One of the top reasons to visit France is its wine. Although Italy surpassed France as the world’s largest wine producer in 2015, France still offers an incredible variety of wine types, flavors, and tastes, reflecting its diverse wine regions. Here are some notable regions to explore, along with recommendations for tours, sights, and routes.
France’s six main wine regions include Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley, Provence, and Rhône Valley. The smaller Jura region also deserves attention.
The best wine tours provide insights into the distinct characteristics and production processes of wines, along with tastings that help you appreciate their quality. Exclusive France Tours, led by the expert Marie Tesson, offers tailor-made tours for individuals and small groups that differentiate themselves by allowing you to meet top wine producers, explore exclusive estates, and enjoy their best wines. These experiences are usually reserved for friends and business associates, making them unforgettable for any wine enthusiast.
Exclusive France Tours specializes in the Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Alsace, and Rhône Valley regions and includes top hotels and attractions in its tours. For more information, contact them at (+33 493 218 119).
Other companies also provide engaging wine tourism experiences. Reu des Vignerons, a young company, connects visitors with award-winning and recommended wineries, many of which are organic and biodynamic. Their free app, available on iPhone and Android, lets you book tours as little as 30 minutes before they begin.
Alsace, nestled between Germany and the Vosges mountains, offers a different charm from the rest of France with unique architecture and character. It’s known for producing flavorful white Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines, along with the sparkling Crémant d’Alsace, second only to Champagne in popularity. Embark on the self-guided Alsatian Wine Route, stretching 105 miles (170 km) from Thann near Mulhouse to Marlenheim near Strasbourg. This scenic route winds through the beautiful Vosges mountains.
Alternatively, take a day tour from Strasbourg along the Alsace Wine Route, visiting charming villages like Dambach-le-Ville, Ribeauvillé, and Mittelbergheim, with tastings at four different wineries. In late September or early October, major villages along the route host wine festivals featuring tastings, local foods, performances, and parades.
Barr, in the Bas-Rhine region, is the capital of Alsatian wine and hosts a renowned three-day festival with wine tastings, concerts, and a flea market, plus a Queen elected for the occasion.
Bordeaux is a historic wine-producing region encircling the city, with areas from Médoc in the north to the picturesque village of St-Émilion and south to Sauternes. Visit the local Maisons du Vin for vineyard recommendations. Bordeaux itself boasts attractions like La Cité du Vin, opened in June 2016—a must-visit immersive wine experience with impressive exhibits and tasting opportunities at its Belvedere. The city also offers wine bars, top châteaux, and even Viking boat cruises.
Burgundy, centered around Beaune, has been a winemaking hub for 1,000 years, producing over 100 designated wine areas (Appellations d’Origines Contrôlées). With 15 million cases annually, Burgundy offers primarily white wines, along with red and sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne. The region includes Chablis, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, Côte de Nuits, and Côte de Beaune, with renowned wines like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
The Burgundy Tourist Office provides self-guided tours of major wine routes or opt for an organized trip to the Côte de Nuits region with two winery visits over three hours. Beaune is the heart of Burgundy’s wine trade, offering caves (wine cellars), shops, and wine classes for enthusiasts. La Vente des Vins, a famous charity auction held from November 18-20, attracts professionals and collectors, with tastings at top Burgundy names, requiring advance booking. Arblaster & Clarke’s Burgundy Celebration Tour offers a luxurious weekend around this event.
Champagne, revered and pricey abroad, offers affordable varieties at smaller vineyards. Explore regions around Reims and Epernay, along with Troyes in Aube, home to favorites like Drappier. In Reims, visit international houses like Pommery. Epernay showcases grand mansions of Champagne elite, enhanced by a festive 3-day Christmas event. The Rue des Vignerons app enables quick Champagne house bookings.
Loire Valley stretches along the Loire River, famed for its castles and gardens, and is known for white wines like Sancerre. Explore vineyards that have long welcomed visitors, with tours available at local tourist offices.
Provence now boasts top-notch wines, renowned for its rosé from Côtes de Provence and Bandol appellations. The region also offers Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Grape Escapes organizes tailored 2-3 night escapes at Château de Mazan, featuring meals and winery tours.
Rhône Valley, extending from Lyon to Orange, encompasses parts of Provence wines. Beaujolais wine celebrations in November are delightful. In southern Rhône, notable wines include Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. Experience the stunning Dentelles de Montmirail landscapes with RV Rhônea’s vineyard tours.
Although less prominent, Jura is a delightful region near Burgundy and Switzerland, known for unique wines like Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille.
Paris offers countless wine bars for a delightful sip. Try the Left Bank Wine Tasting and Walk—a tour mixing wine tastings with visits to the Panthéon and exploring pedestrian-friendly areas.
The Les Caves du Louvre, near the Louvre, provides engaging lessons on French wines, either guided or self-paced via their app. Enjoy interactive experiences in a historic setting.
