Vintec Club's ten years anniversary celebration in Burgundy
Vintec Club recently closed its ten years anniversary celebration in style: Twenty-two members of Vintec Club from Australia and New Zealand were brought to Burgundy to explore the region and visit some of the most prestigious wine estates. Though the tour has ended here, Vintec is opening a new chapter with an exciting journey ahead.
(Partner story with Vintec)
At Vintec, there is always a firm belief that owning a Vintec should be much more than just having a wine cabinet. That's why the Vintec Club was established in 2012 - to provide customers with special and rare wine experiences. Over the years, the team has expanded the club activities and continuously developed the wine experiences offered in response to the love and trust that the members have given them.
Taking the Vintec Club members out of the ordinary wine tasting table and having them witness the winelands was a plan the team had been brewing for a long time. And that perfect occasion finally arrived: In celebration of Vintec Club's tenth anniversary and after two years of the pandemic, Vintec Club returned with a remarkable and unforgettable experience for their members in Burgundy, France - the dreamland of many wine lovers.
The tour took place over six days at the beginning of July - a perfect time to enjoy the magnificent sceneries in Europe. Throughout the tour, members unravelled the backstage of the wine industry by meeting winemakers, learning more about the history of the region, and listening to the stories of how different domains make up the reputation of Burgundy, which have been evolving to constantly produce the finest wines while still upholding their core value and tradition.
Twenty-two members of the Vintec Club joined the Burgundy tour, including the two lucky winners of a competition Vintec ran before the tour.
"The tour is the perfect balance between meeting the winemakers, seeing the landscape of Burgundy and learning about the culture, but not at a rushy pace. It is really calm and engaging", one of the members shared.
Among the members of the Vintec Club attending the tour, Vintec's co-founder Jean Marie Simart shared some stories about the club's creation back in 2012.
To celebrate the anniversary and bring Burgundy closer to the members of the club, two very special guests took part in the tour: Alexander Rougeot - Founder and Director of Clos Cachet, who is also a long-time friend and prime partner of Vintec Club in Australia; and Arvid Rosengren - Vintec's global ambassador, Star Wine List partner and famously known as ASI World's Best Sommelier 2016.
Their participation greatly contributed to a memorable tour by opening doors of boutique wineries that usually are not open to the public, guiding members, and sharing insights and knowledge that can only be faithfully passed through real experience.
Arvid Rosengren not only shared his vast knowledge of the region and its wines but also hosted one of the exclusive dinners for the members.
"It turned out to be quite amazing as we have great access to winemakers, producers, cellars, and the vineyards. We were able to show the members how the magic happens in Burgundy - as it's really the model for a lot of wine producers around the world – but also expand their palates and bring them together", says Arvid.
Why Burgundy?
Being an iconic wine region with a rich history of winemaking dating back centuries, Burgundy is the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and produces exquisite wines that are loved and appreciated by wine enthusiasts all over the world.
"Burgundy is the holy grail in the world of wine, and its wines have become the most sought after in the world", says Arvid.
"The selection only came naturally," says Alexis Desbrugeres, Vintec Club Manager for Australia and New Zealand. "Burgundy is arguably the most prestigious wine region in the world. It is the ultimate destination for any wine lover. We knew it would be special for our members and the right place to celebrate the 10th anniversary".
Located five minutes from the famous Château du Clos de Vougeot, at the heart of Burgundy, Château de Gilly was the former residence of the Cistercian Monks. Today, it is converted to a five-star hotel and was the main accommodation for the Burgundy tour.
The Tour Program
Burgundy's credential for being one of the hardest places to visit for many wine enthusiasts still holds true as the reputational land is not easily open to the public. With relatively smaller wineries than other French regions, often family-owned, finding availability for a visit and tasting is a big challenge. The program included visits to five wineries in the greatest regions of Burgundy – Nuits-St-Georges, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay/Pommard, Vosne-Romanée – where the winemakers themselves welcomed Vintec Club members.
"For me, the tour brought to life so many things", commented Matt, one of the Vintec club members attending the tour. "We could taste and experience the wines with the winemakers and Vintec community. It gave us a whole new appreciation for wine and the Burgundy region. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something that I will remember forever."
A fantastic surprise from our host Edouard Confuron, at Confuron-Gindre, in Vosne-Romanee: while visiting the cellar, members had a taste of Echezeaux Grand Cru 1997, among other amazing wines and vintages.
In addition to the visits to wineries, club members participated in activities that helped them immerse in the region, such as riding on e-scooters through the vineyards from Clos du Vougeot to Gevrey-Chambertin, visiting the Hospice de Beaune and the Fallot Mustard mill, and more.
Vintec Club route highlights:
• Domaines Albert Bichot (Nuits-St-Georges)
• Domaine Rougeot (Mersault)
• Domaine Yvon Clerget (Volnay / Pommard)
• Domaine Confuron-Gindre (Vosne-Romanee)
• Domaine Alvina Pernot (Puligny-Montrachet)
• Hospice de Beaune (Beaune)
• Mustard Mill Edmund Fallot (Beaune)
• Cite de la Gastronomie et du Vin (Dijon)
Another chapter
This adventure to Burgundy ultimately represents Vintec's most sincere gratitude to all the members, partners, winemakers, and wine lovers who have given the club a decade of trust and support. Though Vintec Club is closing the 10-year celebration here, they are opening a new chapter with an exciting journey ahead.
Do like the Pros - search 2500+ wine lists