Almost a third of this small village on the outskirts of Beaune is planted with vines, demonstrating the inhabitants’ pride in the pinot noir grape.
Surrounded by acres of vineyards that catapulted it to fame, Pommard is tiny but influential in the wine world. The town is named for Pomona, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Viticulture in the area started in the 11th century and has been popular with everyone from the Knights of Malta to Napoleon. Savor the taste of muscular pinot noirs. Note that it is illegal to plant white grapes in the area.
Arrive in Pommard in style on a bicycle from nearby Beaune. Spend time in the village’s tiny downtown, dotted with wine cellars and specialty shops such as the well-considered Appellation Chocolat. Appreciate the distinctive Romanesque tower of the centuries-old Pommard Church, a simple village church that acts as a beacon for all those searching for the town.
Meander up and down the street, stopping at one of the many vineyards, from the Domaine Billard-Gonnet at the top of the village to the Domaine Joillot Jean-Luc at the bottom.
Reserve time for the Château de Pommard, the village’s large and famous winery, which is housed in a magnificent 18th-century castle. Sign up for a tour of the vines stretching out behind the enormous buildings or for a class in the basics of wine. Enjoy an afternoon sipping pinot noir, before purchasing a bottle or two to bring some of the delicious flavors back home.
Pommard is at the southern border of the Côte d’Or, a 15-minute bike ride, hour-long walk or 10-minute drive from the nearby city of Beaune. Drive here in 40 minutes from Dijon or in several hours from the closest international airports in Lyon and Geneva. Train connections to the rest of France, including Paris, are located in Beaune.
On your way home, enjoy your newly purchased Pommard wine with a picnic amid the vines, paired with aromatic local Epoisses cheese and a freshly baked baguette.
