On the Yonne Wines Route

The wine-growing history of the Chablisien dates back to the 2nd century BC. Since then, Chablis white wines have travelled the world.

Spread across 4,500 hectares in the Serein Valley, they are made from a single grape variety: Chardonnay. Their unmistakable style and minerality come from a 150-million-year-old subsoil, once covered by the sea, known as Kimmeridgian limestone.

Chablis wines are produced under four appellations: Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru.

"Did you know? Chablis wines are produced in 13 villages – not just in Chablis!"

Behind the 1,300 hectares of the Auxerrois lies an impressive mosaic:

• around ten villages south and south-east of Auxerre
• three regional appellations: Bourgogne Chitry, Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre, Bourgogne Coulanges-la-Vineuse
• 13 AOCs

This diversity is also reflected in the grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Gamay, César, Chardonnay, Aligoté and Sauvignon Blanc – the only grape authorised for the AOC Saint-Bris.

"Auxerrois wines in three words: diverse, distinctive, intriguing"

To the south, overlooking the Cure Valley, the Vézelay vineyard nestles against the slopes of the famous “eternal hill”.

Planted in Antiquity and developed during the Middle Ages, it was completely wiped out by phylloxera in the 19th century before being reborn in the 1970s. Watched over by the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, this almost confidential vineyard now covers around 100 hectares.

The award of village appellation status in 2017 breathed new life into the Vézelien.

"Did you know? Vézelay is Burgundy’s 44th “village” appellation."

Further east, the Tonnerrois stretches for just over 100 hectares along the banks of the Armançon River.

On the right bank lies the village of Épineuil, with slopes planted in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Produced in six villages, Tonnerrois wines are found under the regional appellations Bourgogne Tonnerre and Bourgogne Epineuil.

This small wine region is prized for its excellent value for money.

"Tonnerrois wines in three words: approachable, easy-drinking, high-quality"

Set on either side of the Yonne River, the slopes of the Jovinien seem to tumble straight into the town below.

Here, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris – a rare grape in Burgundy – and Chardonnay share the spotlight across nearly 40 hectares. They give rise to Bourgogne Côte Saint-Jacques wines, as well as red and white Bourgognes.

"Jovinien wines in three words: promising, distinctive, affordable"

• La Fête des Vins de Chablis
  Every year on the fourth weekend of October, winegrowers and wine lovers come together to celebrate the new vintage and share the finest local crus.
• Le Salon des Vins des Hospices de Tonnerre
  For one weekend, Tonnerre welcomes around sixty winegrowers from across France, alongside passionate small producers eager to showcase their terroir.
• Les Pressées Tonnerroises
  The Confrérie des Foudres Tonnerroises celebrates the very first juice pressed from the grapes, with tastings and ceremonial inductions.
• Venise et Vins au Palais
  At Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, wines meet Venetian art—hats, jewellery and masks—during a summer weekend.
• Fleurs de Vignes
  A summer festival held each year in Auxerre and the surrounding vineyards, for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.