10 Greatest Wine Areas In France To Go to

Virtually all areas in France have some declare to fame for fabulous wine. From the hills of Provence within the south to the forests of Alsace within the east and the countryside of Bordeaux, you could find picturesque vineyards and incredible wines just about wherever apart from the northern coasts.

After I first moved to France, I knew nothing about wine or what constituted a very good one. A neighborhood buddy made it easy for me: “for those who get pleasure from it, then it’s a very good bottle,” he informed me. Since then, I’ve grown way more keen on making an attempt native wines and studying concerning the fascinating craft of constructing them.

It isn’t onerous to discover a good French wine area to go to – they’re actually everywhere in the nation. Your journey doesn’t must be based mostly on wineries, both. Doing a little wine tastings and winery excursions are nice additions to a spring getaway within the Loire Valley or a summertime escape to Provence and the Côte d’Azur.

Following my buddy’s recommendation, the perfect wine areas are those that you simply get pleasure from essentially the most – not just for their tasty wines, however for the enjoyable you’ll be able to have there! Under, we’ll have a look at a number of the most well-known French wine areas, what they’re identified for, and what you are able to do on a go to.

A Fast Introduction to Wine

Should you’re new to this, too, let’s begin with a super-fast orientation. There are crimson and white wines, which (form of) correspond to the colour of the grapes used to make them – crimson for reds or “white” (inexperienced) for whites.

The rationale I say “form of” is all grape juice is white, irrespective of the colour of the grape, but when crimson grapes are allowed to ferment with their crimson pores and skin, the result’s crimson wine. If crimson grapes are used to make white wine, that’s referred to as blanc de noirs, which you would possibly perceive if you understand a little bit of French!

Rosé is one other kind that’s normally produced from crimson grapes. Glowing wine could also be made utilizing each crimson and white grapes collectively, or only one or the opposite. Enjoyable reality – if it doesn’t come from the area of Champagne, it isn’t champagne, it’s simply glowing wine!

The flowery names you usually see, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, are literally the number of grapes used the make the wine, indicating taste parts. Folks could describe a wine as dry, that means it fermented out many of the sugars from the grapes and due to this fact isn’t as candy, whereas the alternative could be simply that – a candy wine. You should use quite a lot of phrases to explain flavors – fruity, earthy, delicate, delicate, floral, jammy, advanced…be artistic!

See Associated: Greatest Wine Tasting Experiences in Paris (+ Vineyards)

The Greatest French Wine Areas

Now that you simply’ve taken that in depth course and think about your self a connoisseur, you’ll be able to determine which areas in France sound most fascinating to go to. Learn on to plan an awesome journey, plus be capable of decide a very good bottle and know the place it got here from!

1. Bordeaux

Bordeaux Wine Area Specialties: Reds from Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

We’ll begin with the best-known wine nation in France around the globe, Bordeaux, appreciated for its great reds. Named after the most important metropolis within the southwestern a part of the nation, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers run down the fields of this huge area, in some way creating the circumstances to make a number of the greatest French wines the world is aware of.

I shouldn’t say “in some way” – they take wine critically within the Bordeaux space, and wine tourism is definitely a factor that attracts individuals right here. Generations of grape farmers and vineyard operators have come to know precisely find out how to get the fruits and fermentation proper, and it’s a supply of regional delight. You may be taught all about it at the Cité du Vin – a theme park slash cultural heart devoted to the area’s wines and heritage.

Due to this fact, loads of wine excursions can be found to take you into the gorgeous countryside to see the vineyards and wineries. Many mix a journey to Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Website simply outdoors of Bordeaux that’s each picturesque and a spot for wine tasting, with a day within the Médoc to see the castles and pattern the flavors of this wine sub-region.

Actually, lots of the wineries round Bordeaux are based mostly round castles, or châteaux, which you’ll discover of their names. A few of the very well-known ones embody Château Mouton Rothschild, which produces very costly wines however presents a stunning go to for anybody, and Château Pape Clément, the oldest producer within the Bordeaux area, producing some very fantastic wine.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Bordeaux Wine Area

Throughout your time on this area, you’ll most likely wish to keep within the metropolis of Bordeaux, which presents a ton of nice tradition and historical past to discover. I’ve at all times favored the Radisson Blu Resort Bordeaux for its nice location and cozy rooms. However don’t miss a day journey into the countryside – a few of France’s most lovely villages are within the Périgord space, the place it’s possible you’ll alternatively wish to discover a trip rental.

