Santenay and the surrounding area is not typical of the Côte de Beaune on the whole and has a wide range of soil types – sometimes producing deep red wines which are long-lived, and sometimes lighter, more conventional reds. The Santenay AOC status was instituted in 1937 and the region boasts 282 hectares for red production and a small amount of excellent white wine. The picture-postcard sight of the windmill of Santenay-Beauregard on its small hill provides an excellent picnic spot in a town that goes right back to Roman origins, and initially came to be because of the spa waters – though the baths have sadly now closed. Fancy a little gambling? Then the casino at Bas-Santenay is the place for you, and from there why not head out on to the terrace to crown the day with a glass of the local wine.
Santenay