French Wineries and Wine Tasting

Almost every year both France and Italy are in direct competition to each other, the rivalry is to achieve the top ranks among the wine-producing countries. Being in the third place, as comparing the export volumes of Italy and Spain, France can boast more than 850,000 hectares of its vineyards. These vineyards of the country are divided into 14 wine regions – starting from the Champagne region in north-east of Paris to the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean. Approximately 15,000 wineries, the négociants and wine making cooperatives produce 40,000 hectolitres, which is equivalent to about five million bottles a year.

The geographical division in the so-called "Terroir" has cemented the importance of the French wine industry all over the world. France provides wine tourists an incredible variety of wine tours and tasting opportunities.

Some of the wineries with their territories are described below:

1.) Château de Villars-Fontaine, Burgundy, France

The field of Montmain in the village of Villars Fontaine, 4 km from Nuits St. Georges, in its current state is created by Bernard Hudelot. There are 23 hectares of arable land, of which about 40% is dedicated to white wine and the rest 60% is dedicated to red wine. Red Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits and White Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits. Enjoy wine tasting with the owner of the field, in the beautiful 15 Century cellar. Open monday to friday from 8:30 to noon and then from 1:30 P.M to 6:00 O'clock, saturdays by appointment only, closed on sundays.

2.) Domaine du Deffends, Provence, France

The "Domaine du Deffends" is a small family business, directed by a team of connoisseur wine lovers. Basically, they seek to take the benefits from the high quality soil and climate as their commitment to the quality. So, they can give wine lovers the certainty of a product that comes directly from their cellar to the table without any altering. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to noon and then from 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M., closed on Sunday.

3.) Domaine de Riaux, Loire and center, France

From the past 200 years, the Jeannot family is cultivating the estate and from the past ten years they are selling bottled wine. The soil of the estate consist around 70% flint, 20% Kimmeridge and 10% of limestone. The vineyard is located on the side of the Saint-Andelain Hill, in an over 300 year old building with very thick walls. Alexis Jeannot is currently the seventh generation winemaker!

4.) Domaine de Montine , Rhône, France

The Domaine de Montine in Grignan is located in Drôme Provençale, running as a family business from three generations. Previously, the Grignan castle, which was made popular by the Marquise de Sévigné, the Domaine de Montine also covers 55 hectares of vines (about 70 hectares in total), which grows on the soils of Coteaux du Tricastin, Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône vintage “Vinsobres”. Jean Luc and Claude Monteillet took over the company from their father and introduced their own wine cellar. Besides wine, they also cultivate truffle oak in around 3 ha and lavender in 4 ha.

5.) Domaine de la Perdrix , Roussillon, France:

In the foothills of the Pyrenees, with views of the Roussillon coastal plain, exist the Domaine de la Perdrix with 45 hectares of vine growing in Trouillas, in the heart of Aspres region, 15 km south of Perpignan. This family business, founded in 1820, is now run by André Gil and Virginia. Their region is a mosaic of coarse and dry soils. Each parcel is processed individually. Mixing of the parcels is carried out with an objective of maintaining an elegant balance of fruit, abundance, tannins, ageing potential and expression of this unique Mediterranean region.

Getting around the French Wineries

There are various options to get to these wineries. Like you can reach here by a bike, car,bus, train or tramway. Riding to these place in car will give you a good first approach of these magnificent towns. If you don't consider driving a car is a good option, then you can go for renting a chauffeur driven car that will enable you to explore these wineries more wisely. The vehicle renting option is easily available at Airports and Train-stations. It is advisable to check rates on website of a local company before confirming your booking, as they are the one who can provide you with the appropriate information.

An Intercity bus service is comparatively a new concept in France, as compared to others. Eurolines, Megabus and iDBUS, all offer domestic tickets as part of their international networks. Also Tickets for local service are usually affordable so you can go with it. The intercity coaches can only be found in regional service. So, it is better to check for the peculiarities of a bus service in the region you are present in.

For more information regarding how get around in France you can Visit Wikitravel.org.