Table of Contents
- 1 Guide to French Wine Regions
- 2 Wine Regions in France Map
- 3 The Best Wine Regions in France
- 4 Champagne Wine Region
- 5 Burgundy Wine Region
- 6 Bordeaux Wine Region
- 7 Loire Valley Wine Region
- 8 Provence Wine Region
- 9 Côtes du Rhône Wine Region
- 10 Alsace Wine Region
- 11 Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region
- 12 Conclusion
- 13 Pin it for Later
France is my favorite country and one that I continue to want to explore again and again. It has so much to offer, from beautiful castles to vibrant cities and diverse landscapes. On top of all that, France is also known as home to some of the world’s best wines.
The French have spent centuries perfecting their wines and have been able to create some of the most spectacular and high-end wines around. And like many other countries, the wines produced in France differ greatly based on region, climate, and grape varieties used.
If you love wine, then taking a trip to France’s famous wine regions is something I recommend doing. Many vineyards around the country offer extensive wine tastings and tours which teach you about their appellations, the wine-making process, and the history being the wines they produce.
With around 3,000 types of wines and 27,000 vineyards scattered across the French countryside, it may take time to decide just where to start your wine-tasting experience, even if you are a seasoned wine connoisseur.
To help, I’ve created a list of the best wine regions in France and the top French vineyards in each.
Guide to French Wine Regions
History of French Wine
Wine production in France dates back to the 6th century BC with the Greeks. Italy had a large hand in planting vines in France, which are still used today. However, it was only in the fall of the Roman Empire that the country began making a name for itself in the wine trade.
Monks began perfecting the winemaking process and created an ample supply of wines during the Middle Ages. During this time, the Catholic Church oversaw wine production, much of it in Burgundy.
The modern way of making wine was invented in the 18th century and is what most winemakers use today.
How to Read French Wine Labels
There are three categories used to label French wines by quality. This Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) system was created in 1936 as a way to evaluate the quality of wines and set rules on their production.
The lowest quality wines are called “Vin de France.”Simply stated, they are standard wines that don’t need a vintage on the label and have less strict standards for production. They can also be produced in any French region and are not as regulated as the other categories.
Next is “Indication Géographique Protégée” (IGP), which focuses on the region where the wine is produced and is more regulated than the Vin de France wines.
Finally, the best wines are known as “Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée,” or AOC. Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) is equivalent to these wines used across Europe. The regulations for these wine producers are stringent, and the amount of wine produced is also regulated.
Under the AOP category, wines are also classified by Cru. The term Grand Cru is used for the best of the best wines. The classification changes slightly from region to region in France and can refer to a vineyard or winery. Slightly below a Grand Cru is Premier Cru, which is another great quality wine.
Wine Regions in France Map
The Best Wine Regions in France
Every country has its own way of labeling, titling, and distributing its wines. The wines differ drastically even within that country due to different climates and landscapes. As a result, building up your knowledge takes a lot of time.
One of the first things you should know is the location of the various wine regions in France. This map shows the different areas to help you plan your itinerary.
Champagne Wine Region
Champagne is one of the most famous wines in the world. But, only some people know that it comes from the Champagne region in northern France. The colder climate in the north is perfect for producing this world-class sparkling wine.
The Champagne region is divided into several sub-regions, each with slightly different characteristics and blends. By law, only true champagne from this region can use the name. Otherwise, wine producers must use other names, such as crémont, for their products.
Champagne is made mainly from Pinot Noir, Pinot Menier, and Chardonnay grapes. The grapes go through a double fermentation process, where yeast and sugar are added to cause the bubbles we all know and love.
If you plan on spending more than just the day in Champagne, the larger city of Reims is the perfect base. Since it is close to Paris, you can also take a day tour of the famous wine-making region.
Popular Champagne Tours
From Paris Day Trip to Champagne: One of the best wine tours from Paris to Champagne includes visiting famous champagne houses and lunch at a local vineyard or restaurant with plenty of tastings along the way.
