Dijon University: Pilgrimage to Clone Zero

How to Complete

4 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. 📜 1

   Find the Jules Guyot Building (IUVV)

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   The Institut Universitaire de la Vigne et du Vin (IUVV) — the Wine and Vine University Institute where clone research continues today — sits on the Université de Bourgogne campus (Rue Jules Guyot, Dijon, GPS: 47.3220, 5.0415). Look for signage mentioning 'IUVV' or 'Institut de la Vigne et du Vin' near the building named after Jules Guyot (1807-1872), the father of modern viticulture. The campus is walkable and public — photograph the research institute exterior and ask at main reception if any open days are scheduled.

   🔄 BACKUP: If you can't access the campus, the Bibliothèque municipale de Dijon (city library) has historical materials on Burgundy viticulture research.

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2. 📜 2

   Decode the Clone Numbers

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   Understand why 777 is 777 - the numbers tell a story.

   THE LESSON: Clone numbers aren't random. They're CATALOG NUMBERS assigned in order of official French certification. TIMELINE: First batch (111-115) certified in 1971 as virus-free strains. Series 665-668 came in 1980. Series 743+ (including 777) certified in 1981. So 777 was literally the 777th French vine clone officially certified - any variety, not just Pinot. MEMORIZE: 115 = 1971 workhorse, balanced; 667 = 1980 dark cherry; 777 = 1981 spicy genius; 828 = finesse clone. The French Chamber of Agriculture (Chambre d'agriculture) assigns these numbers. When you taste a '777 clone' wine in California, you're drinking the 777th plant France ever certified. PHOTO OP: If you find any plaque or signage mentioning clones or viticulture research, photograph it (GPS: 47.3220, 5.0415).

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3. 🍷 3

   Reward Yourself at Les Halles

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   This iron-and-glass market designed by Eiffel's team is where Burgundy's growers and restaurateurs shop, making it the perfect reward after visiting clone science ground zero. Walk 20 minutes from the university through central Dijon to Les Halles de Dijon (Rue Odebert, GPS: 47.3215, 5.0447, open Tuesday-Saturday 7am-1pm). Find a wine bar inside and order a Côtes de Nuits-Villages or Marsannay — the affordable wines from near Dijon — then ask: 'Which clone is this made from?' You've just visited where clone science was born and now you're drinking the results.

   🔄 BACKUP: If market is closed, try Le Comptoir de la Cité at 2 Place du Théâtre - they pour serious Burgundy.

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4. ⛰️ 4

   Find the Mustard-Wine Connection

   Optional

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   DIJON'S OTHER CLAIM TO FAME: This city invented Dijon mustard using VERJUICE (unripe grape juice) instead of vinegar. The same terroir that grows Pinot Noir makes the mustard sharp.

   📍 WHERE: Moutarde Maille, 32 Rue de la Liberté (GPS: 47.3232, 5.0421). The historic boutique has been here since 1747.

   💡 WHAT: Taste mustards made with different wines - they offer samples. Ask specifically about mustard made with Burgundy wine. The connection: same land, same grapes, different products.

   🎯 HOW: Open daily. Buy a jar of wine-infused mustard as a souvenir - it's a tangible reminder that Dijon's identity is built on grape culture.

   🔄 BACKUP: Fallot mustard mill in nearby Beaune offers factory tours if Maille is too crowded.

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Insider Tips

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  The IUVV sometimes hosts open days during the academic year - check u-bourgogne.fr for events.

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  Dijon 115 was certified in 1971 - it's been the workhorse clone for 50+ years, still planted worldwide.

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  Les Halles was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel - the iron framework resembles the Eiffel Tower structure.

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  The Burgundy School of Business also has wine programs if you want formal study - they're adjacent to the university.

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  Dijon is 30 minutes by train from Beaune - combine the clone pilgrimage with vineyard visits.