Should you’re visiting in the summertime, the Atlantic coast simply west of Bordeaux presents a number of the widest, sandiest seashores in Europe, in addition to a number of the greatest browsing. The cities of Arachon and Biscarosse are two fashionable ones which can be nearly an hour from town of Bordeaux, making it very attainable to benefit from the solar, sand, and wine of the area from one place.

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2. Provence

Provence Wine Area Specialties: Rosé wines

The hills above the Mediterranean coast are identified for his or her particular wines which can be merely irresistible in the summertime on the French Riviera – rosé. Up within the countryside above Saint Tropez and the seaside, and the ft of the Alps, this french area is sunny and scenic and near the border with Italy.

Actually, Provence has an important place in French wine historical past. It was right here that the craft was first launched by the Phoceans once they based Marseille 2,600 years in the past, bringing with them grapevine crops. Provence, and the remainder of France, have been producing wines with obsession ever since.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Provence Wine Area

It’s straightforward to discover a wine tour that capitalizes on this necessary title. Many go to the Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire, a well-known winery simply northeast of Aix en Provence.

If in case you have a automotive and don’t want a round-trip tour, the Château Gigognan presents visits and tastings of provençal rosés, reds, and whites that may be booked prematurely. Even only a drive by means of the countryside will reveal smaller scenic vineyards and wineries pleased to provide you a style or a tour.

In between sampling fantastic wines, there’s a ton to do in Provence and the encompassing space. The Gorges du Verdon gives one of the scenic kayaking routes in Europe.

In June and July, the lavender fields which can be simply as plentiful because the vineyards are in full bloom, creating spectacular images alternatives. In fact, the cosmopolitan coasts of the French Riviera aren’t far, both.

Should you’re headed to Provence particularly to get pleasure from wineries and the countryside, you’ll wish to keep someplace central and with loads of facilities, like Aix en Provence. The Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Resort has at all times been my favourite lodge there. Cities on the Riviera like Good and Cannes supply much more worldwide and luxurious properties.

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3. Sud-Ouest (Southwest)

Southwest Wine Area Specialties: Reds and whites, from Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc

In my view, the Sud-Ouest is essentially the most underrated wine area in France. This large space spans, as you may need guessed, the southwest nook of the nation, masking the areas north and west of Toulouse and from a bit south of Bordeaux to Spain.

The southwest produces tasty blends of Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, and in addition makes wine from lesser-known grape varieties like Malbec, which it’s significantly identified for. There are a lot of sub-regions scattered round this huge French wine area, with some internationally recognizable being Jurançon and Armagnac. My favourite is Montbazillac – a small appellation near Bordeaux that’s identified for its candy dessert wines.

It’s a bit more durable to search out wine excursions to take you across the area due to its massive measurement and lack of main cities. Nevertheless, renting a automotive and driving by means of southern Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a superb thought. A few of the most lovely vineyards and wineries that provide excursions and tastings are the Château de Gensac, the Domaine Plaimont, and the Château de Gaudou.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Southwest Wine Area

Don’t miss out on a number of the different nice issues to do in southwest France, both. This nook of the nation is thought for its medieval villages, the scenic Pyrenees Mountains, and the sandy coasts of the Atlantic, identified for his or her distinctive browsing circumstances. It’s additionally the place France’s well-known duck dishes originate from, like foie gras and magret de canard.

As talked about, there isn’t a significant metropolis inside this French wine area, however Bordeaux and Toulouse are shut sufficient for driving and supply a variety of worldwide resorts. However I like to recommend staying within the countryside for the simplest entry to wineries and a few nice surroundings. Yow will discover trip leases like this one, with panoramic views and personal swimming swimming pools, for lower than you’d spend within the metropolis.