From Paris Champagne Tour with 3-Course Lunch: Take a tour of three wine houses, including their vineyard and cellars, before having a traditional french lunch at a local restaurant. Your first stop will be at one of the famous champagne Houses in Épernay, such as Moet & Chandon or Taittinger.
From Reims Champagne Full Day Tour: This small group day tour from Reims takes you to three different champagne houses with an authentic French lunch in Épernay.
Top Champagne Houses
Looking to explore Champagne on your own? These are four of the larger and most well-known Champagne Houses.
- VEUVE CLICQUOT – The second largest champagne house, which produces 18 million bottles a year. Here, the caves are made of chalk and limestone and hold hundreds of years of history.
- MOËT AND CHANDON – The most famous and largest Champagne house, Moët and Chandon allows visitors into their 17 miles of underground tunnels and personalized tasting with a sommelier in their luxurious tasting room.
- RUINART – The longest-establish Champagne house began in 1729. The charming Champagne house is perfect for a cozy and more traditional tasting in their courtyard.
- TAITTINGER – The elegant champagne house offers several different tasting options in addition to a guided tour of their cellars.
Burgundy Wine Region
The Burgundy Region of France is another popular one. The main vineyards in Burgundy can be mainly found around the towns of Dijon and Beane but also carry down slightly south to the Beaujolais region.
The region is divided into plots known as “climats.” Each has its name and distinct taste. There are over 1000 in the Burgundy Region. These climates are so old and essential that they have made it onto the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The region is so important that it hosts a famous wine auction each year in the town of Beaune.
Burgundy is known mainly for its red wines, but the region also produces white. Red Burgundy is made with the pinot grape, and white Burgundy with chardonnay. What makes this type of wine so spectacular is the land it is grown in, and the plots of land winemakers use are divided into four levels based on the quality.
Most people know about Burgundy wine, but Beajoulais is still a slightly hidden secret for many people. Beaujolais is made with the Gamay grape and is lighter and more fruity than traditional Burgundy wine. This type of wine is also much younger than Burgundy, known for having old vintages. Technically, Beaujolais is its own region, but it is still considered part of Burgundy.
Burgundy is a terrific place for wine tasting and is home to many charming villages and exquisite chateaux. If you plan on staying in Burgundy, the town of Beaune is the perfect place for wine lovers, situated in the middle of some famous winemakers. Another much larger city is Dijon in the northern part of the region. Between the two is one of the most renowned wine routes in France.
Popular Burgundy Tours
Full-Day Grand Cru Tasting from Beaune: Experience some of the best burgundy wines in this full-day tour from Beaune. Tour some of the most renowned vineyards, such as Romanée-Conti and Clos Vougeot, while learning about the different appellations and tasking some of the best burgundy wines.
Full-Day Wine and Bicycle Tour from Beaune: A fun way to experience the different wineries is with this full-day bike tour. Enjoy wine tastings at several local vineyards, and lunch in the town of Beaune, all while enjoying the beautiful Burgundy countryside.
Private Tour from Beaune: Want a more personal wine-tasting experience? This private tour features wine tastings at several top Burgundy vineyards, a knowledgeable guide, and free pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
Top Burgundy Vineyards
Home to so many fantastic wine producers, deciding which to visit on your own can be challenging. These are just a few amazing vineyards you will find across Burgundy, including some of the most expensive in the world.
DOMAINE DE LA ROMANÉE-CONTI – The most prestigious estate in the region, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti makes some of the best Grand Cru wines. The wines produced here are some of the most expensive. And with less than 8,000 bottles produced annually, some bottles can sell for almost $20,000 each.
- JOSEPH DROUHIN – A little newer than some other vineyards in Burgundy, this wine house was founded in 1880. It is, however, one of the largest wine estates in the area, with 60% of its vines being Grand or Premier Crus. Joseph Drouhin is another spectacular vineyard to visit several different wine tastings available.
- CHATEAU DE MEURSAULT – Founded in 1750, the wine house has a great tour that takes you through its ancient cellars with two different tastings.
