Like Burgundy, the department of Yonne itself has a rich winegrowing heritage, comprising five main vineyards.
In the Auxerrois vineyards, in the Yonne Valley, the typical grape varieties of Burgundy are represented, with names that are music to wine-lovers' ears: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté, Gamay. This area produces red, white and rosé wines and is the birthplace of the AOC Crémant de Bourgogne, with its festive bubbles.
The Joigny vineyards, which also stretch along the Yonne, produce famous vins gris from a grape variety seldom found in Burgundy, as well as red wines. The star of the area is AOC Bourgogne Côte Saint-Jacques, with its fruity notes. The wine is worth tasting and the site worth discovering: from the slopes of the Côte Saint-Jacques vineyard, overlooking the town of Joigny, you can admire the Yonne Valley and the rooftops of the picturesque community. In Champvallon, not far from Joigny, you can see a little local curiosity: an old 12th-century grape press that is brought back into action during the grape harvest each year.
Covering the slopes of the Armançon Valley, the Tonnerre vineyards are renowned for their white wines with floral, fruity aromas. The Vézelay vineyards, meanwhile, thrive on the slopes that surround the village. There again, you can admire the landscapes of the Cure Valley while tasting its white wine made from Chardonnay grapes, which is a beautiful pale yellow colour.
But the best-known vineyards are probably those of Chablis. Their four appellations, from Petit Chablis to Chablis Grand Cru, are made from just one grape variety, Chardonnay. The finesse, freshness and purity of these dry white wines have earned them an international reputation, and Chablis is a must for lovers of great wines. Its generous vines grow in the beautiful Serein Valley.
Three of these various vineyards have earned the Vignobles & Découvertes wine tourism label: Chablisien, Auxerrois and Tonnerrois. When you set off to discover the viticultural identity of Yonne and travel its vineyard tourist route, you can also appreciate its typical scenic villages, contemplate its rolling landscapes, and admire the traditional architecture of its winegrowers' houses. There are also opportunities to meet the local winegrowers, who will be delighted to share their passion for the vine with you and invite you to a tasting!