our perspective on the exceptionnels
Why we created Les Exceptionnels
For many years, we have been guiding wine tastings in the heart of Burgundy for visitors from around the world, from curious beginners to experienced wine enthusiasts.Over time, one question came back again and again:
"Is there a way to taste some of Burgundy's most legendary wines without having to purchase these rare and often unobtainable bottles?"
Les Exceptionnels was created in response to that question.
Our goal was to offer access to wines that are rarely available by the glass and even more rarely presented together in a carefully curated tasting. These wines come from some of Burgundy's most celebrated vineyards and estates, selected not only for their prestige but also for their ability to tell the story of this unique wine region.
More than a luxury tasting, this experience is an opportunity to explore the vineyards, producers, vintages and traditions that have made Burgundy one of the world's most admired wine regions.
The origins of Les Exceptionnels
For a long time, we hesitated before offering a tasting of this nature.Working with wines of this caliber requires careful selection, proper cellaring and a thoughtful tasting sequence. Our intention was never to assemble famous labels simply for their reputation, but to create a meaningful journey through some of Burgundy's greatest terroirs.
Each monthly selection is built around a theme and designed to highlight the relationships between vineyards, vintages and producers.
A Premier Cru may help illuminate the character of a Grand Cru. A mature vintage may reveal nuances that contrast beautifully with a younger wine. A lesser-known vineyard may offer valuable perspective on one of Burgundy's most celebrated sites.
Through this tasting, we hope to share not only great wines, but also a deeper understanding of what makes them truly exceptional.
Who is this experience for?
This tasting is ideal if you...
• have a passion for Burgundy wines;• enjoy discovering rare and hard-to-find bottles;
• appreciate private and personalized experiences;
• are interested in Burgundy's vineyards, history and producers;
• are celebrating a special occasion in Burgundy;
• enjoy taking the time to understand what makes a truly great wine.
This experience may not be the best fit if you...
• are completely new to wine;• are looking for an introductory wine tasting class;
• prefer to taste a large number of wines rather than a small selection of exceptional bottles;
• are primarily seeking a technical wine education class.
What we hope to share through this experience
Beyond the wines themselves, our ambition is to provide participants with a deeper appreciation of Burgundy's greatest terroirs.Guests often leave with a clearer understanding of:
• the concept of terroir and climats in Burgundy;
• the distinction between Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards;
• the influence of vintage on a wine's character;
• the individual style of some of Burgundy's most respected estates;
• the aging potential of fine Burgundy;
• the historical significance of these remarkable wines.
Most importantly, this experience offers the rare opportunity to compare exceptional wines side by side under ideal tasting conditions.
The tasting conditions we have chosen
Why do we use the Coravin system?
When working with bottles of this rarity, preservation is essential.We use the Coravin system to serve each wine by the glass without removing the cork. This technology minimizes oxidation and helps preserve the integrity of each bottle after service.
It allows us to present exceptionally rare wines while ensuring they are enjoyed under the best possible conditions.
The use of Coravin also enables us to renew selections regularly and offer wines that would otherwise be extremely difficult to experience by the glass.
Why have we chosen Sydonios glassware?
Glassware plays a significant role in the way a wine is perceived.For Les Exceptionnels, we use hand-blown Sydonios crystal glasses crafted in France. Their precision, balance and elegance allow the wines to express themselves with remarkable clarity.
When tasting wines of this caliber, every detail matters. Choosing the right glass is part of our commitment to presenting each wine in the best possible way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a wine expert to participate?
Not at all. Curiosity and an interest in Burgundy wines are far more important than technical knowledge. We always adapt our commentary to the experience level of our guests.Are the wines always the same?
No. Each month features a new selection of wines. Every tasting is carefully curated around a specific theme, with the wines chosen according to availability, vintages and the story we wish to tell through Burgundy’s finest terroirs.Why is this experience available by reservation only?
Each tasting requires careful preparation, from wine selection to service. Advance reservations allow us to ensure the highest quality experience.Why is participation limited?
We deliberately keep these tastings private and intimate. Smaller groups encourage discussion, questions and a more personal experience.Can this experience be privatized?
Yes. Les Exceptionnels was designed as a private tasting and can accommodate from one to nine participants.An experience inspired by decades of tasting
After decades spent tasting, teaching and exploring Burgundy's vineyards, we know that many of the region's most remarkable wines remain inaccessible to most enthusiasts simply because they are rare and seldom offered by the glass.Les Exceptionnels is our way of sharing these discoveries in a setting that is intimate, educational and respectful of the wines themselves.
Beyond the prestige of the labels, our goal is to create memorable experiences, foster a deeper understanding of Burgundy and offer the unique pleasure of tasting wines that few people ever have the opportunity to enjoy.
Discover Les Exceptionnels
Each monthly selection is available by appointment only and can be privatized for groups of one to nine participants.
View the current Les Exceptionnels selection