- CHATEAU DE POMMARD – Home to 300-year-old vines, Chateau de Pommard, is an excellent place for wine tasting and expanding your knowledge of Burgundy wines. The vineyard offers several types of experiences, including tours of the vines and cellars and a look into the wine-making process.
Bordeaux Wine Region
The third most prestigious wine region is Bordeaux in southwest France. There are more than 60 appellations in this region alone, making it one of the largest wine regions.
The majority of the wines produced here are red produced with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. Due to its proximity to the sea, the soil here has distinct minerals which make the wine so delicious and unique.
The region is divided into two subregions, the left bank and the right bank, which are separated by the Gironde Estuary running through the middle. Each area has different landscapes, climates, and ways they classify their wines.
Overall, the standards of wine production here are incredibly high. Naturally, therefore, the quality of the wines and price are much higher than average. The quality of everything here, in fact, is fantastic. From high-end restaurants to luxury castes turned hotels, the region is known for all things luxury.
Popular Bordeaux Tours
Bordeaux Full-Day Wine Experience: This exceptional tour takes you to two of the most famous vineyards in Bordeaux and includes lunch and a picnic lunch, followed by wine tasting at a third local vineyard. In addition, your guide will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Saint-Emilion.
Half-Day Wine Tour from Bordeaux: Don’t have time for a full-day tour but want a knowledgeable guide to take you to some of the best vineyards in the region? This guided tour takes you to a wine tasting at Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Château, followed by time exploring the medieval town of Saint-Emilion.
Full-Day Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Tour: Spend the day at three vineyards in the region. Plus, you will have the afternoon to explore the main sites of Saint Emilion with time for lunch on your own. This tour is the perfect combination of wine tasting and site-seeing.
Top Bordeaux Vineyards
Want to explore some of the best wine producers on your own? Here are just a few spectacular vineyards to visit while in Bordeaux.
- CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION – This is one of the oldest and most well-known vineyards in Bordeaux. Best of all, it is close to Bordeaux and can be reached by tram or car. Since they are such a prestigious vineyard, it may be hard to get a tour here. Just fill out the form on their website about booking a wine tasting.
- CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT – A beautiful château is an excellent place for wine tasting and a luxurious hotel. They are known for their five senses of wine tasting and tour, but they also have others. For an upscale experience, this is a beautiful vineyard to visit.
- CHÂTEAU VILLEMAURINE – This vineyard is a great one to visit for a unique tour of the underground limestone cellars. The vineyard has several public and private tours and a lovely wine shop.
Loire Valley Wine Region
The Loire Valley is known for having some of the most magical chateaux in France scattered around the countryside. The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage site just over 2 hours from Paris, making it a popular day trip from the city.
The region spans over 100 kilometers of the Loire river and is divided into three subregions. One of the most popular wines made here is Chenin Blanc. The sweeter white wine is just one of the many produced in this region.
The area also produces sparking wines or crémant and the delicious Sancerre wine. You can also find some light red wines that are worth trying.
Popular Loire Valley Tours
From Paris Castle and Wine Tasting: Combine a visit to two local Loire Valley vineyards with a trip to the magnificent Château de Chambord. From Paris, you will first visit Chambord before stopping at a delightful vineyard for lunch paired with a wine tasting. End you day with a second tasting at another family run vineyard.
Châteaux and Wine Tasting from Tours: Staying in the Loire Valley? This highly-rated tour will pick you up from the city of Tours and take you to two of the most famous Loire Valley châteaux. Visit Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau for lunch and wine tasting.
Half-Day Wine Tasting: From Tours, your guides will take you to two vineyards for a cheese and wine tastings. You will have the opportunity to tour the wine cellars and estates and learn about the region’s winemaking process.
Top Loire Valley Vineyards
- CHÂTEAU DE MINIÈRE – The 17th-century estate is certified organic and produces red rosé and sparkling wines. Explore the estate on your own or as part of a group tour with tasting. Or, for a unique experience, book a cycling tour of the vineyard instead.
