More than one-third of Americans plan to vacation in France this year, and one-third of them are specifically looking for great wine, according to research from luxury travel company Scott Dunn. It is said that there is. The company's latest travel trends report lists France as a 'bucket place' when booking a trip in 2024. If you want to be part of that crowd while sipping Champagne and sipping Sauvignon, here are the destinations recommended by Senior Travel Consultant Ashley Hall. company for Europe.
1. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is home to the world's largest fine wine vineyards, producing famous vintages of Saint-Emilion, Sauternes and the Médoc. “One of the best ways to explore Bordeaux's vineyards is on a river cruise, sailing from port to port with a guide of local experts and wine producers,” says Hall. “When you're not exploring the local vineyards, you can enjoy the rich culture that Bordeaux has to offer, including more than 6,000 chateaus, historic villages, medieval cities, ruins and ancient Roman churches.”
2. Provence
Provence is located on the Mediterranean coast of France, bordering the Rhône River to the west and the Côte d'Azur to the east. “When you hear this name, you think of lavender fields, sunflowers, olive trees, and of course wine. Provence is the only wine region in France that focuses on rosé, so if you're a rosé lover, this is the place for you. ” explains Hall.
“In true Provence style, you'll find vineyards on every corner, charming villages, castles and restaurants serving divine French cuisine. If you're spoiled for choice, start with the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. It's a great village, full of culture and has its own wine museum.
3. Rhone Valley
The Rhône wine region is located in southern France, stretching from the Rhône River to the Mediterranean Sea. “If you like red wine, the Rhône region is the place for you. More than 95 percent of the valley's vineyards produce flavorful, aromatic red wines,” says Hall. “Taste and flavor vary by region. Red wines from the northern Rhône are spicier, bolder, and have a more solid structure, while red wines from the southern Rhône are warmer and fruitier.”
4. Burgundy
Burgundy, also known as Burgundy, is located about two hours southeast of Paris and is one of France's most famous wine regions. “The region is famous for the popular Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which make up the majority of production, but it is also home to Aligoté, Gamay and many other grapes,” says Hall.
“This region of quintessential countryside is crisscrossed with canals, luxurious castles and grand hotels. If you're looking for a luxurious and cultural trip this summer, enjoy sensational food, wine and rolling From beautiful hilltops to picture-perfect villages, we have it all.”
5. Champagne
Champagne refers to a specific sparkling white wine made within a specific region of France and according to specific standards. The Champagne region surrounds Paris to the northeast and is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Reims and Epernay. “The best time depends on what you want to do, but we recommend avoiding late summer, especially if you want to visit small, independent vineyards. Go in the fall, October or November. , the harvest is over and the color of the field changes from green to red to gold,” says Hall. “Unlike other regions, many of Champagne's vineyards are by reservation only, so if you want to visit his room for a specific tasting, it's worth planning ahead and making reservations.”
6. Normandy
For those heading to northern France, Normandy offers idyllic scenery and a coastline rich in gastronomy. While it may not be famous for its wine production, there is another alcoholic beverage that visitors can enjoy. “There are more than 43,000 farms in this region, and due to the abundance of apple trees, cider and calvados are the most famous,” he added. hole. “Travelers should definitely take advantage of Normandy’s official cider route, which welcomes guests all year round, with all 16 producers offering tastings and personal tours of their facilities.”