Journey Through France’s Finest Wine-Producing Regions

Journey Through France’s Finest Wine-Producing Regions

France has been one of the biggest and best wine producers in the world for centuries. It is home to several famous wineries, birthed varietals that have taken over the globe, and is the premier destination for wine lovers and experts alike. Here are the best wine-making regions you need to visit. 

Bordeaux

Home to several world-famous reds with the same name, Bordeaux is the place to be if you want to get the best red wine from France. The spectacular scenery is only matched by the incredible wine you can find around every corner. 

The best part about Bordeaux is that even though there are plenty of wines with an eye-watering price tag, there are just as many at every price point, meaning you can leave with a bottle or two, from the source, no matter your budget. 

The region is split into three by a river, with the Left Bank being the best for Cabernet Sauvignon and the Right Bank being best for Merlot, leaving the central area, which specializes in white wine. 

Burgundy

Another well-known and well-respected wine region in France is Burgundy. Home to both red and white wines, the two standouts are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Burgundy is regarded as a great first stop on a wine route, thanks to the variety of wines you can discover. 

The heart of Burgundy is split into two parts, with one specializing in fuller-body Pinot and the other specializing in fruiter Pinot. Still, it is also better known for its Chardonnay. You can also find the village of Chablis, which is only allowed to grow grapes of the same name. 

Burgundy is also home to the Beaujolais, which produces Beaujolais Nouveau, which is only opened at midnight on the third Thursday of November of each year. 

Loire Valley

There is arguably a no more magical place in France than the Loire Valley. It has rolling hills, ancient medieval towns, and chateaus that look like they were plucked out of a fairytale. Plus, to top it all off, the white wine in this area is absolutely spectacular. 

This is the place to be for Sauvignon Blanc, and two of the most prestigious appellations you need to visit are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. If you are on a budget, fear not, as Menetou-Salon produces wine in the same style but at a much more affordable price. 

Beyond the wine, the Loire Valley is also home to several chateaux, including Clos Luce, which is now a museum and was once the residence of Leonardo da Vinci. 

Nahema chair by Koket

Champagne

Champagne needs no introduction, thanks to its export of the same name. As the old saying goes, “If it’s not made in Champagne, then it’s not the real thing;” that is why you should head to the source and pick up a few bottles for yourself. 

Besides the breathtaking views, ancient vineyards, and beautiful architecture, this area is also home to great food. It is a brilliant place to dive into the French culture and the culture of wine and Champagne. 

Champagne is also only 45 minutes from Paris, which means it is incredibly easy to visit and do a day trip around. If possible, stay in the area for a night or two, as one day is almost always never enough.  

Champagne, France | Photo By Fernand Champagne
Champagne, France | Photo By Fernand Champagne

Provence

If you aren’t a huge fan of reds, and white wines don’t take your fancy, then Provence is the place to visit if you are after a world-class rosé. There are nine appellations you need to visit in Provence, in particular, Cotes de Provence, which sits on the French Riviera. 

What sets Provence apart from other regions, especially if you want to do some exploring, is that it sits 1-2.5 hours away from many incredible coastal towns and cities, such as Marseille, St Tropez, and Cannes. 

If you only have the time to visit one winery, then it has to be Chateau Gassier, which is surrounded by amazing landscapes that were the inspiration for famed French artist Paul Cezanne. 

Languedoc-Roussillon

Sitting just next to Provence is Languedo, which distills wines of all types, from reds to whites, sparkling to still. As the largest wine region in the country, Languedoc also holds the title of being the region that offers the most affordable wine. 

Many tourists visit here due to the wide variety of wines available at prices that are substantially cheaper compared to other, more prestigious regions. The best part? There is no sacrifice in quality.

Languedoc is also just a beautiful region to visit, whether you are there for the wine or not, and there is plenty to see, do, and explore, and many French locals will tell you that the best way to see the towns and cities is to stay for a weekend and walk around as much as possible. 

Photo by Håkon Grimstad
Photo by Håkon Grimstad

In conclusion, these are only a few of the best wine regions in France, but they are definitely the ones you should put on your bucket list. Whether you are in France for a weekend or a month, take the time to spend a day in one of these areas and dive into the deep and rich wine-making history and culture these places have to offer. 

Feature Image by Sue Winston


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