Burgundy has long been considered the gastronomic heart of France and, nestled away in a tiny off the beaten track to the south of Beaune, the newly- restored Domaine de Cromey offers a French wine and food tasting experience to savour.
A stay at the Baronial wine estate encompasses an array of gourmand adventures ranging from exceptional house parties to absorbing food and wine workshops.
Guests can expect an exploration of the very best small production boutique Burgundies, a mouth-watering appreciation of the region’s world-renowned cuisine, and some good old fashioned pampering, courtesy of notable Francophiles Dennis Sherman and Eleanor Garvin.
Dennis is a registered wine merchant, professional wine taster and writer, and a specialist “gastronomic” guide. With more than 20 years of unrivalled local knowledge, Dennis’ tours take you to the vineyards and cellars of independent vignerons whose wines rarely see the open market.
Ellie Garvin is an acclaimed chef and author whose lifetime study of French cuisine keeps bringing her back to Burgundy. Cookery demonstrations are a major part of any stay at Cromey where you dine either under the shadows of a massive 18th century wine press, or on one of several terraces overlooking extensive gardens, vineyards and meadows.
Wine and food come seamlessly together in this lovingly refurbished manor house. With six luxurious en-suite rooms, in separate buildings around a courtyard set within acres of a walled-in park, Cromey offers modern comfort and quiet sophistication in a setting from another era.
Wine and food come seamlessly together in this lovingly refurbished manor house
Elsewhere, a fascinating drive through some of the most famous vineyards in the world takes you to the beautiful medieval city of Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy (and some would say the World!), just 25 minutes to the north. Other local excursions dive deep into the rugged hills of the Morvan for an exploration of Autun, the Roman capital of Gaul with some of the best Roman ruins in France. Overall the unspoiled, low-traffic, rolling countryside is ideal for cyclists, rock-climbers and walkers.
Domaine de Cromey may be hidden away in the heart of Burgundy but it is surprisingly easy and quick to reach from the UK with a combination of Eurostar and TGV. Guests have a choice of travelling to Paris or Lille and changing for a TGV to Le Creusot from where they are collected – and the gastronomic journey begins.
A food and wine workshop €600 per room plus €700 per person for the workshop to include: two gourmet dinners, one lunch and three breakfasts at the house, with fine estate-bottled Burgundy wines to accompany main meals; Hors d”Oeuvre demonstration, Elegant Buffet Workshop and Gastronomique Workshop. €150 euros for non-participating partner or friend.
