France is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world. It makes a staggering seven to eight billion bottles every year. It is a great place to learn all about viticulture and visit different types of vineyard. Finding the best France wine tours can be confusing but there are a few ways to narrow the search.
It is estimated that there are around twenty seven thousand producers in the country and they are spread over the regions, except the most northerly ones. Some regions are particularly renowned for one type of wine, Champagne, for example. However, in general every area has a mixture and includes small producers and large commercial operations.
French wines are often classified by region rather than grape variety as in the rest of the world. Producers are very proud of the traditions of their area and will be keen to talk about that with visitors. You will hear lots about "terroir" which links the style of wine to the type of soil the grapes were grown in.
Another factor to consider is the time of year. Obviously the growing season and production will affect how the tour is carried out. For example, during the months when blending is taking place most producers do not accept visitors as they are too busy. This usually happens in winter. Other times when they are too busy are when the professional tasters and classifiers are visiting to test the crop. This varies depending on region. On the other hand many people like to visit during harvest time as there are festivals and it is generally a lot of fun.
If you do not know much about wine production or tasting then it is a good idea to take a class before visiting vineyards. The Bordeaux region is ideal for those just starting out as it has a wine school where you can learn the basics. It also has a region with great variety of "terroir" and so is perfect for putting your newly acquired tasting skills to the test. Bordeaux has several distinct areas some of which produce prize winning vintages.
The Loire Valley has many attractions for the visitor. In terms of wine it is home to many grape varieties, Muscadet, Sancerre and Chenin Blanc are just a few . The Loire is also a popular holiday destination for its history, chateaus, Gothic cathedrals and cultural sites. It is an area of outstanding beauty affording plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping and natural history.
There are lots of specialist tour agencies offering excellent trips in France, They usually have a number of packages to choose from which will include most things, accommodation, food, transport, guides and vineyard tours. They will also have lots of contacts in the French wine industry so can organize tailor made trips too. Most companies also have connections with shipping companies so you can take plenty of your favorite discoveries home.
Wine tours are an increasingly popular way to enjoy a region of the world known for its fine food, traditional production and picturesque villages. France is a large country with much to offer the visitor. Tour are usually organised by region so check out where your favorite types of wine are made and head in that direction.
It is estimated that there are around twenty seven thousand producers in the country and they are spread over the regions, except the most northerly ones. Some regions are particularly renowned for one type of wine, Champagne, for example. However, in general every area has a mixture and includes small producers and large commercial operations.
French wines are often classified by region rather than grape variety as in the rest of the world. Producers are very proud of the traditions of their area and will be keen to talk about that with visitors. You will hear lots about "terroir" which links the style of wine to the type of soil the grapes were grown in.
Another factor to consider is the time of year. Obviously the growing season and production will affect how the tour is carried out. For example, during the months when blending is taking place most producers do not accept visitors as they are too busy. This usually happens in winter. Other times when they are too busy are when the professional tasters and classifiers are visiting to test the crop. This varies depending on region. On the other hand many people like to visit during harvest time as there are festivals and it is generally a lot of fun.
If you do not know much about wine production or tasting then it is a good idea to take a class before visiting vineyards. The Bordeaux region is ideal for those just starting out as it has a wine school where you can learn the basics. It also has a region with great variety of "terroir" and so is perfect for putting your newly acquired tasting skills to the test. Bordeaux has several distinct areas some of which produce prize winning vintages.
The Loire Valley has many attractions for the visitor. In terms of wine it is home to many grape varieties, Muscadet, Sancerre and Chenin Blanc are just a few . The Loire is also a popular holiday destination for its history, chateaus, Gothic cathedrals and cultural sites. It is an area of outstanding beauty affording plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping and natural history.
There are lots of specialist tour agencies offering excellent trips in France, They usually have a number of packages to choose from which will include most things, accommodation, food, transport, guides and vineyard tours. They will also have lots of contacts in the French wine industry so can organize tailor made trips too. Most companies also have connections with shipping companies so you can take plenty of your favorite discoveries home.
Wine tours are an increasingly popular way to enjoy a region of the world known for its fine food, traditional production and picturesque villages. France is a large country with much to offer the visitor. Tour are usually organised by region so check out where your favorite types of wine are made and head in that direction.
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