And Savigny-les-Beaune delivers context. Producers here craft reds with crunchy cherry fruit, supple tannins, and that savory herb note you get when Pinot grows up in limestone and restraint. Whites lean fresh and mineral, more whisper than shout. In winter, the village exudes hospitality—stone, wood, and candlelight do heavy lifting. The area often hosts seasonal tastings and producer events, so consider Winter Soleil your anchor and build around it as opportunities pop up.
Who it’s for
If you love Burgundy for its nuance and want to taste in a quieter, more intimate setting, this is you. Curious drinkers who appreciate “frais et léger” over trophy pours will feel right at home, as will wine travelers who’d swap a line for a chat with the person pouring. It’s also a great fit if you’re weaving Beaune and the northern Côte de Beaune into a short winter itinerary and want one spot that concentrates the good stuff without the fuss.
How to sip it
Go in with a spirit of discovery. Ask for what’s lively, vivacious, and built for joy over points. Burgundy shines when you let it be charming, not complicated. And be open to the village story—Savigny is one of those places where producers’ signatures are distinct: some more floral and airy, others a touch earthier with spice.
Quick Plan
- Timing: Aim for late afternoon into the evening—winter light, cellar glow, then a cozy dinner in or near Beaune.
- Wear/bring: Layers, a scarf, waterproof shoes, and a small notebook. Phones are great, but tasting notes stick better in ink.
- Prioritize: By-the-glass tastes from local producers; a conversation about “vins d’émotion”; and one pour that’s purely hedonistic—because Burgundy should be fun.
Winter Soleil isn’t trying to be everything; it’s trying to be right. If your idea of travel is less checklist, more connection, pencil this in. Burgundy rewards people who show up when the hype is hibernating. And if you needed a sign to book that off-season train to Beaune—well, the name says it all: Soleil, even in winter.
Original article by Steen Öhman on Winehog – with a passion.
