Château de Pommard

Château de Pommard is a historic wine estate in the village of Pommard, right in the heart of Burgundy, just a short drive south of Beaune. The property has produced wine continuously since 1726 and holds one of the largest single walled vineyards in the region — a stone-enclosed plot of roughly 20 hectares known as Clos Marey-Monge.

What can you see on site?

The estate is built around two separate château buildings, framed by carefully maintained French and English-style gardens. Walking the grounds, visitors pass sculptures, fountains, and open views toward the vine-covered hills surrounding the village. It's one of the few Burgundy estates where a garden stroll, a cellar visit, and a tasting of wine grown just meters away all happen in the same afternoon.

The cellars, partly carved into rock, hold the oak barrels where the estate's signature wines age. Guides walk visitors through the property's history, its winemaking approach, and its shift toward biodynamic farming — trials began on 2.5 hectares in 2016, with the stated goal of converting the whole vineyard by the 2019 vintage.

What wines does Château de Pommard make?

Production splits into two distinct ranges. The "Clos" wines are made solely from Pinot Noir grapes grown within the walled Clos Marey-Monge, making them the estate's most exclusive and limited bottlings. The second range, labeled "Family" wines, covers a broader set: Grand Cru, Premier Cru, village-level, and regional Bourgogne wines, made from both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from appellations scattered across the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune.

Who runs the estate today?

Since 2014, Château de Pommard has been owned and operated by Michael Baum, an American entrepreneur who acquired the châteaux, the vineyard, and the winemaking facilities. Under his ownership, the estate has expanded its visitor program — guided tours, tastings, and hands-on workshops now sit alongside the traditional business of bottling and selling wine.

How do you get to Château de Pommard?

The estate sits in the commune of Pommard, in the Côte-d'Or department, only a few minutes' drive from central Beaune, the unofficial wine capital of Burgundy. Arriving by car is the simplest option, with parking right at the entrance. Travelers relying on public transport can reach Beaune by train or bus and continue by taxi or a local wine-tour shuttle — the short route runs through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune.

When is the best time to visit?

The stretch from May through October is ideal for walking the gardens and taking in the green vineyard views, while September and early October let visitors catch the harvest (vendange), when activity in the fields peaks. Winter visits are quieter, with fewer crowds around the cellar tours and tastings.

Frequently asked questions

Is Château de Pommard open to visitors? Yes. The estate offers guided tours, wine tastings, and garden walks, making it one of the few Burgundy properties that combines history, architecture, and active winemaking in a single visit.

What's the difference between the "Clos" and "Family" wines? "Clos" wines come exclusively from Pinot Noir grown inside the walled Clos Marey-Monge, while the "Family" range spans a wider set of wines — Grand Cru, Premier Cru, village, and Bourgogne — from various appellations across the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.

Does the estate use biodynamic farming? Trials started in 2016 on 2.5 hectares, with the aim of converting the entire vineyard to biodynamic methods starting with the 2019 vintage.

How close is it to Beaune? The château is just a few kilometers from central Beaune, making it an easy stop on a day trip through the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune.