French wine is celebrated the world over. As one of the premier regions for old-world wines and the country that produces the largest quantity of wines across the globe, France is definitely a sought-after destination for wine lovers. If you’re hoping to visit some vineyards in France, follow our guide to learn how to make the best of your time there, get to know the history and the high points of each winery, and taste some delicious wine as well.
Explore more with our selection of the best things to do in France, wine tasting included.
What is so special about vineyards in France?
Historians believe that viticulture — the art of growing grapes and producing wine — was first brought to southern France by the ancient Greeks in the sixth century BC and was later popularised by the Romans. Monks of several religious orders perfected the craft over centuries and vines were planted across many regions, diverse in terroir and technique, each excelling in quality. These vineyards in France thrived throughout the Middle Ages and survived wars and worse. Today, vineyards in France total almost 9,00,000 hectares, reportedly home to 25,000 wine-making communities. Many are still successful enterprises that you can visit.
Best time to visit the vineyards and wineries in France
While a summer holiday in Europe (June to August) will bring you the most wholesome climate, the bluest skies, and plenty of wine festivals for that vineyard photo dump, if you’re a serious oenophile (wine enthusiast), the best time to head to France is between end-August and early October. This is when many of the major vineyards in France harvest their grapes and the wineries are at their most active. This is the best time to taste the new wines. If you’re there in winter, don’t despair. A lot of the wineries offer tastings in their temperature-controlled cellars.
Combining wine appreciation and running is quite popular with many French locals and tourists. For example, the most popular Marathon du Médoc has been held annually for almost four decades. Run in the Margaux region near Bordeaux involves 23 wine stops, compulsory fancy dress for participants, live music, and posh French snacks such as oysters, foie gras, cheese, steak, and ice cream! At Beaujolais Nouveau in November, you can participate in a similarly wine-mad marathon and attend wine tastings at various châteaux that welcome visitors at this time.
Best vineyards in France
There are 13 wine regions in the country to pick from — Alsace, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence-Corsica, Jura, Languedoc-Roussillon, Lorraine, Loire, Rhône, Savoie-Bugey, and Southwest France. You can decide amongst these depending on your itinerary and preferred grape varietal. The best sparkling wines are found in Champagne, while some of the world’s richest reds are from Burgundy and Bordeaux, and the Rhône Valley has excellent crisp whites and well-rounded rosés. If you’re a wine snob, take the Route des Grands Crus in Burgundy to visit the most prestigious vineyards, châteaux, and castles. Similarly, there are wine routes through Alsace, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, the Jura, Loire, and Provence. Here are some of the most well-known wine regions with vineyards in France and our recommendations for enjoying each. Note that there are hundreds of excellent experiences across France, and these are just a few ideas to get you started on planning that perfect wine vacation.
Bordeaux
This region is known as the wine capital of the world, and not without reason. Bordeaux is home to the most sought-after red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. They also have a few whites, chiefly Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. To uncork the delights of this destination properly, it’s best to base yourself in the beautiful city of Bordeaux, which has a clutch of some of the best vineyards in France.
What to expect in Bordeaux: The Garonne riverside and architectural splendour of the Bordeaux Cathedral and Pont de Pierre are worth seeing. Wine lovers should not miss La Cité du Vin, a contemporary museum shaped like a swirling glass of wine, offering a multisensory journey through the world of wine across various cultures and civilisations. Apart from the city of Bordeaux, you can explore both banks of the river, drive around and visit châteaux in Pomerol, Pauillac, Sauternes, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Estèphe, etc. Château Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Giscours, Château Margaux, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château d’Yquem are some of the most prominent producers of the world’s most premium wines.
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Things to do in Bordeaux: Visit Château Mouton Rothschild in the Médoc part of Bordeaux to explore the estate and understand their long-held wine traditions. They have a Museum of Wine in Art exhibiting everything from medieval tapestries depicting wine revels to rare gold wine jugs and Persian porcelain. The labels created by famous artists like Miro, Chagall, and Picasso are a visual hallmark of Château Mouton Rothschild bottles. The 100-metre-long Great Barrel Hall is legendary for its historic role and architecture, while the contemporary vat room blends technology and tradition beautifully.
History: Originally Château Brane-Mouton, it was purchased by Nathaniel de Rothschild in 1853. The excellent first-growth vineyard bordered Château Lafite (another estate bought by the Rothschilds), was renamed Château Mouton Rothschild. Nathaniel’s great-grandson Philippe de Rothschild took on the company’s management in 1922, rejuvenated it and took it to greater heights. In 1973, the family managed to win Grand Cru status for its superb red wine, the first new label to be added to the ranks of the Grands Crus since the appellation system was set up in 1855. It was his idea to have famous artists create labels every year, something that has added to the brand’s aura.
