When it comes to French wines, the allure is not just in the bottle but also in the rich tapestry of wine regions in France.
From the sparkling wines of Champagne to the robust reds of Bordeaux, each French wine region offers something unique.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wines of France, this guide aims to take you on a sensory journey through the iconic French wine valleys and vineyards.
Table of Contents
French wine regions: overview
| Wine Region | Type of Wine | Book a Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Champagne | Sparkling Wine | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Bordeaux | Robust Reds | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Burgundy | Exquisite Reds & Whites | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Loire Valley | Diverse White Wines | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Rhône Valley | Bold Reds & Blends | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Provence | Rosé Wines | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Alsace | Aromatic Whites | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Languedoc-Roussillon | Robust Reds, Whites & Rosés | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Beaujolais | Fruity Reds | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Jura and Savoie | Alpine Wines | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Corsica | Diverse Reds & Rosés | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
| Southwest France | Robust Reds & Aromatic Whites | Book a tour on GetYourGuide |
Champagne: The Birthplace of Sparkling Wine in France
Located in the northeastern part of France, the Champagne region is a key wine region in France, boasting a unique climate influenced by both continental and oceanic weather patterns. The chalky soil here is ideal for producing some of the most renowned wines of France.
Types of Grapes Used in Champagne
The primary grapes used in Champagne, a sparkling wine from France, are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes contribute to the unique characteristics that make Champagne stand out among French wines.
Must-Visit Vineyards in the Champagne wine region
If you’re planning a wine tour in the French vineyards, particularly in Champagne, don’t miss the historic houses of Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and Dom Pérignon.
These French wineries offer immersive experiences that go beyond the typical wine tour, allowing you to delve into the art of winemaking in France.
Bordeaux: Where Tradition Meets Innovation in Winemaking
Bordeaux is a southwestern French wine region known for its temperate maritime climate. The region is particularly famous for its red wines, making it a key player in the wine map of France.
Types of Grapes Used
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the dominant grape varieties in Bordeaux. These grapes are the backbone of the region’s famous red blends, which are some of the most sought-after wines from France.
Must-Visit Vineyards in the Bordeaux region
Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Latour are just a few of the renowned French wineries in Bordeaux. A tour of these estates is a must for anyone interested in the wine regions of France map.
Burgundy: The Epitome of Terroir and Pinot Noir
Burgundy, or Bourgogne as it’s known in French, is another iconic French wine region located in the eastern part of the country. The climate here is continental, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, which is ideal for growing some of the best wines of France.
Types of Grapes Used
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the stars of Burgundy, contributing to the region’s reputation for producing some of the most exquisite French wines. The focus on ‘terroir’ in this French vineyard region is particularly noteworthy.
In winemaking, ‘terroir’ refers to the unique combination of natural factors associated with any particular vineyard, including soil, underlying rock, altitude, and climatic conditions. These factors allow grapes to express themselves in a myriad of ways, resulting in wines that are deeply connected to their place of origin.
In Burgundy, the concept of ‘terroir’ is so revered that wines are often named after the specific vineyard or plot of land where the grapes are grown, rather than the grape variety itself.
Must-Visit Vineyards in the Bourgogne wine region in France
When exploring wine regions in France, a stop in Burgundy is a must. Renowned French wineries like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Louis Jadot offer tours that provide deep insights into the winemaking process in this French wine valley.
Loire Valley: A Treasure Trove of Diverse White Wines
The Loire Valley, often referred to as the “Garden of France,” is a French wine region that stretches along the Loire River. Known for its diverse climate, the region produces a wide range of wine styles, making it a fascinating stop on any wine map of France.
Types of Grapes Used
Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are the primary grape varieties in the Loire Valley. These grapes contribute to the region’s reputation for producing some of the most refreshing and aromatic white wines in France.
Must-Visit Vineyards in the Loire Wine Country in France
Domaine Didier Dagueneau and Domaine Huet are must-visit French wineries if you’re exploring the wine regions in France, particularly the Loire Valley. These estates offer a deep dive into the art of winemaking in this diverse French wine region.
Rhône Valley: Indulge in the Bold Flavours
The Rhône Valley, located in southeastern France, is another key wine region in France. The region is divided into the Northern and Southern Rhône, each with its own distinct climate and types of grapes, adding to the diversity of wines from France.
Types of Grapes Used in the French wine region Rhone Valley
Syrah dominates the Northern Rhône wine country, while the Southern Rhône is known for its blends, often led by Grenache. These grapes contribute to the bold and complex flavours that the Rhône Valley is famous for.
Must-Visit Vineyards
Château de Beaucastel and Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe are renowned French wineries in the Rhône Valley. A visit to these estates offers an in-depth look at the winemaking traditions and innovations that make this a standout French wine region.
Provence: Experience the Romance of Rosé
Provence, located in the southeastern corner of France, is a wine region that’s synonymous with rosé. The Mediterranean climate, with its hot summers and mild winters, is ideal for producing these popular French wines.