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4. Alsace

Alsace Wine Area Specialties: Whites from Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc

Alsace is a area of France in its northeast, bordering Germany and Switzerland. Guests love coming to Alsace for its mix of the French and German cultures in delicacies and structure, in addition to its particularly superb Christmas markets in December. Alsatian wines are additionally significantly appreciated throughout France and the world.

Alsace vineyards are identified for producing dry and fruity white wines, particularly Rieslings, in addition to candy and floral dessert wines. The 2 sub-regions of Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin (Higher and Decrease Rhine) supply loads of range in panorama and local weather, which contribute to the number of flavors that show to be very tasty.

The area can also be well-known for the Alsace Wine Route, stretching over 100 miles from the realm round Strasbourg to Colmar. It’s spectacularly lovely, consisting of small, previous villages with half-timbered homes and historic castles among the many rolling fields of grapes. Most guests wish to hire a automotive or use the prepare to traverse the route themselves over just a few days, however wine excursions from Strasbourg and Colmar can be found to take you to pattern some Alsace wines on a day journey.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Alsace Wine Area

We’ve carried out an entire article on the place to remain in Alsace, because the area has fairly just a few very picturesque locations to base your self. Strasbourg is the plain selection because it’s a metropolis with a ton of eating, buying, and lodging, like my private favourite, the Voco Strasbourg Centre. Nevertheless, Colmar is a pleasant possibility, too, as are the tiny villages alongside the wine route.

Don’t miss Strasbourg wherever you keep – this metropolis is surrounded and crossed by canals, on which you’ll be able to take a ship tour to see the previous half-timbered homes that seem like they’re out of a fairytale. It additionally has a well-known cathedral and wonderful meals, like cheese.

Colmar has a museum of chocolate and a really photogenic space referred to as Petite Venise. Villages like Wissembourg and Sélestat are my picks to give attention to for visits.

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5. Champagne

Champagne Wine Area Specialties: Champagnes. Notably, nice glowing wines from Pinot Meunier

The Champagne area needs to be a recognizable one even for individuals who don’t like wine and even those that don’t drink. This space simply east of Paris is, after all, well-known for being the place the well-known glowing wine originates from.

Some individuals are shocked to be taught that champagne is simply that – a glowing wine. Actually, glowing wines technically can’t be referred to as “champagne” except they had been produced within the Champagne area! Each white and crimson grapes are grown within the 4 sub-regions of Champagne, all with distinctive traits and flavors, which undergo a double-fermentation course of that produces carbon dioxide to turn out to be bubbly white wines.

Day journeys are accessible from Paris or the nearer metropolis of Reims to see the fields the place these particular grapes are grown in addition to the fragile means of turning them into champagne. Luxurious champagne excursions to big-name model domains like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot can be found for individuals who wish to strive the perfect of the perfect.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Champagne Wine Area

You may simply go to the Champagne area from Paris, nevertheless it’s extra handy to remain someplace nearer, like town of Reims. There’s an awesome Autograph Assortment lodge there referred to as La Caserne Chanzy Resort & Spa. Smaller villages like Épernay and Châlons-en-Champagne supply boutique resorts and trip leases, too.

Going out into the vineyards is certainly the spotlight of the area. The UNESCO-listed Reims Notre Dame Cathedral can also be nicely value a go to, as is town’s very massive museum of vehicles and bikes. Each, in addition to another museums in Reims and Épernay, will be visited free of charge with the Reims Épernay 48-hour Go, and also you’ll additionally get main reductions at native eating places and outlets.

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6. Rhône Valley

Rhone Valley Wine Area Specialties: Reds and whites from Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne

Simply north of the Mediterranean coast and a bit south of town of Lyon, the Rhône River carves its approach by means of the foothills of the Alps, feeding the fields that produce significantly wonderful crimson wines. The Rhône Valley is greatest identified for its Syrah and Grenache blends that vary from gentle to intense flavors of numerous selection.

The area is commonly separated into two sub-regions: the north and south. The northern Rhône is far smaller, stretching north of town of Valence, and produces extra unique bottles with completely different tastes because of a cooler local weather. The southern Rhône area is unfold over a big area round Avignon, overlapping with Provence in some instances, and produces fruitier blends.

