Chablis, and yes I know it's Burgundy

A two-hour drive from Paris brings you to the beginning of Burgundy and the region of Chablis. Famous for their fantastic chardonnay's, this is one beautiful wine region. I'll focus on the Pinot Noir's further south in a separate post as Chablis has much to offer.

Arriving around noon, I go to the center of Chablis and visit an outdoor cafe. Cafe la Chablisienne is comfortable and suitable for a coffee and croissant or my preference, a Croque Monsieur, the delicious French version of a ham and cheese sandwich (but really so much more! Down the street is one of my favorite wine shops, Le Grande Cave de Vougeot. They carry a wide selection of the great Chablis wines of the region. Premier, Grand Cru's, Chablis, and the new Petite Chablis. (which is technically outside of Burgundy but who am I to argue with French Farmers).  The shop also has many samples for you to try, many of which don't have tasting rooms in town. This wine shop is a stop I highly recommend making. 

Tasting Rooms of Chablis: there are many tasting rooms to visit, and I like going to ones I'm familiar with and, as always, try ones I'm not. My two favorites are William Fevre and Domain Sevrin, both accomplished houses with some of the finest Chablis you'll taste. Other wineries to consider Domain Bardet et Fils, Domaine Laroche, Domaine Fourrey, and Domain Pinson. Now a little warning about some of these tasting rooms, they will close the door in your face at lunchtime. I'm not kidding. I've had this happen to me, and it's shockingly rude.

Chablis is also a great walking town with many small side streets that take you along many wine houses that don't have tasting rooms. One such walk led me to the world's largest collection of fighter jets. They sit behind Chateau de Savigny les Beaune with cars and motorcycles too. I suggest putting the two round towers of the southern gate to Chablis as your arrival destination. Rue Porte Noel leads you into a section of Chablis that's one of France's most picturesque.  I particularly like going during the fall and walking along the many waterways that only add to its charm. If you find you've spent your entire day in Chablis without having time to continue into Beaune, get a hotel for the night and awake the next day with only a 90-minute drive to the Nirvana destination of the wine world. It's happened to me, and I hope it happens to you.