France has a vast expanse of wine regions, from the three pillars of French viticulture of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Loire Valley, wine is a core heritage of the country.
Hence, beyond the eye-catching tourist-heavy Eiffel Tower, a visit to the many beautiful vineyards is a must when touring France. But therein lies the conundrum, with the country offering an abundance of vineyards, which should you plan your trip for?
Well, read on to find out more about some of the best wine regions to visit for all you wine aficionados.
1. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is arguably France’s most well-known wine region. Located in the southwestern part of France, Bordeaux offers up some of the country’s and world’s best wines, with many estates in the region selling their wine as a “Grand Cru”, typically one of the highest standards attributed to wine.
The Gironde River splits the region into two banks, the Left Bank (on the west side of the river) and the Right Bank (on the east side of the river). Now, Bordeaux’s wines are largely red, with Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with Merlot dominating the Left Bank vineyards while Merlot-based wines are what you can find on the Right Bank.
You can even head to Chateau de Pitray, just outside of Bordeaux for some amazing views, rich history, and excellent Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
2. Champagne
In case it hasn’t clicked for you, the region of Champagne is well known for its production of champagne. They take their cultivation of champagne so seriously that a bottle can only officially be called champagne if it originated from this very region.
It’s near proximity to Paris has led to many day tours from the city. One of the most famous champagne houses is Moët & Chandon with their prestigious Dom Pérignon long considered as the finest in the world.
Champagne’s climate has resulted in a selection of wines that are generally lighter and drier than the sweeter varieties you can find throughout the different regions in France.
3. Burgundy
Burgundy rounds out the top trifecta of French viticulture and is famous for their production of Pinot Noir. Stretching from Paris to Lyon, Burgundy boasts some of the country’s most expensive wines, specialising in Chardonnay on top of the signature Pinot Noir.
Head over to Beaune, which was once the capital of Burgundy and explore the region’s centuries-old tradition for winemaking, something that was started and perfected over the years since the 1300s.
4. The Loire Valley
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Loire Valley is home to one of the largest producers of sparkling wine. The region’s continental climate has greatly aided in the growth and ripening of the grapes in the area.
From the Pays Nantais to the Anjou-Saumur, there’s a bountiful selection of lighter red wines, sweet rosés, and delicate, fruity white wines. Perhaps its most famous is the cultivation and production of Sauvignon Blanc with a distinct herbal flavour.
Located in Loire Valley, Chateau Gaudrelle is one of the best vineyards in the region, with stunning colonial architecture and a must-visit if you’re in the area.
5. Provence
Provence is one of the lesser-known wine regions in France, but it in fact happens to be one of the oldest in the southern region.
Perhaps more known for its lavender fields and festivals, Provence is actually dotted with vineyards with the production of Rosé being the main headliner. Its close proximity to the ocean and warm climate has given the region a bevvy of full-bodied wine.
6. Alsace
If you’re into fruity, white wines, the Alsace region is definitely worth a visit.
Being close to Germany, it’s not surprising to find a blend of Germanic characteristics in Alsace. From the architecture in the region down to its winemaking techniques, Alsace is a unique place known for their white wines.
While there are influences from Germany, the wines produced in Alsace can be said to be fully fermented and you’ll find it to be slightly drier than the former.
