French Wine Tour - Where to Taste Wine in France
Updated: Jan 27, 2023
France is the most famous country in the world for its incredible wines and vineyards, making it a must visit destination for all wine lovers. If you're looking for a wine tour in France, here's all the information you need to know.
Can You Visit Wineries in France?
Visiting wineries in France is a great way to explore the country’s rich wine culture. While some vineyards may not be available for tourists, many are open to visitors who wish to take a tour and taste some wine.
These wineries often offer both vineyard and cellar tours, as well as wine tastings. If you want to figure your own wine tour, read my guide to creating a DIY wine trip. The most important thing to know is that in most regions, French wineries are not available for drop-in visits. You need to make an appointment!
Otherwise, I highly recommend that you hire a wine tour company. These tours typically include visiting multiple wineries, snacks, and tasting the local wines. They are run by qualified experts who are committed to providing educational and entertaining wine experiences.
France is home to some of the world’s best wines and visiting its wineries can be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or just want to wander through the vineyards on your own, there are plenty of options!
If you're looking for a luxury, custom wine tour, I would love to organize it for you and be your guide!
What is the Best Wine Region in France?
This is, of course, an impossible question to answer! All of France's wine regions are beautiful and unique. It really depends on what kinds of wines and landscapes you enjoy.
Bordeaux is widely recognized as the leading wine region in France, having earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2007. It offers 8,000 different wine producers catering to every taste of every traveler.
My guide to the French wine regions can help you choose a region that suits your wine preferences. From Bordeaux to Burgundy, Provence to Champagne, there are so many beautiful regions to visit.
My personal favorite region to take travelers is Beaujolais, because the wines are delicious, the people are kind, and the landscape is beautiful. You can book a private day tour of Beaujolais easily with me online.
How Do I Plan a Wine Trip to France?
Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or want to plan your own custom experience, there are plenty of options available when it comes to planning a wine trip to France.
You can do your own research and design your own trip, or you can reach out to an expert like me for assistance in creating a unique vacation tailored specifically to your travel style and preferences. Enjoy hassle-free planning with a real wine expert who will take you on an immersive journey through France's wines.
When visiting French wineries, it is important to remember that most are not built for tourism but rather for winemaking. As such, it is not the same as a winery tasting in America, and they are often much more intimate. With so much on offer, wine tours in France are an unforgettable experience that should not be missed!
How Much is a Wine Tour in France?
Exploring the vineyards of France is an experience like no other. From the rolling hills of Bordeaux to the picturesque countryside of Burgundy, a wine tour in France can be an unforgettable journey. The cost of a wine tour in France varies greatly depending on factors such as region, length of tour, quality of the wines, restaurants, accommodation, and transportation. Of course it also depends if you are doing a custom, private tour like the ones I curate, or a ticketed group tour, which can also be amazing!
For a ticketed group day tour with other guests that include 2-3 winery visits, it starts at around €150 per person. For a private luxury trip, they would begin at €800 per person.
How to Reach Wine Tasting Experiences in France
You need a car to visit French wineries because they are in the countryside, so your options are to rent your own car and taste responsibly (that means spitting!) or to hire a tour with a driver.
The best city to visit if you want to visit multiple wine regions is of course Lyon, which is an easy 2 hour train ride from Paris. Lyon is right in between Beaujolais and the Northern Rhône. From Lyon, you can be standing underneath the famous windmill at Moulin-a-Vent, or on the steep graded Syrah vineyards of Côte-Rôtie, within just one hour in either direction.
Burgundy is also easily accessible from Lyon, and is just North of Beaujolais. You can also visit Burgundy from the city of Dijon.
The famed port city of Bordeaux is also an easy train ride from Paris, but you will need a car to get into the vineyards.
Alsace is a little further afield, but well worth visiting. You can catch a train to Strasbourg or better yet, Colmar, and go from there.
The Loire Valley is relatively close to Paris, it's a huge region so you could catch a train to Tours, Orleans, or Sancerre.
What to wear at wine tastings in France?
When it comes to wine tastings and tours in France, there is no strict dress code. However, it is important to remember that you should probably avoid wearing white if you're going to be visiting a region famous for its reds.
If you are visiting the fine Chateaux of Bordeaux or the fanciest houses in Champagne, feel free to dress up. Otherwise, opt for something more comfortable and casual that will allow you to enjoy the experience. Good shoes are advisable, so you can walk around in the vines!