Burgundy is not just a region; it’s a global phenomenon that connects wine lovers, collectors, and sommeliers across the world through a shared love for the terroir and the wines that come from it. For investors and serious wine collectors, joining the Burgundy community opens doors not just to exclusive bottles, but to a network of people who live and breathe Burgundy’s values. This network, made up of renowned ambassadors, legendary winemakers, and tight-knit societies, fosters genuine relationships and forms the backbone of Burgundy’s social fabric.
Let’s explore the key components of this community—from the prestigious clubs and societies that bring Burgundy enthusiasts together to the influential personalities who have become global ambassadors for Burgundy wines.
The Burgundy Inner Circle: Icons and Ambassadors
In the world of Burgundy, a few key personalities have risen to global prominence, championing the region’s wines and spreading its gospel to new generations of collectors and connoisseurs. These figures are not just consumers of Burgundy—they are its storytellers, preserving the region’s heritage while shaping its future.
Rajat Parr
Rajat Parr, an acclaimed sommelier and winemaker, has been pivotal in introducing Burgundy wines to new audiences, particularly in the United States. His events, such as La Paulée, recreate the communal spirit of Burgundy’s traditional harvest festivals, where collectors, sommeliers, and winemakers share their finest bottles and exchange stories. His deep knowledge of Burgundy’s terroir-driven wines has made him an influential voice in both the fine wine market and wine education circles
Aubert de Villaine
Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, embodies the heart of Burgundy. His stewardship of DRC, one of the world’s most coveted wine estates, as well as his advocacy for biodynamic winemaking, has helped ensure Burgundy’s reputation for both heritage and innovation. Under his leadership, DRC continues to set the global standard for exceptional winemaking
Pascaline Lepeltier
Pascaline Lepeltier, a Master Sommelier known for her advocacy of biodynamic and organic wines, has also emerged as a Burgundy ambassador, particularly in the U.S. Her influence extends through her creative pairings and support for lesser-known appellations, challenging the traditional Burgundy narrative and highlighting the region’s versatility with plant-based cuisine.
Jasper Morris MW
Jasper Morris MW is another key figure in the Burgundy community. As the author of Inside Burgundy and one of the foremost Burgundy experts in the UK, Morris has dedicated his career to demystifying the complexities of Burgundy for both collectors and enthusiasts. His deep understanding of Burgundy’s vineyards and producers, combined with his approachable teaching style, has made him a sought-after expert for those looking to deepen their knowledge. His seminars and detailed vineyard maps have become essential tools for serious collectors, helping them navigate the intricate web of Burgundy’s terroirs
These ambassadors not only influence collectors’ buying decisions but also cultivate a sense of belonging in the Burgundy community, helping newcomers navigate the often intimidating world of rare wines.
The Bonds Within: Burgundy Societies as a Conduit for Connection
Being part of a Burgundy society is about more than tasting wine—it’s about building lasting bonds through shared experiences and mutual respect for Burgundy’s wines. While owning a rare bottle of Musigny or Chambertin is impressive, sharing that wine with others who can appreciate its nuances and history adds an entirely new dimension to the Burgundy experience.
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin:
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin is a cornerstone of Burgundy’s wine culture. This prestigious brotherhood, headquartered at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, is more than a ceremonial organization—it’s a global network with over 12,000 members spanning 15 Commanderies and 75 sub-branches around the world. The Confrérie was established in 1934 with the mission of promoting Burgundy wines and gastronomy, reviving local traditions, and encouraging visitors to Burgundy.
The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin remains the most prestigious Burgundy society, but its appeal goes beyond the pomp and tradition. Membership in the Confrérie grants access to exclusive events & private tastings. These events, held in the Château du Clos de Vougeot, are opportunities to not only taste rare wines but also engage with fellow collectors, winemakers, and sommeliers from around the world.
The Tastevinage, their rigorous wine selection process, happens twice a year and ensures that only the highest quality Burgundy wines bear the esteemed Tastevinage seal. This blind tasting is judged by a panel of experts, including sommeliers and wine critics, and offers an authoritative endorsement for wines that meet the Confrérie’s strict standards.
In addition to their activities in Burgundy, the Confrérie has expanded internationally, with branches as early as the 1940s in New York and New Orleans. Today, there are Confrérie representations in regions as diverse as Australia, China, Japan, and Latin America, ensuring that the love of Burgundy wines is celebrated across the globe
La Paulée:
La Paulée’s modern revival is the work of Daniel Johnnes, who recreated this traditional Burgundy harvest celebration in New York, later expanding to San Francisco. La Paulée has become one of the most prestigious Burgundy wine events in the world, where collectors, winemakers, and sommeliers gather to share bottles of rare Burgundy wines in a festive, informal atmosphere. Originating from the Burgundian tradition where grape harvesters celebrated the end of the season, La Paulée today serves as an annual gathering of Burgundy enthusiasts, blending historical roots with modern passion for the region.
The original Paulée de Meursault, held on the third day of Les Trois Glorieuses in Burgundy, retains its cultural significance, bringing together winemakers and collectors in a communal feast, where bottles are passed around and shared freely. However, Johnnes’ La Paulée events in the U.S. have breathed new life into this tradition on an international scale. Here, the relationships forged over bottles of Domaine Leroy or Domaine de la Romanée-Conti often lead to future collaborations, private allocations, and lasting friendships.
The allure of Burgundy societies is not just in the exclusivity, but in the shared passion that binds members. Collectors trade notes on new discoveries, share vintage insights, and offer recommendations that transcend the commercial nature of auctions or wine shops. In this world, access to rare bottles often comes through personal connections within the society.
