The Château du Clos de Vougeot stands at the centre of the Clos de Vougeot grand cru vineyard in the Côte de Nuits, the northern section of the Côte d'Or in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The entire 50-hectare walled vineyard plot is a single lieu-dit enclosed by a stone wall laid down by Cistercian monks from the nearby Abbaye de Cîteaux beginning in the 12th century. The château at its heart, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, served as the monks' winemaking facility and preserves four monumental 13th-century wine presses — large oak and stone mechanisms once used to press the harvest — that represent the most tangible material connection to the medieval Cistercian viticultural tradition. The building is now owned by the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a celebrated Burgundy wine brotherhood founded in 1934, which holds its lavish induction banquets here each year. Guided tours cover the cellars, the great hall, and the press room, explaining the division of the vineyard among its more than 80 current owners — a situation created when the property was fragmented after the French Revolution. The surrounding vineyard, while not accessible to visitors, can be walked along the perimeter path on the D122 road. The guided tour takes approximately 45 minutes. The château is open daily except during private events.
| Admission | Adults €7 (~$7.65) |
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Highlights
- 12th-to-16th-century château at the centre of one of Burgundy's most famous grand cru vineyards
- Four monumental 12th-century Cistercian wine presses — among the oldest surviving in Burgundy
- Home of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, Burgundy's ceremonial wine brotherhood
- UNESCO Climat landscape — 50 hectares of walled Pinot Noir vineyard on the Côte de Nuits
- Cellar and great hall tour explaining the vineyard's division among more than 80 current owners
Tips for visiting
- The guided tour is the only way to access the press room and cellars — join a tour on arrival rather than attempting a self-guided visit.
- Visit on a weekday morning when tour groups are smallest and guides have more time for questions.
- Combine with a stop at Vosne-Romanée (2 km south) and Nuits-Saint-Georges (4 km south) for domaine tasting appointments.
- The perimeter path along the D122 past the clos wall provides a good view of the vineyard and château exterior at no cost.
- During private Chevaliers du Tastevin events the château is closed to the public — check the schedule before visiting.
When to visit
Open daily year-round except during private events. Autumn harvest season (late September to October) is the most atmospheric time, with vineyard activity visible from the perimeter road. Spring and early summer offer the quietest weekday visits.
Accessibility
The courtyard and ground floor of the château are accessible for wheelchair users. The cellar tour involves descending a staircase; an alternative ground-floor route covering the press room can be requested on arrival. The perimeter path along the D122 is a flat paved road accessible for all.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Château du Clos de Vougeot take?
The guided tour takes approximately 45 minutes. With time in the gift shop and the exterior viewing area, allow an hour in total.
Can visitors taste wine at Clos de Vougeot?
The château itself does not offer tastings of Clos de Vougeot wines — the vineyard is divided among many independent producers. Tastings of Clos de Vougeot grand cru can be arranged at individual domaines in the Côte de Nuits, typically by appointment.
Is photography allowed at Château du Clos de Vougeot?
Photography for personal use is permitted in most areas of the tour including the press room and courtyard. Flash photography is not allowed near the ancient presses.