How to reach: Flights from Paris to Bordeaux take about three-and-a-half hours, while a train would get you there in a little over two. Château Mouton Rothschild is located in Pauillac, an hour’s drive from Bordeaux city.
Where to stay: Les Sources de Caudalie inside the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. It has its own Vinothérapie Spa and offers wine-tasting evenings.
Wine-tasting experience: Tours of the estate and wine tastings are by appointment only. They need to be booked at least two months in advance.
When to go: 9 am to 12.30 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on weekends.
What to buy: If you’re shopping for someone who eats non-veg, foie-gras is a speciality of this region, as are fresh oysters, if you are feeling a bit peckish while you shop. Les Guinettes Bordelaises (kirsch-soaked cherries coated with dark chocolate), and canelés (tiny pastries caramelised on the outside) are typical sweet treats of this region that you can take home.
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Champagne
While being able to officially call your bubbly Champagne is superb, of course, the history in this area makes it a fascinating place to visit too. Head to the cities of Reims and Épernay, the two main locations for an exploration of this region of vineyards in France.
What to expect in Champagne: The Gothic Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame in Reims is impressive, but for epicures, it is the multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and the most prestigious domains that will truly slay. Think Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Champagne Taittinger, Champagne Pommery, Ruinart, and GH Mumm. Épernay even has a street labelled L’Avenue de Champagne, a stretch that boasts high-end bubbly brand boutiques, from Moët & Chandon to Mercier.
How to reach: Reims is a 75-minute train journey or a 90-minute drive from Paris.
Where to stay: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reims
Things to do: Visit the Maison Ruinart cellars in Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which preserves the Ruinart cuvées and highlights a rich tradition spanning thousands of years.
Did you know? Ruinart, founded in 1729, is the world’s oldest champagne house. Historian and scholar Dom Thierry Ruinart, a Benedictine monk, noticed that this ‘sparkling wine’ was finding favour among the rich Parisians and noblemen. His nephew Nicolas founded France’s first champagne house under the name of Ruinart, selling to locals first but soon supplying further afield.
Wine-tasting experience: Go 40 metres below the surface to the Maison Ruinart Crayères cellars, which showcase their history and savoir-faire. Former chalk quarries, the labyrinthian white corridors stocked with bottles stretch over eight km. A guided tasting of two signature cuvées completes your Maison Ruinart discovery.
When to go: 9 am to noon and 2 pm to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on weekends.
What to buy: Champagne, chocolate, and a pretty cookie known as Biscuit de Reims. At Christmas time, the village markets make for a lovely visit to buy local goodies and artisanal arts and crafts.
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Burgundy
Is it a colour, a wine, a place? Burgundy is all three, and so much more. This region is one of France’s main wine-producing areas, famous for its reds (Pinot Noir) and whites (Chardonnay).
What to expect in Burgundy: You’ll find the most exclusive and expensive Burgundies in the Côte-d’Or. But there are also charming villages to explore and a scenic 22-km bike route called Veloroute La Vie des Vignes that lends itself to a relaxed meander through various vineyards. Stop by the Hospices de Beaune, a very unique hospital building with patterned tile roofs dating back to the 15th century, and now owns 150 acres of Grand and Premier Cru vineyards in France.
Things to do in Burgundy: Follow the Route des Grands Crus (meaning ‘road to the great wines’), which will take you down 60 km of incredibly beautiful and bountiful vineyards. The wine tourism route runs north to south along the base of the Côte d’Or escarpment, from Dijon to Santenay. Stop at Château de Pommard, home to Clos Marey-Monge, a 20-hectare vineyard, which creates some of the world’s most outstanding Pinot Noir.
History: Established in 1726, Château de Pommard is one of the oldest wine estates in the region and is protected by UNESCO. It is located in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Château de Pommard even has an on-site wine school — École V — where you can enrol for WSET certification up to Level 3.
How to reach: Pommard on the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté sector is a two-hour train ride or three-hour drive from Paris.
When to go: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm daily in Summer (April 1 to November 30) and 10.30 am to 6 pm daily in winter (December 1 to March 31).
Wine-tasting experience: You can take a tour of the organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyard, which uses only natural and traditional methods, including tilling by draught horses. They also offer a variety of tastings led by trained sommeliers and unique experiences such as a three-hour hot-air balloon ride over the vineyards to understand the Burgundy Climats and classifications, or a groovy road trip down the Route des Grands Crus in a vintage French car.
Where to stay: Check in to Château Sainte Sabine, a 16th-century castle with modern amenities.
What to buy: Dijon mustard is world-famous, so don’t forget to bring some back. Some mustarderies even offer Pinot Noir-flavoured mustard. You could also buy some slightly spicy Delice de Pommard Moutarde cheese unique to this region.
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Alsace
This pretty part of eastern France is located on the west bank of the upper Rhine River abutting Germany and Switzerland. Its location gives it a beautiful, blended culture. From Strasbourg to Colmar, feast your senses on a landscape filled with calming canals passing through picturesque towns with colourful half-timbered homes and medieval castles apart from some of the most stunning vineyards in France.
What to expect in Alsace: Alsatian white wines are celebrated the world over and each type tells its own interesting tale, from Riesling to Gewurztraminer. Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé are the most famous villages on the Alsace Wine Route.
Here’s how to order wine like a pro, according to the ‘world’s best sommelier’.
Things to do in Alsace: Visit Maison Trimbach, a family-owned winery in Ribeauvillé producing some incredibly good Alsace wines for 13 generations.
History: The Domain was established in 1626 by Swiss immigrant Jean Trimbach. He had come to work in the silver mines of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines but became a wine grower. Maison Trimbach was first located in Riquewihr, moved to Hunawihr in 1840, and finally set up in Ribeauvillé in 1920. This was just after the birth of their label Riesling Clos Sainte Hune in 1919, which has remained almost unchanged since.
How to reach: A little more than four hours by train or a five-hour drive from Paris, Ribeauvillé is in the Alsace area.
When to go: 8 am to 11.45 am and 2 pm to 5.15 pm, Monday to Friday
Where to stay: Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes is located in a classic 17th-century Colmar building, close to the Unterlinden Museum and Place Jeanne d’Arc, where the Colmar Christmas Market is held.
What to buy: A fitting souvenir from this region would be a set of Suzel white wine glasses with their characteristic green feet. Also, crafts such as decorated Soufflenheim pottery, Kelsch textiles, or cuddly toys shaped like storks are all typical of Alsace.
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(Feature Image Credit: Sergey Ashmarin, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related: 20 Beautiful Places To Visit In France — From Normandy To The French Riviera
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
It’s always best to make a reservation before you visit to avoid being disappointed after driving all the way there. Most well-known vineyards offer online bookings via their website.
Typically, a tour at one of the vineyards in France will last about one hour. Budget another hour or two for wine tastings, discussions, and shopping.
From tastings in ancient cellars to wine spa therapies, to hot-air balloon rides over the vineyards, to wine trails across regions, the vineyards in France have many exciting ways for the wine enthusiast to engage.
There are many châteaux that offer you a chance to soak in the ambience with an overnight stay. For example, you can immerse yourself in a winning ‘wine-wine’ situation at the Hostellerie Chateau des Fines Roches in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, enjoy Lalique crystal-laced luxury at Château Lafaurie Peyraguey in Sauternes, get the full castle experience at Château Pape Clément in Pessac Leognan, or get closer to nature at Le Domaine des Prés Verts & Spa Vinésime in Jouey.
There are scores of vineyards with some seriously great culinary cred, ranging from Michelin-starred to hidden gems. Get a taste of French haute gastronomy by celebrated Chef Jean Claude Altmayer at La Table de Maucoil on the historic grounds of Château Maucoil in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Dine in style at the Lalique gourmet restaurant at Château Lafaurie Peyraguey in Sauternes. Try the Château Lestevenie in Bergerac, southwest France, which offers wine dinners with music. Or Château La Croizille in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, which packs you a posh picnic in the vineyards to accompany your Saint Emilion Grand Cru.
The rules vary from vineyard to vineyard. But, with a little homework, you can easily book a winery tour at a vineyard which welcomes families with children. There are a few that have even designed special ways to keep kids engaged with quizzes, maps, and grape juice tasting, while their parents sip on stronger stuff.
While France is largely pet friendly (as long as you don’t have a pet elephant or python!) many vineyards are not. It’s best to call or email them to find out their pet policies before booking a winery experience. A few that also offer accommodation have a more dog-friendly approach.
A few do this. But be ready to pay a premium for the service.
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Priya Pathiyan
A chronicler of all things culture and lifestyle. Priya\'s forte is fresh perspective on everything. ..Read More