- CHÂTEAU DE VAULTS – What makes this particular vineyard unique is that it produces organic wines and doubles as a conservation area for rare plants that grow in the region. The château has several small groups and self-guided tours available with the option to stay for lunch or dinner with reservations.
Provence Wine Region
Lavender fields, medieval towns, and vineyards are just a few reasons Provence is a highly visited part of France. In addition, the romantic southern region of France is where many people go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Provence has been producing wine for over 2,000 years and is known as being home to the delightful rosé wine. However, the Greeks were the ones to plant the first grape vines in the port town of Marseille.
There are nine different regions in Provence that produce different types of grapes. In addition to the popular rosé, winemakers produce syrah and cabernet sauvignon.
In addition, Provence is just an overall beautiful place to village full of charming small towns and lush landscapes.
Popular Provence Tours
Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: Enjoy wine tastings at two Provence vineyards while exploring the beautiful landscape along the way. Your expert guides will teach you all about the wine-making process and the region’s unique climate during your tour.
Provence Village Tour with Wine and Produce Tasting from Nice: This full-day tour gives you a little bit of everything. First, stop at a local vineyard for a wine tasting and tour, followed by an olive oil tasting at an old mill. You will spend the rest of the afternoon exploring some charming tours in Provence with a stop at the Gorges du Loup. Finally, end your spectacular day with another wine tasting in Saint-Jeannet before returning to Nice.
Private Wine Tour from Nice: Prefer a private tour of the Provence vineyards? This full-day tour will pick you up from Nice and take you to three different vineyards where you will taste 15 types of wine. In addition, this tour includes a masterclass in winemaking and food pairings and tours of the estates and cellars.
Top Provence Vineyards
Provence is one of the best places to spend a week of relaxation. Spend your time exploring the medieval villages, sampling the region’s dishes, and leaving room for wine tastings along the way.
- DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE – The 17th-century château is a luxury hotel and one of Provence’s top places to stay. Guests can enjoy a high-end restaurant, lush gardens, accommodations, and tastings at the estate’s vineyards.
- CHÂTEAU DE SAINT MARTIN – One of the most historic vineyards in Provence, there is evidence of monks using the estate’s cellars back in the 12th century. Still used today, the château offers wine tasting and food pairings in their ancient cellars.
Côtes du Rhône Wine Region
Rhône valley is another spectacular wine region from Vienne to the magical town of Avignon in Provence. The terrain is a mix of mountains in the north and a warm Mediterranean climate in the south, giving the winemakers here the ability to produce a wide variety of wines.
Dividing the two regions is the Rhône River which starts in the Alps and winds its way over 500 miles to the Mediterranean.
The Nothern Rhône climate produces intense-tasting wines using the Syrah grape. The vineyards here are built on the hillsides and see both warm and cold temperatures. The warmer Southern Rhone climate uses grenache blanc and marsanne and is known more for its white wines.
One remarkable thing about the Rhône valley is the large number of wine routes you can follow. There are also dozens of medieval towns scattered around the Rhône Valley and plenty to do in the area besides wine tasting.
Popular Côtes du Rhône Tours
Half-Day Tour from Avignon: Spend the afternoon wine tasting at three of the Rhône Valley’s best Grand Cru vineyards. This tour also includes pick-up and drop-off in Avignon.
Full-Day Wine Tasting from Avignon: Take a trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will tour four different wineries and learn about the different appellations in the region. This tour includes lunch at one of the vineyards, transportation, and a knowledgeable wine guide.
Top Côtes du Rhône Vineyards
- DOMAINE DU PEGAU – One great wine producer in the area is Domaine du Pegau. They specialize in Côtes du Rhone and Châteauneuf du Pape wines. Book a cellar tour and tasting on the estate, or visit the wine shop in Châteauneuf du Pape.
- M. CHAPOUTIER – In the northern part of Rhône is the oldest vineyard in the region, Maison M. Chapoutier. It is known for producing some of the best red and white wines in the area.
