Winter Soleil in Savigny-les-Beaune: Cozy Burgundy Escape Guide
Winter in Burgundy doesn’t need to be all grey skies and cellar cobwebs. According to Winehog’s Steen Öhman, there’s a little warmth shining through in the Côte de Beaune: Le Soleil in Savigny-les-Beaune is welcoming visitors this season. As he puts it, “Soleil is open this winter – join and enjoy.” — Steen Öhman, Winehog
That line is all the nudge I needed. Winter Soleil isn’t a big-ticket festival; it’s a seasonal invitation to slow down, taste with feeling, and lean into that Burgundian knack for turning cold months into cozy moments. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Côte de Beaune without the tour-bus ballet, this is your cue.
Why Winter Soleil Matters
Savigny-les-Beaune is the village you slip into when you want substance without spectacle. It sits just north of Beaune proper, pouring Pinot Noir with lift and spice, and a handful of quietly confident whites. In winter, the pace downshifts. Producers have more time. Cellars feel more intimate. Glasses linger a little longer.
Le Soleil’s winter opening fits the season perfectly. Burgundy in January and February has its own rhythm: fewer crowds, more conversation. It’s when you can actually talk terroir without shouting over a tasting room chorus. Winehog’s ethos of vins d’émotion—wines that make you feel something—aligns with this vibe. Winter Soleil isn’t about chasing scores; it’s about rediscovering why you fell for Burgundy in the first place.
If you’re mapping a trip, Savigny is a sweet spot: minutes from Beaune’s cobblestones, but relaxed enough that you can hear your thoughts (and your tasting notes). The area often hosts seasonal tastings and producer events, so a winter visit can stack nicely—just don’t expect splashy lineups. Expect conversations, fireplaces, and really good Pinot.
Who It’s For
If you love Burgundy but hate battling peak-season crowds, this is you. If the words “fresh, lively, and hedonistic” sound like tasting notes you want to drink—not just read—this is definitely you. Winter Soleil is ideal for Burgundy-curious travelers, collectors who appreciate subtlety over flash, and anyone who prefers a slow pour to a fast flight. It’s also a smart detour if you’re already in Beaune for a winter weekend and want a village-level reset.
Quick Plan
Timing: Aim for a winter window when you can linger—late afternoon into early evening is prime cozy hour. Since specific dates aren’t listed, check ahead for current opening days before you go.
What to wear/bring: Layers and boots (Burgundian winters love mud). A small notebook or your favorite tasting app. Portable charger. If you’re tasting ambitiously, line up a driver or plan to spit (I know, but future-you will thank you).
What to prioritize: Lean into Savigny’s strengths—silky, spicy Pinot Noir with energy, plus any surprise whites if they’re pouring. Ask about recent vintages to see how the fresher years are showing; the village tends to deliver levity and charm even when the weather doesn’t. And give yourself time to walk Savigny’s lanes before or after—nothing resets the palate like cold air and quiet stone.
Winter in Burgundy favors the patient and the curious. Winter Soleil in Savigny-les-Beaune offers a reminder that the good stuff doesn’t need a marquee, just a well-poured glass and a little time. As Winehog’s note suggests, the door’s open—step in, warm up, and let the Côte de Beaune work its understated magic.
Original reporting by Steen Öhman on Winehog – with a passion.