Beyond Tradition: New Waves in the Burgundy Community
Burgundy’s allure has always been rooted in tradition, but modern Burgundy lovers are bringing fresh perspectives to how they engage with the region. Whether it’s through pop-up tastings, global celebrations, or digital communities, today’s Burgundy enthusiast is finding innovative ways to connect with the wines and each other. Let’s explore these exciting new avenues that are making Burgundy more accessible and dynamic than ever.
Burgundy Pop-Ups: Tasting Without Borders
Gone are the days when Burgundy tastings were restricted to France’s quaint wine cellars. Today, Burgundy is being celebrated in cosmopolitan cities around the world, with pop-up events offering wine lovers the chance to immerse themselves in the region’s elegance, no matter where they are. These informal events create a blend of discovery and enjoyment, where seasoned collectors and newcomers alike can engage with Burgundy in a relaxed, approachable setting.
Take Rajat Parr, for example. The celebrated sommelier and winemaker has organized Burgundy-themed pop-ups in major cities such as London and San Francisco, where wines from rising estates like Domaine Duroché are tasted alongside the greats like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. These events often combine a convivial atmosphere with serious tastings, creating an inclusive environment that draws participants from different backgrounds but with the same passion for Burgundy.
Pop-ups, by nature, allow Burgundy to transcend borders—both physical and cultural. They reflect Burgundy’s rising global profile while maintaining the charm and intimacy that wine lovers cherish about the region.
Reinventing La Paulée: More Than a Feast
While La Paulée de Meursault remains one of Burgundy’s most iconic traditions, modern variations of the event are reshaping how Burgundy is celebrated across the globe. Daniel Johnnes, a sommelier and organizer, has been instrumental in taking the La Paulée spirit beyond France. Today, events in New York, Tokyo, and San Francisco channel Burgundy’s rich harvest traditions, but with a modern twist.
At these gatherings, it’s not just about opening rare bottles from Domaine Leroy or Coche-Dury—the focus is on the collective experience. Attendees bring their own bottles to share, fostering an atmosphere of mutual celebration and appreciation. What sets this apart from more formal tastings is the communal nature of the event. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone discovering Burgundy for the first time, you’re encouraged to contribute, making the experience rich with personal stories and unexpected pairings.
Daniel Johnnes describes these events as the “ultimate expression of Burgundy’s camaraderie and generosity,” where the focus isn’t just on the most expensive bottles but on the stories, relationships, and memories created over shared wine. It’s a reinvention of La Paulée that offers something new while preserving the essence of Burgundy.
Digital Burgundy Communities: Connecting Beyond the Cellar Door
The digital revolution has allowed Burgundy enthusiasts to connect in ways that were once unimaginable. Platforms like Instagram, Vivino, and Club Vignobles et Signatures have democratized access to Burgundy knowledge, allowing anyone with a passion for the region to join in the conversation. Hashtags such as #BurgundyLovers have created online communities where collectors and connoisseurs exchange notes, recommend producers, and even discuss rare bottles.
In particular, digital tasting clubs have emerged as popular spaces for Burgundy lovers to gather virtually. These platforms allow members to participate in tastings without geographical constraints. Club Vignobles et Signatures, for instance, offers virtual tastings featuring both iconic producers and emerging talents, giving global audiences access to wines they might otherwise never encounter.
This shift toward online interaction also creates opportunities for transparency in wine knowledge, as sommeliers and collectors alike share their experiences with Burgundy wines in real-time. The online Burgundy community blends the exclusivity of owning rare wines with the inclusivity of sharing information and experiences globally.
Breaking Barriers: New Social Clubs and Informal Gatherings
Burgundy, with all its prestige and history, can sometimes feel intimidating. However, a new wave of wine lovers—led by sommeliers and younger collectors—is breaking down these barriers through informal wine clubs and casual gatherings.
In New York, for instance, Eric Asimov, wine critic for the New York Times, regularly hosts informal Burgundy tastings that bring together collectors of all levels. These gatherings have a relaxed, educational approach, focusing on introducing lesser-known producers or exploring specific vintages without the weight of tradition. The goal is to create a shared space where people can learn and engage with Burgundy on their own terms, without the need for formality or prestige.
Through these gatherings, the focus shifts from exclusivity to discovery. Collectors and wine enthusiasts come together not only to taste but to share insights, personal stories, and new finds. In this environment, the Burgundy community expands to embrace not only established collectors but also those just beginning their journey.
Conclusion: The Future of Burgundy’s Community
What makes the modern Burgundy community so exciting is the way it blends old-world tradition with new-world approaches. From pop-ups in cosmopolitan cities to digital tastings in the comfort of one’s home, the Burgundy community is continually evolving. The relationships formed around Burgundy wines—whether in the grand halls of Clos de Vougeot or over a virtual tasting—add layers of meaning to each glass poured. For the collector, it’s not just about owning rare bottles, but about participating in a living, breathing tradition that connects wine lovers across generations and borders.
In this evolving landscape, Burgundy is more than just a region. It’s a global network of enthusiasts who come together to celebrate, share, and expand their love for one of the world’s most storied wine regions. This dynamic and ever-growing community is the true heart of Burgundy’s legacy, offering not only prestige but genuine connection in every sip.
The True Value of Belonging
In the end, Burgundy societies are more than just access to rare bottles or exclusive tastings—they are about the relationships, stories, and shared knowledge that come with being part of a passionate community. Whether through the formal grandeur of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, the immersive experiences of La Paulée, or intimate gatherings among friends, the Burgundy community offers an unparalleled depth of connection.
For the serious Burgundy collector or investor, being part of this community adds an intangible yet invaluable layer to the experience—turning wine into something far greater than a liquid asset. It becomes a living legacy shared through generations, bound by friendships, and enriched by history.