Grands Jours and exploring the Chalonnais
On paper “Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne” is not really the best time ( March ) for a photographer to visit Burgundy. The vigneron are busy with their bi-enniel home fixture with the world’s wine buyers and wine press. They must be transported, fed, entertained and, apparently, protected from the elements. I’m told one journalist arrived at Mercurey during the deluge on Thursday and, on seeing the next available asking space was some distance from the venue, turned round and went away! Well he missed a good tasting, excellent value and an excellent lunch ( prepared for 950 visitors !). The old adage of rain following a view of Mont Blanc should have made him think of taking the navette from Beaune on Thursday.
The week began as usual at Dijon station at lunchtime an I headed for a session with Gregory and Antoine Gouges in Nuits.
Consider how many people have rung that bell,including all the Burgundy aficionados you could name.
Gregory and Antoine finally relax !
Tuesday: Its the Palais de Congrés in Beaune today to get mt GJs accreditation and hopefully use the press room’s wifi to email my Gouges portrait back to UK. Then cruise the Volnay, Beaune, Pommard tastings for old friends and new subjects.
BIVB press room facilities.
Brian Sieve from de Montille and François Bitouzet discuss Volnay
Jean-Marc Cachat reminds me where we met last time.
Yes he was planing new chardonnay vines above Beaune, not Pommard as I thought. Close to the border no doubt !
While Pierre Cornu’s cousin Manu holds the fort in Beaune as he is at Terriors de Corton in Latour’s cuverie.
Look what I find at Terroirs de Corton and I meet a lady “subjugée” by the pictures !
The Latour cuverie, a national monument seems to be where everyone wants to be.
I’m lucky to catch up with the new man in charge at Bonneau du Martray and get a few pictures
Off to Meursault’s renovated leper hospital and a greeting from Marie-Anne Bouzereau-Gruere.
Meursault has its own show and expects plenty of visitors
Quite a sandwich at Meursault !
That’s enough crowds for the day, I’m off to the south in search of some drama !
An odd corner in Bouzeron.
Wednesday promised to be the best day of the week and I’m lucky to have a B+B in the vines
Mist over Buxy.
with a grandstand view over Buxy and I was lucky to have a guide as Thierry Daventure from the B+B to take me around Montagny.
Montagny les Buxy. Home to some of my favourite whites.
Working above the mist at Montagny.
With Jully les Buxy in the distance.
A lunchtime walk in Buxy.
metalwork in Buxy 1
Metal work in Buxy 2
José in Moroges.
What goes with a good Chalonnais red…?
Charolais !
Exploring Givry.
Not sure anyone’s home though.
But plenty to see.
The perfect time to tour the Vaux valley.
St Denis de Vaux.
Only shadows in the streets at St Jean de Vaux.
Thursday in Mercurey brought a different story…
Water into wine ..?
What they are all here for.
Paul Jacqueson serving wine at lunchtime.
No shortage of choice.
Anyone for cheese?
Something sweet and sticky?
Have pencil, will travel.
Heading off to Rully I see a Mercurey name I recognise.
Champ St Martin on the road to Rully.
Vincent discusses Rully.
Friday. Homeward bound after a final call at the GJs
Burning prunings at Gevrey – after the rain.
Inside at the GJs at Gevrey
Gendarmes from Gevrey told me they were just looking… So was I ! Time to catch my train.
jonatcorton 
Dear Jona, You have some great photographs that I am admiring from afar. I’d like to get in touch with you to see how we could work together. Can you please email me back? My best, Mandy
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May 3, 2018 at 7:39 am
Good morning Mandy, how can I help ?
Best
Jon Wyand
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May 3, 2018 at 8:30 am