Types of Grapes Used
Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre are the primary grape varieties used in Provence, particularly for rosé wines. These grapes give Provence rosés their characteristic light colour and refreshing taste.
Must-Visit Vineyards
Domaine Tempier and Château d’Esclans are must-visit French wineries if you’re a fan of rosé. These estates offer a comprehensive look at rosé production in this iconic French wine region, making them essential stops on any wine tour in France.
Alsace: Explore Aromatic Whites and Distinctive Rieslings
Alsace is a northeastern French wine region known for its aromatic white wines. The region enjoys a semi-continental climate, which, combined with its unique soil types, contributes to the distinct flavours of Alsace wines.
Types of Grapes Used
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris are the dominant grape varieties in Alsace. These grapes are responsible for the aromatic and often sweet wines that make Alsace a unique French wine valley.
Must-Visit Vineyards in the French wine region Alsace
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and Domaine Weinbach are two French wineries in Alsace that should not be missed. These estates offer an in-depth exploration of the region’s diverse wine portfolio, from dry Rieslings to luscious late-harvest wines.
Languedoc-Roussillon: Uncover Hidden Gems
Languedoc-Roussillon, stretching along the Mediterranean coast, is one of the largest wine regions in France.
The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it suitable for a wide variety of grape types and contributing to the diversity of wines from France.
Types of Grapes Used
Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan are the primary grape varieties in Languedoc-Roussillon. These grapes are often blended to create robust red wines, although the region is also known for its white and rosé wines.
Must-Visit Vineyards in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region
Domaine de l’Hortus and Mas de Daumas Gassac are two French wineries in Languedoc-Roussillon that offer a unique wine experience. These estates showcase the region’s transformation from mass wine production to quality-focused winemaking.
Beaujolais: Delight in the Fresh and Fruity Gamay Wines
Beaujolais is located in the southern part of the Burgundy wine region in France. Known for its light, fruity red wines, the area enjoys a continental climate that’s ideal for the Gamay grape.
Types of Grapes Used in Beaujolais wines
Gamay is the star grape variety in Beaujolais. This grape is known for producing wines that are light, fruity, and often best enjoyed young.
Must-Visit Vineyards
If you’re exploring the wine regions in France, a stop at Domaine Jean Foillard or Château Thivin in Beaujolais is a must. These French wineries offer a deep dive into the unique winemaking techniques that make Beaujolais wines so distinctive.
Jura and Savoie: Alpine Wines and Unique Flavours
Jura and Savoie are located in the eastern part of France, near the Swiss border. These French wine regions are known for their alpine climate, which contributes to the unique characteristics of their wines.
Types of Grapes Used
Chardonnay and Savagnin are popular in Jura, while Jacquère and Altesse are more common in Savoie. These grapes produce wines that range from crisp whites to complex oxidative styles.
Must-Visit Vineyards
Domaine André et Mireille Tissot in Jura and Domaine Jean Perrier & Fils in Savoie are must-visit French wineries for anyone interested in alpine wines. These estates offer a glimpse into the unique winemaking traditions of these lesser-known French wine regions.
Corsica: The Island of Wine Diversity
Corsica is a French wine region located on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. The island’s diverse geography and climate contribute to a wide range of wine styles, making it a unique stop on the wine map of France.
Types of Grapes Used
Nielluccio and Sciaccarello are the primary grape varieties in Corsica, often used to produce both red and rosé wines that are distinctly Corsican.
Must-Visit Vineyards in the Corsica wine region
Domaine Comte Abbatucci and Clos Canarelli are two standout French wineries in Corsica. Visiting these estates will give you a deep understanding of the island’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions.
Southwest France: From Tannat to Petit Manseng
Southwest France is a diverse French wine region that includes areas like Gascony and the Pyrenees foothills. The region’s varied climate and geography contribute to a wide array of wine styles.
Types of Grapes Used in this French wine region
Tannat and Petit Manseng are among the key grape varieties in Southwest France. These grapes are known for producing robust red wines and aromatic whites, respectively.
Must-Visit Vineyards
Château Montus and Domaine Berthoumieu are must-visit French wineries if you’re exploring the wine regions in France. These estates offer a comprehensive look at the diverse wine styles of Southwest France.
FAQs
What are the major wine regions in France?
The major wine regions in France include Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Provence, Alsace, Languedoc-Roussillon, Beaujolais, Jura and Savoie, Corsica, and Southwest France.
What is the most famous French wine region?
While it’s hard to pinpoint a single “most famous” region, Bordeaux and Champagne are often cited as the most renowned French wine regions due to their global recognition and the high quality of their wines.
How do I plan a wine tour in France?
Planning a wine tour in France involves researching the regions you’re interested in, setting a budget, and deciding on the type of experience you want—be it luxury, educational, or exploratory. Many French wineries offer tours and tastings, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
What are some popular wine and food pairings with French wines?
Popular pairings include Champagne with oysters, Burgundy reds with beef bourguignon, and Loire Valley whites with goat cheese. The key is to match the weight and flavour profile of the wine with the dish.
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!