Épineuil combines a distinctive wine-growing landscape with opportunities to explore on foot and enjoy cultural attractions. The vineyards lie on steep hillsides between hills and valleys, at elevations of 140 to 265 metres. Le balcon du Tonnerrois passes through Épineuil, and the Église Saint-Étienne adds an architectural highlight to your stay. You can therefore choose from several different ways to explore the area: tastings, walks and architectural history.
Wine, Tastings and Tours
The Bourgogne Épineuil designation covers red or rosé Burgundy wine and is a geographical designation within the protected designation of origin Bourgogne. At Mathias Alain in Épineuil, visitors can taste white, red and rosé wines from the terroirs of Épineuil, Tonnerre and Chablis. Visitors can also tour the vineyards and wine cellar. Details of these visitor offerings may change; check the current options in advance.
The history of Domaine Dominique Gruhier began in 1212 with a wine cellar operated under the authority of the Cistercian abbey of Notre Dame de Quincy. The Domaine’s visitor offerings include wine tastings, tours and cooking classes. So, in addition to wine, you can also get involved in the kitchen here.
At Domaine du Val Grévin, you can visit a traditional vaulted cellar; creative and drawing workshops for children are also offered. The vineyard walk is available by advance booking only. If this walk is part of your plans, be sure to arrange your booking accordingly.
Walking Trails Through the Village and Vineyards
Le balcon du Tonnerrois passes through Épineuil and includes several specific local landmarks. The route reaches the village via a stony path and descends Rue de la Vallée towards the church. Before leaving Épineuil, it passes the washhouse. Walkers who want to keep the route through the village and such stopping points in mind will find a different kind of guidance here than on a trail with a stated distance and difficulty level.
La Fosse Dionne & les coteaux d’Epineuil is a moderately difficult 19.5-kilometre walking route. Parts of the trail run along the vineyards. The municipality also has 200 hectares of woodland with opportunities for walking. Comparing the two named routes, the landmarks along the Balcon can be set against the stated 19.5 kilometres and moderate difficulty of the La Fosse route. Route details may change; check the latest information before setting out.
The Église Saint-Étienne and Its Architectural History
The Église Saint-Étienne d’Épineuil has been listed as a historic monument in France since 28 October 1965. Its architectural elements date from the 12th to the 16th centuries. A particularly distinctive feature is its 12th-century square bell tower with a hexagonal stair turret.
The dates point to a building history spanning several centuries: the bell tower dates from the 12th century, while the architectural elements as a whole extend through to the 16th century. Those interested in architecture can distinguish the specific type of tower from the church’s broader chronological span, rather than assigning the whole building to just one period.
You can prioritise different interests when planning: the options range from wine tastings and cooking classes to a vineyard walk that must be booked in advance, as well as walks with specific landmarks or a stated moderate difficulty level. The church adds a distinct focus on architectural history. This lets you choose which themes will shape your stay in Épineuil.
Discover more destinations: Moulins-sur-Ouanne, Appoigny, Avallon, Monéteau, Villeperrot, Auxerre, Vallery, Collemiers
For the full travel guide: Yonne.
