A Burgundy Reverie: COMO Le Montrachet’s Renaissance

COMO Le Montrachet’s integration into Puligny-Montrachet feels effortless, a natural extension of the town’s oenophile soul. Step outside, and you’re mere paces from the Grand Cru vineyards—Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet—that have made this corner of the Côte de Beaune a pilgrimage site for wine lovers. The hotel’s concierge can whisk you away on curated tours through these hallowed plots, where the chalky soil and gentle slopes produce some of the world’s most coveted Chardonnays. Back at the property, Maison Chanzy, a dedicated tasting space across the square, offers a vaulted cellar and sun-dappled garden for sipping the appellation’s grandest wares alongside sharing platters that elevate the art of the aperitif.

Dinner at the hotel’s Le Montrachet restaurant is an event unto itself, a culinary ode to Burgundy helmed by Chef Romain Versino. His menu dances between tradition and innovation—think cereal-crusted pigeon, a year-round signature, or a Charolais beef dish so tender it melts like a whisper. The sommelier’s wine list is a treasure trove, boasting over 1,200 references, including 200+ Grands Crus, each pairing meticulously chosen to elevate Versino’s creations. Dine beneath exposed beams and glowing spherical lights, or, in summer, on the shaded terrace overlooking the impeccably manicured garden. It’s a scene so effortlessly chic, you’ll wonder how you ever dined anywhere else.

Beyond the hotel’s walls, Puligny-Montrachet unfurls as a playground for the senses. A leisurely stroll through the Grand Crus reveals a landscape of postcard perfection—vineyards stretching toward the horizon, punctuated by stately châteaux and quaint villages that seem plucked from a Francophile’s dream. The Route des Grands Crus begs to be explored, whether by bike (two wheels suffice for this cycling haven) or a rented convertible from Lyon, a breezy two-hour drive away. And whispers abound of Château de la Commarine’s imminent opening—a tantalizing hint of another luxe retreat joining Burgundy’s elite, though details remain as elusive as a rare vintage.

For daytime indulgence, lunch at Le Soufflot in nearby Meursault is a must. This unassuming spot delivers an insane wine list value—think Dujac and Roumier bottles at prices that feel like a well-kept secret. Pair them with casual yet impeccable dishes, and you’ve got a midday escape that’s equal parts relaxed and refined. Further afield, La Ferme de Ruchottes (a rustic gem worth the trek) offers farm-to-table fare with a cult following, while Le Table du Square in Beaune serves up sophisticated plates in a setting that’s pure Parisian polish meets Burgundian soul. Each spot is a reminder that this region’s pleasures extend far beyond the vine.

COMO Le Montrachet isn’t just a hotel—it’s a portal to Burgundy’s beating heart, a place where every detail, from the crisp linens to the last sip of a Grand Cru, feels curated for the discerning traveler. As the sun dips below the vineyards and the village square falls silent, you’ll find yourself plotting a return before you’ve even left. Puligny-Montrachet has always been a destination for those in the know; now, with COMO’s touch, it’s an invitation to live the fantasy—glass in hand, and the world at your feet.