AD 312
First firm evidence of vineyards in Burgundy in a document submitted to the Emperor Constantine
456
Invasion of the Burgondes, a Scandinavian tribe who gave their name to the region.
800
Coronation of the Emperor Charlemagne, owner of vineyards in Aloxe Corton including what is now Corton-Charlemagne.
910
Foundation of the Abbey of Cluny
1098
Foundation of Citeaux. The Cistercian monks plant widely in the Cote de Nuits.
1364
Philip the Bold becomes first Valois Duke of Burgundy. Burgundy almost develops into a kingdom in its own right. First mention of Pinot Noir around this time.
1395
Duke Philip bans the 'bad and disloyal' Gamay grape from his territories.
1477
Death of Charles the Rash, last Duke of Burgundy. Burgundy is annexed by the kingdom of France.
1720
First negociant house, Champy, is founded. Bouchard follows in 1731.
1789
French Revolution. Old aristocratic and religious landowners are disenfranchised. The subsequent introduction of the Napoleonoic legal code encourages fragmentation of vineyard holdings.
1874
Arrival of Phylloxera. The bug is excommunicated at Autun Cathedral but with no visible effect. Replanting after the scourge is limited to the best sites and planting is done in rows for the first time.
1935
Appellation system established.