Belinda Jacquelin
“Le Vin! – The wine, of course!” Belinda Jacquelin does not hesitate for a second when asked what makes Burgundy so special. And she would certainly know, having lived her whole life in Pommard, with a family history in the region that goes back many generations. We are so fortunate to have Belinda as our good friend, close neighbor, and caretaker of our beloved home in the village, preparing for the arrival of our guests with great care and precision. While Belinda is not fluent in English, she is certainly fluent in the language of creating a warm welcome for everyone who steps through the doors of 3 Clos de Pommard. And, she is expert in using Google Translate!
Sebastien and Eve Lamy
Creativity, passion, entrepreneurship, and dedication – this couple has it all. Proprietors of both Chemins de Bourgogne, a small wine touring and education company, and l’Hôtel du Palais, a charming nine-room boutique hotel in Dijon, Sebastien and Eve are always eager to share their extensive knowledge and warm welcome with our YK2B guests. With their collective credentials including diplomas from the Curmonsky Hospitality School (Seb), l’Institut Paul Bocuse (Eve), and rich experience not only in France, but also in New York, London, and Southeast Asia, we are proud to call these bright stars of the Côte-d’Or our friends and partners!
Ziad Boussaada
Reliably, safely, and comfortably transporting our YK2B guests is such an important component of a wonderful YK2B experience, both for our independent travelers and on our guided YK2B excursions. Ziad Boussadda, owner of Iris Shuttle, the Paris-based driving company with whom YK2B partners, provides the highest quality service in all respects: Beautiful vehicles and friendly, knowledgeable drivers who are always ready with a smile. And all of our guests tell us, it is so reassuring to arrive the Paris CDG airport following a long, overnight flight, and have your “personal driver” there to meet you to whisk you down to Burgundy, in complete comfort!
Clara Kilcup
“Though I was born and raised in New Mexico and value the rich heritage of the land of my ancestors, la joie de mon âme – the joy of my soul – is in France!” With her BA in French, a year spent as a teaching assistant at a school in Dijon, and her love for the people and culture of Burgundy, our long-time friend, Clara, is the ideal partner to serve as YK2B’s Reine des Logistiques – logistics queen – helping to attend to the special details that bring delight to guests joining us on our guided excursions. Everyone who meets Clara, whether in Albuquerque or in Burgundy, is sure to be charmed by her warm personality and authentic enthusiasm for La Belle France.
Audrey and Arnaud Cagni
Arnaud and Audrey are the proprietors of CPH La Grande Boutique du Vin, a wine shop located in Beaune. Arnaud is an experienced wine professional with an extensive background in the Relais & Chateaux world and wine retail business. With his depth of knowledge about the wines of Burgundy, Arnaud is the ideal connection for anyone wishing to purchase wines, either to enjoy during their stay or to ship home. Audrey, with her many years of professional experience in the hotel and hospitality industry and excellent English, is always happy to provide explanation and answer questions about our wonderful region. Together, Audrey and Arnaud can meet most any wine-related need our clients and guests may have while traveling in Burgundy.
Regis Gatteaut
“My last name is pronounced like the French word for cake, but spelled a bit differently,” Regis Gatteaut explained to us, the first time we met. A native of Burgundy, Regis now serves as the Director of Tourism for the Pays Châtillonnais in the northern part of the Côte-d’Or. This rich area is known for its excellent and well-priced “Crémant de Bourgogne,” the sparkling wine made using the same method that is used to make champagne – the region that lies just over the northern border from Burgundy. Regis is a valued partner and friend to YK2B, having introduced us to so many fine winemakers, historic sites, and other treasures that the region has to offer.
Taïga
Thierry Bezeux and his son, Yann, may think they are in charge at La Maison aux Mille Truffes in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, but the real star of the show is truffle dog Taïga and her special “human,” Nicolas. This remarkable breed of dog – the Lagotto Romagnolo – comes from the Romagna sub-region of Italy. The name means “lake dog from Romagna.” Someone, somewhere in their history, realized that these canines have an excellent nose for finding those nuggets of black gold, otherwise know as truffles. Many of our YK2B guests have been amazed (and also entertained) by the skill and antics of one of YK2B’s most valued partners!
Taxi Franon Père & Fils
When it comes to providing transportation for our guests during their time in Burgundy we are proud to rely on this family owned and operated company for their reliability, professionalism, and knowledge of the region. Based in Beaune, their friendly team of drivers can meet most any need, from a full day with our Women in Burgundy excursion exploring the countryside, or transport for one of our groups to a special dinner in a nearby village. As Roger and Vincent celebrate their 20th year in business in 2024, we look forward to many years of partnership, well into the future.
