In the Mâconnais, the Burgundy vineyards are subject to the southern influence. The region is sunnier than the rest of the Burgundy and the risks of frost and hail are less important.
< The rock formations of Solutré and Vergisson, composed of the same Jurassic limestone as the Côte-d'Or, have become the emblem of the region.
The dominant grape variety is the Chardonnay which occupies 2/3 of the Mâconnais area. There are no "premiers crus" or "grands crus" and the designations are regional or local.