It’s a “Grape” Day for Northern Burgundy’s Chablis Wine

From the full-bodied reds of the Cote d’Or Burgundy to the flinty whites found exclusively in the Alsace-Lorraine, the wine experience on a Barge Lady cruise in France adds a uniquely epicurean dimension.

When it comes to the grapes of Northern Burgundy, guests aboard the Charming-class, 12-guest Luciole are treated to an oenophile’s dream. Each lunch and dinner is thoughtfully paired with wines chosen to complement the region’s seasonal cuisine—up to 24 distinct bottles over the course of the week, each revealing a new layer of Burgundy’s nuanced terroir.

From flinty Chablis to structured whites from lesser-known appellations, every glass poured on the Luciole shares a story of place, climate, and craft.

On shore, guided excursions to family-run vineyards and historic Domaines — such as the legendary Albert Bichot — offer behind-the-scenes access to working cellars, grand cru vines, and multi-generational winemakers who share their passion with warmth and pride. Guests walk the same limestone-laced soil that gives Chablis its signature minerality, taste wines just steps from where the grapes were grown, and gain firsthand insight into the traditions that have defined this region for centuries.

So pour yourself a glass of something crisp and mineral-driven, and join the Barge Ladies in northern Burgundy for an unforgettable immersion into the soul of Chardonnay—where every swirl, sip, and story flows as effortlessly as the Yonne River itself.

MEET THE PAMPERED GRAPES OF NORTHERN BURGUNDY

In the northernmost stretch of Burgundy lies a wine region revered for its singular white: Chablis. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Chablis is the ultimate expression of terroir—its identity shaped not by oak or winemaking trickery, but by the ancient soils and stark climate of the Yonne River Valley. Here, Chardonnay sheds its creamy reputation and instead emerges lean, racy, and mineral-driven, with crisp acidity, flinty aromatics, and an almost saline finish.

Chablis is divided into four official appellations, each revealing a different nuance of the region’s identity and offering a distinct lens through which to experience its revered Chardonnay:

• At the entry level is Petit Chablis, grown on higher-elevation plateaus with younger Portlandian limestone soils. These wines are light, crisp, and approachable, marked by lively citrus and white flower notes—perfect for early drinking and showcasing the bright, zippy side of Chablis.
• Next comes the Chablis AOC, which makes up the bulk of the region’s production. Sourced from vineyards surrounding the town of Chablis, often on Kimmeridgian limestone, these wines deliver the region’s signature style: green apple, lemon zest, and wet stone, all wrapped in a spine of racy acidity. They are quintessentially Chablis—pure, mineral, and mouthwatering.
• A step up in complexity and structure is Chablis Premier Cru, drawn from 40 designated climats (vineyard plots) with better sun exposure, hillside positioning, and older soils. These wines often show more depth and layering, with hints of white peach, honey, and oyster shell. With aging potential and site-specific character, Premier Cru Chablis begins to flirt with the profound.
• At the pinnacle sits Chablis Grand Cru, a single slope just north of the town, home to seven legendary climats such as Les Clos, Vaudésir, and Blanchot. These vineyards, bathed in sunlight and rooted in deep Kimmeridgian marl, yield powerful, age-worthy wines with remarkable tension, richness, and complexity. Grand Cru Chablis often benefits from a touch of oak, lending even greater nuance to its already intricate profile.

THE TASTE OF PASSION, PRECISION, AND HERITAGE

Sipping crisp, mineral-rich Chardonnay just steps from the very vines that gave it life offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the soul of northern Burgundy. This isn’t a stop at the average tasting room; rather, the Luciole offers an intimate experience at one of Chablis’ most storied domaines, far from the tourist trail. Within the ancient walls of Albert Bichot’s Domaine Long-Depaquit, guests are treated to an contemporary encounter with terroir and tradition, making it one of the Luciole’s most unforgettable moments.