Burgundy

Wine

Burgundy is one of France's main wine-producing areas known for its whites and reds mostly, chardonnay and pinot noir varieties. The history of this wine area goes back to around 50BC. The Celts were producing wine then, and the Romans took over when they conquered the region. The Benedictines became the first big Burgundy vineyard owners in the 900's and a bit later followed by the Cistercians. Monks maintained the vines and passed their knowledge and skills on. 

Does Dijon mustard actually come from Dijon? 

Yes! The Romans first produced it, and they established a tradition of grinding the mustard seeds, then mixing this with white vinegar. Then in 1752, the mustard was revolutionalized when the sour juice of unripe grapes was added, giving it the creamy texture it has today. Although Dijon mustard has been uprooted from its homeland, if you want it to be the "real deal", it's got to be made in Burgundy's Cote d'Or region with the mustard seeds grown in this soil. 

Geography

Burgundy is one of France's most prominent regions and comprises a plateau of low hills and at its centre some small mountains, the Morvan. It is also covered by forest and, not surprisingly, by lots of vineyards. It consists of 4 departements; Core d'Or, Nievre, Saone-et-Loire and Yonne. Its largest city of Dijon, and a few rivers flow through it, including the Loire, Saone and Seine. It has 600 miles of rivers and canals, and this is how many people travel through it by boat or barge. It is France's most navigable region by water.