Au Fil du Zinc is Dijon's leading natural wine bar, positioned on Rue Amiral Roussin in the historic centre of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté's regional capital. The bar specialises in small-producer, low-intervention wines — Burgundy from little-known domaines, vin jaune from the neighbouring Jura, skin-contact whites, pétillant naturel, and Beaujolais naturel — that rarely appear on the lists of the city's more conventional restaurants. The interior is anchored by a traditional zinc bar top, giving the venue its punning name, and the aesthetic combines an old-fashioned French zinc-bar feel with natural wine credentials: chalkboards listing the daily rotating selection, mismatched glasses, and a comfortable noise level that encourages conversation without shouting. The crowd is a mix of Dijon's food and drink professionals, students from the local university who have developed a taste for the genre, and a regular contingent of visitors passing through on the Route des Grands Crus. The age range spans mid-20s to mid-50s; the atmosphere is inclusive and knowledgeable but never pretentious. There is no dress code; jeans and a sweater are as welcome as a blazer.
The wine list changes weekly as new producers are sourced and bottles are added. The focus is resolutely on France — Burgundy, Jura, Loire, and Beaujolais dominate — with occasional bottles from Corsica or the Languedoc offering contrast. By-the-glass pricing runs from €5 to €10, with bottles available for drinking in or taking home. A concise snack menu of charcuterie and cheese boards supplements the drinks. The bar is open Monday through Saturday from 17:00 to 01:00, making it equally suited to early-evening aperitif culture and late-night lingering. Thursday and Friday evenings are typically at their liveliest from around 20:00. No cover charge is imposed and no reservation system operates. The zinc bar counter fills fastest; arriving before the post-work rush at 18:30 ensures a prime position close to staff for impromptu wine education.
Good to know
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 17:00–01:00
- Signature
- Natural wine bar — best selection of small-producer Burgundy, Jura vin jaune, and Beaujolais naturel in Dijon; zinc bar with lively atmosphere
Location
22 Rue Amiral Roussin, 21000 Dijon
47.3205, 5.0380 View on map
Highlights
- Discovering rare Jura vin jaune and small-producer Burgundy by the glass from the weekly-changing chalk list
- Experiencing authentic French zinc-bar culture at one of Dijon's most knowledgeable natural wine bars
- Tasting pétillant naturel and skin-contact whites from producers rarely seen outside specialist shops
- Late-night conversation with Dijon's wine and food community at one of the city's most sociable counters
- Pairing natural wines with regional charcuterie and cheese boards at the bar
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 18:30 to claim a spot at the zinc bar — it is the best seat in the house for engaging with staff
- Ask which bottles have just been opened; staff often pour tastes from new arrivals before adding them to the board
- Thursday and Friday evenings see the widest range of regulars and the most animated atmosphere
- The bar is closed Sundays — factor this into any multi-day Dijon itinerary
- Small-producer bottles for take-away are priced fairly; buying a bottle to share over the evening is common practice here
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to know about natural wine to enjoy Au Fil du Zinc?
No expertise is required. Staff are enthusiastic about sharing what makes each wine interesting, and the informal atmosphere encourages questions. A curiosity for new flavours is the only prerequisite.
How often does the wine selection change?
The by-the-glass and bottle list is updated weekly as the owner sources new producers. Returning on a subsequent visit is likely to yield an entirely different selection from the first.
Is there food available?
A concise menu of charcuterie and cheese boards is offered to accompany the wines, keeping to simple pairings that let the drinks take centre stage.
What are the best nights to visit?
Thursday and Friday evenings from around 20:00 offer the liveliest atmosphere, with a mix of professionals, students, and regular locals. Quieter weeknights offer a more relaxed pace for focused tasting.
Can bottles be purchased to take away?
Yes — bottles from the rotating selection can be purchased for take-home, typically at retail prices. Staff can advise on which producers are available in multiples.