Alsace Wine Region
Alsace is located in the northeast of France between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine river. Over the years, this area has changed between France and the German occupation and therefore has a significant German influence in the architecture, culture, and wines.
Wines are also named differently here. Unlike the rest of France, which names its wines based on region, Alsace wines are called by the grapes used.
The Alsace is known for its Resisling wine but also produces Pino Gris., Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and a few others. The majority of the wines made here are fruity, sweeter white wines.
Many people also love visiting the region to explore its many little towns, such as Colmar and Strasbourg.
Popular Alsace Tours
Alsace Day-Tour from Colmar: Take a trip along the wine route to several medieval villages known as the four wonders in the Alsace. During your trip, stop by a wine cave for wine tastings of several of the region’s best wines.
Half-Day Wine Tour from Strasbourg: Start your tour with a stop in the medieval town of Obernai, where you will have time to walk around and learn about its history. Then, continue to two vineyards, where you will enjoy wine tastings and learn about the different wines produced in the region.
Top Alsace Vineyards
- DOMAINE WEINBACH: The magnificent vineyard was first built by Capuchin monks in 162. The Faller family purchased the estate in 1898 and still owns it today. The property is open for tours Monday-Saturday, which you can book through email on their website.
- DOMAINE ALBERT SELTZ: The organic wine producer is located in Mittelbergheim and has been around since 1576. They produce an assortment of red, white, and sparkling wines, including Reising, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer, which you can try during a scheduled wine tasting.
Languedoc-Roussillon Wine Region
A lesser-known wine region is Languedoc-Roussillon. Located in southern France, this region is one of the largest wine producers in France and for much more affordable prices.
Stretching between Provence and the Spanish border, the Mediterranean climate is home to many grape varieties.
In recent years, the vineyards have been stepping up their game with the quality of their wines and now have several AOP producers.
The region produces some great merlot and syrah wines and chardonnay, grenache, and other whites. It is also the largest producer of organic French wines.
Popular Languedoc-Roussillon Tours
Wine Tour from Montpellier: Take a trip to the Pic Saint Loup appellation for a wine tasting and tour of two wineries. Once you finish, explore the commune of the Coteaux du Languedoc before stopping for a local home-cooked meal.
Half-Day Châteaux and Wine Tasting: Visit the 17th-century Château de Flaugergues and Château Puech Haut. Your guides will take you around the properties and teach you about each château’s history and wine processes, followed by a special wine tasting.
Top Languedoc-Roussillon Vineyards
- SEIGNEURIE DE PEYRAT: Enjoy a wine tasting at Seigneurie de Peyrat, one of the oldest vineyards in the region. Tastings include a tour of the property and a wine tasting. You can also enjoy a picnic in the vineyard’s courtyard, which consists of all locally made produce and wine from the estate.
- DOMAINE SAINT HILAIRE: The 76-hectare estate has been around since Roman times, but it only became well known once Baron Hilaire Reynaud bought it in 1817. The vineyard is open for wine tastings from Monday to Saturday and by appointment on Sundays. In addition, the house on the property can be booked as a vacation rental and is also available for weddings and special events.
Conclusion
France is home to some of the best vineyards in the world and a wide variety of delicious wines. Take a trip to the luxurious Champagne region, or spend a relaxing weekend getting lost in Provence. Either way, you can’t go wrong visiting any of these best wine regions in France.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other popular French destinations!
Paris
- The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Paris
- Ultimate 5 Days in Paris Itinerary & Day Trip Ideas
- Top 20 Best Things to Do in Paris
- 90+ Paris Quotes to Inspire Your Next Trip
- 20 of the Prettiest Streets in Paris
- Top Impressionist Museums in Paris to Visit
Paris Day Trips
- Visiting the Palace of Versailles: First Timer’s Guide
- Day Trip from Paris: The Loire Valley
- Trip to the Loire Valley: Castles, Vineyards, Tours, and More
- Visitor’s Guide to Château de Chenonceau
- Visitor’s Guide to Château de Chambord
- The Most Charming Cities Near Paris
South of France
Travel Planning Resources
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PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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