Walk the Walls of Clos de Vougeot

In 1098, Cistercian monks at Cîteaux Abbey began the world's first systematic wine research project. They weren't just making wine - they were documenting which 10-meter strip of hillside made better wine than the one next to it. By 1336, they had built a 50-hectare walled vineyard and established the template for every 'Grand Cru' classification that followed.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Find the 12th-Century Press Room History · Price: low

   Locate the massive wooden grape presses that monks used for 700+ years.

   Book the €12 Guided Tour (English at 11:30am or 3:30pm). The press room (cuverie) is on the ground floor - you'll see four massive 16th-century wooden presses. Stand between them and look up at the oak beams - they're original from 1551. Ask your guide about the 'one stone per monk' legend.

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2. 2 Walk the 1km Vineyard Wall Adventure · Free

   The wall enclosing the 50-hectare Grand Cru dates from the monks' time.

   Exit the château grounds and turn right onto Route des Grands Crus. The stone wall runs alongside the road for ~1km. Touch the stones - they're 800+ years old. Find the section near the north corner where you can see the different construction periods (rougher stones = older). No ticket needed - the wall is public.

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3. 3 Watch 'Jamais en Vain, Toujours en Vin' History · Price: low · Optional

   The film about the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin plays in the château.

   Included in the €12 tour. The film room is upstairs after the cellar tour. The title translates to 'Never in vain, always in wine' - the motto of the brotherhood founded here in 1934. Look for the ceremonial robes on display - 14,000 members have been inducted in this room.

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4. 4 Find the Secret Monks' Garden Adventure · Free · Optional

   A hidden herb garden behind the château that most visitors miss.

   After your tour, walk around the château to the rear (east side). There's a small medicinal herb garden recreating what monks would have grown for wine preservation and health. Entry is free but unmarked - ask staff to point out the door if you can't find it.

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Insider tips

• Book the 11:30am English tour - it's less crowded than the 3:30pm

• The château no longer produces wine (the vineyard is divided among 80+ owners), but the press room is the best-preserved monastic winery in Burgundy

• Bring a picnic - there are tables outside with vineyard views

• The Confrérie du Tastevin hosts 12 ceremonial dinners annually here - look up dates if you want to apply to attend