France is known for many things: its rich culture, amazing food, and of course, its wine. If you are looking for a way to explore France and taste some of the best wines in the world, then a river cruise is a perfect choice. The wine regions of France are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and for good reason. Each region has its own flavor and style.
This blog will explore three of the most famous wine regions in France: Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Bordeaux. We'll discuss what makes each region unique and offer tips on what to see and do on your river cruise. So sit back, grab a glass of wine and enjoy reading about these three amazing wine-producing areas.
Burgundy
Burgundy is one of the most popular wine regions in the world. Located in eastern France, it is known for its cool climate and chalky soils. Home of some of the most expensive wines, as well as some of the most affordable ones, Burgundy has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Roman era.
Burgundy wines are made from two grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in Burgundy, with some of the most popular brands including Domaine Romanee-Conti, Henri Jayer, and Leroy. Chardonnay is the second most planted grape and is known for its elegance and complexity. A river cruise is a perfect way to sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. You will enjoy stops in villages such as Beaune and Côte de Nuits, where you can tour vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms. Some excursions give you the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process too. And, of course, no visit to Burgundy would be complete without a few glasses of the local red wine!
Burgundy is also home to some of the finest cuisine in France, so you can expect to enjoy some truly amazing meals on your river cruise. The region is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, often made with local ingredients such as truffles, and of course, wine. You will have a chance to sample some of these delicious specialties at stops along the way, as well as onboard. If you’re looking for a river cruise that offers the perfect blend of wine and delectable food, then a cruise through Burgundy should be on your itinerary.
Beaujolais
Located just south of Burgundy, Beaujolais is one of the most popular wine regions in France, known for its red wines. The climate is perfect for growing grapes, and the soil is rich in minerals. Some of the oldest vineyards in France are located in Beaujolais, and there are a few different river cruises that go to this region. Some of the most popular river cruises in this region include Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld. These cruises typically last seven days and include stops in various towns and villages.
In Beaujolais, you will also find some of the best Gamay wines in all of France. Did you know the Gamay grape is the only grape variety allowed to be planted in Beaujolais? These wines are known for their light body and fruity flavors. There are many brand names of wine from the Beaujolais region, and some of the most popular include Louis Jadot, Joseph Drouhin, Chateau de Beaujolais, and Bouchard Pere et Fils.
October is the perfect month to cruise to Beaujolais as you’ll be able to sample it firsthand during its harvest season. The weather is cool, and the leaves are changing color. River cruises often have excursions that visit vineyards such as the Chateau de la Grange, Chateau du Tertre, and Chateau Haut-Brion. All three are excellent choices for any wine lover looking to enjoy the best of what Beaujolais has to offer. But Beaujolais is about more than just wine. The region is full of beautiful countryside and charming villages and great food.
Bordeaux
If you're looking for a more robust wine, then the Bordeaux region is the place for you. Bordeaux has a long history of wine production, dating back to the 12th century. Today, Bordeaux is one of the largest wine-producing regions in France, with over 700 million bottles of wine produced each year. Known for its Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties, the wines from this region are known for their full-bodied flavors and high tannin levels.
The Bordeaux wine region is divided into two main areas: the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The Left Bank is home to the Medoc, a sub-region known for its full-bodied red wines. The Right Bank is home to the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol regions, known for their lighter-bodied red wines. On a river cruise, you have opportunities to visit some of the world's most prestigious wine chateaux, including Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. These chateaux produce some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world. Alternatively, you could visit some smaller, family-run wineries that produce excellent quality wines at more affordable prices.
No matter which river cruise line you choose, you will enjoy any of these regions. After all, what could be more relaxing than sipping on a glass of wine while cruising down a river? Cheers!
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