Reims or Dijon for tastings
 

I have gotten some responses for wine in the Reims region but am wondering what is the better day trip going to Reims and doing that area or taking the train to Dijon and seeing that town and going to the vineyards and cellars just south of Dijon. I would like some input on those two towns and it will be my mother and me there in October.

Do you plan to rent a car for the day? Dijon is much more picturesque than Reims, in my opinion. Also depends on what you want to taste!

Looking at both these regions for the closeness to Paris. Not renting a car and looking to taste sweater, white wine. There will be 5 or 6 of us going, what would be the better day trip?

I am not sure what sweeter white wine would be available for tasting, but in terms of proximity, Reims is closer to Paris.

Fyi, Reims is known for their sparkling wines (champagne); while the vineyards around Dijon (Burgundy) produces world-class whites (chardonnay-based) and reds (pinot-noir based). Unfortunately for you, both regions' dry white wines are the major attractions for wine drinkers.

I have been to Reims and the town of Epernay both near each other in the champagne region. Its one of my favorite places in France because there are so many different champagne houses to go to. If you aren't renting a car, they are all very acessible by train and then bus or taxi and are a lot of fun. The wine is also amazing, but its all champagne, so if you don't like champagne then I would suggest going to dijon.

For sweeter white wines you'd need to head to the Loire Valley--or down to the Rhône valley and the village of Beaumes-de-Venises.

Unless you'll have a rental car or can find an organized tour that starts at the Dijon tourism office I'd suggest going to Beaune for wine tastings, especially if you're not really planning on buying a lot. That's where we take all our visitors when they come to visit us in Dijon. The train stops right in the center of town and there is also good parking in the center of Beaune. There are many places to taste wine all within walking distance of the train station and without pressure to buy such as you might experience at some of the smaller producers along the wine route itself that runs from Marsannay to Santanay. The drive along this route is very picturesque though (especially in the fall) so do drive it if you can. Dijon itself doesn't have much (if any) "caves". No input on Reims as I've never been there. Hope this helps!

A few other things I forgot...The Dijon/Beaune region is more famous for its red wines and a few dry whites, not sweet whites. If you really wanted to visit Dijon itself, you could always take the train from Paris to Dijon (1 hour 40 minute ride) and then rent a car at the train station and make your way south to the vineyards from there (though if you plan on doing a lot of tasting you may want to look into an organized tasting with a driver that I mentioned in my first reply) following your visit of the small historical part of town. Dijon itself is nice to visit on foot since it's very small and is doable is a few hours if you don't spend too much time in one place. Don't know if this is too much for one day! There are many hotels in Dijon though so you could always make it a 2-day adventure instead!

Hi CF,

For sweeter white wines go to Austria. French whites are rather dry.

How long do you have?

((I))

LOL, or simply stay in Paris and go to the wine bars... nibble cheese, drink wine...repeat as necessary.