The Grands Jours de Bourgogne (GJdB) is a wine festival in Burgundy. A celebration of the rich and varied wine culture. It is an international gathering, aimed at professionals. Dedicated to exploring, tasting and celebrating Burgundy wine. The event lasts for five days and attracts winemakers, traders, sommeliers and journalists from all over the world. This year, the fair took place from 18 to 22 March.
The GJdB is held every two years, usually in spring. This timing is strategically chosen, as it allows winemakers to present their new vintages. And, of course, it is also a pleasant time to explore the region when nature awakens.
GJdB 2024
Spread over five days, the thousands of visitors could taste around 5,700 different wines from 950 different producers. One day is dedicated to each of the five wine-producing regions. The fair always starts with Chablis and Grand Auxerrois. The second day was devoted to Côte de Beaune. The third day was dedicated to Mâconnais and Bourgogne Crémant. The fourth day was dedicated to the Côte Chalonnaise and the final day to the Côte de Nuits.
The purpose of the GJdB is twofold. First, it gives producers the opportunity to present their latest wines, showcase their craftsmanship and make direct contact with potential buyers and distributors. Second, it enables wine professionals and enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge of Burgundy wines, discover new trends and immerse themselves in the region’s unique terroirs.
Wine tasting
One of the highlights of the Grands Jours de Bourgogne is, of course, the opportunity to taste wines. For example, new vintages that have not yet been marketed. This gives visitors the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of wines and discover new favourites. Besides wine tasting, the GJdB also offers educational events, where experts and winemakers share their knowledge on different aspects of wine production, such as terroir, vinification and ageing. All in all, the GJdB is an unmissable event for anyone interested in wine and Burgundy.
Incidentally, many top producers are absent from such events. We are not likely to see a Raveneau at a fair promoting his wines….