Though Lyon sits north of the area, it gives a simple alternative to go to the northern sub-region’s wineries, and lots of wine excursions can be found round-trip from there. Within the southern area, don’t miss the chance to go to the celebrated Châteauneuf du Pape winemaking village, the place a number of the greatest Grenache-based crimson wines are made.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Rhône Wine Area

If you wish to see each side of this numerous wine area, I like to recommend staying proper within the center, in or across the city of Montélimar. This small metropolis on the river is legendary for its nougats, including an fascinating aspect of meals to your wine tastings. There are just a few small and medium-sized resorts within the city, just like the Ibis Types Montélimar Centre. Valence can also be a stunning small metropolis to remain in, whereas Avignon gives the chance to see two wine areas from one place.

Being on the base of the Alpes and alongside a river, there are a ton of out of doors actions to do across the Rhône Valley, like climbing and canyoning. A lot of France’s most lovely villages dot the area and will be visited by tour or prepare. In Montélimar, don’t miss the Château de Montélimar or the Palace of Sweets and Nougat, a museum, playground, and sweet and reward store in a single.

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7. Loire Valley

Loire Valley Wine Area Specialties: Whites from Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne (which makes Muscadet)

The Loire Valley is certainly one of my favourite elements of France on the whole (that isn’t within the south), well-known for its abundance of gorgeous castles, often called châteaux in French. It’s simply southwest of Paris alongside the Loire River and occurs to additionally produce a few of France’s greatest white wines.

There are 4 sub-regions of the Loire Valley, creatively named the Higher, Central, Center, and Decrease Loire. The Higher Loire is a little more distant and to the south of the others, whereas the remainder begin round and east of town of Orléans (not and by no means to be confused with New Orleans), and proceed alongside the river’s banks and tributaries to the Atlantic, close to Nantes.

The overwhelming majority of manufacturing is white wine, with the Decrease Loire well-known for its Muscadet appellation; there are lots of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc blends discovered everywhere in the area, too. Dessert wines and glowing wines are additionally produced within the Loire Valley. Excursions of the wineries usually embody visits to well-known castles and depart from cities like Excursions, however day journeys from Paris centered on wineries exist, too.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Loire Wine Area

The Loire Valley is huge, so I like to recommend both staying someplace central like Excursions or Blois, or shifting to a second metropolis alongside the route throughout your keep. We stayed simply outdoors of Blois, the place you could find trip leases within small châteaux that add an awesome aspect of enjoyable to the journey.

Enjoyable issues to do within the Loire Valley largely revolve round seeing its many castles. My favorites had been Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord, Chaumont, and Ussé.

There are actually dozens, if not a whole bunch, and also you’ll by no means see all of them, so analysis fastidiously and decide your favorites. The cities of Nantes, Angers, Excursions, Blois, and Orléans additionally every supply charming previous cities, museums, and eateries to discover.

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8. Bourgogne (Burgundy)

Bourgogne (Burgundy) Wine Area Specialties: Reds and whites from Pinot Noir and white (Chablis) Chardonnay

A few of France’s most fragrant wines are produced in a historic area referred to as Bourgogne, identified within the English-speaking world as Burgundy. The world stretches alongside a hall between the small cities of Dijon and Mâcon, with one other sub-region across the metropolis of Auxerre.

Burgundy has a protracted historical past of winemaking – the winery plots had been outlined a number of hundred years in the past based mostly on local weather, orientation, and different traits that set them and their wine merchandise aside. These domains nonetheless exist as we speak and contribute to the number of wealthy, robust flavors that may be noticed in Burgundy wine.

A bit greater than half of Burgundy’s manufacturing is crimson wine, and it’s significantly well-known for Pinot. There’s a reasonable quantity of Chardonnay white wine manufacturing and a small little bit of glowing wine – Crémant de Bourgogne is the best-known.

You may strive a little bit of every part from the city of Beaune on a 10-wine-tasting tour, or a go to to the well-known Château de Pommard. There are additionally wine-tasting experiences in Dijon.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Bourgogne (Burgundy) Wine Area

Dijon, Mâcon, and Beaune are all incredible secondary cities in France which can be off-the-beaten-path for a typical traveler and due to this fact make for excellent locations on the whole. Beaune is nearly within the heart of the area and the place you could find loads of wine excursions and tastings. It presents various native boutique resorts, in addition to a good Novotel simply outdoors its heart.

