Domaine Simon Bize winery
Domaine Simon Bize is a historic wine estate located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Established in 1880, the domaine has remained family-owned and operated for generations, gaining a reputation for producing classic, terroir-driven wines that faithfully express their origins. The estate is currently managed by Chisa Bize, who took the helm following the passing of her husband, Patrick Bize, in 2013. Patrick was instrumental in elevating the domaine’s status, focusing on meticulous vineyard work and a traditional winemaking approach that emphasized purity and balance.
The domaine’s holdings span approximately 22 hectares, primarily in Savigny-lès-Beaune, but also extending into neighboring appellations such as Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, and Beaune. The vineyards are planted to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a strong emphasis on the reds, which account for the majority of production. The estate’s parcels include several premier cru sites, such as Les Vergelesses, Aux Fournaux, Marconnets, and Les Talmettes, each offering a unique expression of Savigny’s diverse soils and microclimates.
Vineyard work at Domaine Simon Bize is guided by a deep respect for the land. The team practices lutte raisonnée, an approach that minimizes chemical inputs and prioritizes soil health and biodiversity. Many of the domaine’s vines are quite old, some exceeding 80 years, contributing to the wines’ depth and complexity. Harvest is carried out by hand, with careful selection of bunches to ensure only the healthiest fruit reaches the cellar.
In the winery, the philosophy centers on gentle extraction and minimal intervention. Grapes are destemmed or partially destemmed depending on the vintage and vineyard, with fermentation taking place in open wooden vats using indigenous yeasts. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with new wood kept to a modest proportion to avoid overpowering the delicate nuances of the fruit and terroir. The reds are known for their elegance, fine structure, and ability to age gracefully, while the whites display freshness, precision, and a subtle minerality that reflects their origins.
Domaine Simon Bize’s wines are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their understated style and consistent quality. The estate’s Savigny-lès-Beaune bottlings, both village and premier cru, epitomize the appellation’s charm—offering perfumed aromatics, supple textures, and a harmonious balance between fruit and earth. The domaine’s white wines, though less widely produced, are equally respected for their clarity and finesse.
The legacy of Domaine Simon Bize rests on a foundation of tradition, careful stewardship of the land, and a commitment to expressing the unique character of each vineyard. Under Chisa Bize’s direction, the domaine continues to honor its heritage while embracing subtle evolutions that enhance quality and sustainability. Today, Domaine Simon Bize stands as a benchmark for Savigny-lès-Beaune, producing wines that capture the essence of Burgundy’s timeless appeal.