Burgundy is a gastronomical place in France, even apart from its wines, and you may strive truffle looking and tasting in its forests and even see how native mustard is produced. The spring and summer time months flip every part inexperienced, and lots of guests wish to see the countryside from above in a hot-air balloon journey. As talked about, discover the small cities and villages that dot the fields, too.

See Associated: Burgundy Wine Tour Itinerary: How one can Plan the Good Journey

9. Languedoc-Roussillon

Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Area Specialties: Reds, whites, rosés, and glowing wine from Merlot, Grenache, Carignan, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay

Ending off southern France, we’ve the wine area of Languedoc-Roussillon, usually simply known as ‘the Languedoc’ regionally. That is one other massive area spanning from Provence to the Pyrenees, alongside the Mediterranean coast and additional up into the countryside.

The nice local weather of the Languedoc made it attainable for winemakers to start experimenting with grape varieties way back right here. Due to this fact, you could find nearly every part in these vineyards: reds, whites, rosés, and glowing wines are all produced right here, and their qualities vary from desk wine to high-end bottles. Most individuals say Languedoc white wines are gentle and delicate, whereas reds are spicy and fruity.

Excursions and tastings at vineyards are sometimes mixed with visits to the various Roman ruins within the area or with one other gastronomic expertise from Languedoc. A go to to the Pic Saint Loup space is fashionable because of the various family-run boutique wineries that welcome friends. The well-known Domaine de Baronarques is one other fashionable tour and tasting vacation spot, because it’s been working for the reason that 1600s and represents the area’s lengthy historical past of winemaking.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Area

Many guests to the Languedoc-Roussillon area begin their journey in Montpellier, a significant metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea with loads of issues to do and locations to remain. The Crowne Plaza Montpellier Corum is an instance of one of many worldwide resorts accessible, and it even has an out of doors swimming pool. However you may also discover nice locations to remain additional west in Carcassonne or Perpignan, for instance.

This area has an exquisite shoreline filled with sandy seashores and seaside enjoyable for {the summertime}. My do-not-miss advice is the medieval partitions, fort, and metropolis of Carcassonne, one of many best-preserved examples from the period in France. You may also take excursions of the oyster-farming and olive oil-making heritage of the area’s shores.

See Associated: Greatest Wine Areas in Italy – Vineyards and Extra

10. Corse (Corsica)

Corsica Wine Area Specialties: Reds, whites, and rosés from Niellucio, Vermentino, and Sciacarello

I mentioned we had been ending off southern France in Languedoc, however we nonetheless had the island of Corsica – Napoleon’s birthplace. Most Corsicans would nonetheless agree with me, although – regardless of being separated by only a little bit of water, this Mediterranean island has a definite id and robust regional sense of delight.

Corsican wines are distinctive, too. The island has a very Italian historical past, and its shut proximity to Sardinia and the Italian mainland has influenced its winemaking, as you would possibly be capable of see from the title of its specialty grapes. Wine grapes listed below are grown nearly all over the place besides the upper elements of the central mountains.

Greater than half of the manufacturing on the island is contemporary and fruity rosé, however they make loads of reds and whites, too, usually described as robust and full-bodied. You may pattern them on a drive by means of the island countryside, or on one of many many sundown cruises that provide native wine tastings.

What Else to Do & The place to Keep within the Corse (Corsica) Wine Area

Corsica is a whole vacation spot itself, and I’m hesitant to inform individuals to add it to their France journey – it actually deserves its personal. A few of the main cities across the coast are Ajaccio, Bastia, Bonifacio, and Porto Vecchio, and the complete island tour can have you shifting no less than as soon as. Should you don’t have time for that, my advice is Porto Vecchio, an attractive seaside city with many villas with swimming pools accessible for hire.

Mountaineering is fashionable in Corsica, because the island is massive and really rugged, with a number of very difficult trails. Sightseeing cruises are probably the greatest methods to benefit from the island apart from enjoyable on its seashores. There’s additionally a really cool turtle sanctuary to go to.

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