The Alsace wine trail: discover the oldest French wine trail
Alsace saw the birth of the concept of wine trails in the 1950s, allowing wine lovers and tourists of all kinds to discover the heritage and terroir of France’s most beautiful wine domains thanks to itineraries that can be completed in a few days.
Labelled Vignobles & Découvertes since 2019, the “Route des vins d’Alsace” is divided into five main vineyards that all wine tourism enthusiasts will want to discover. Its particularity lies in its exclusive (or almost exclusive) production of whites: these are the grape varieties best adapted to the continental climate of Alsace.
The Pays de Wissembourg lies at the gateway to the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park: this tourist route winds through the small flower-filled villages of Alsace, offering travellers a magnificent panorama of the vineyards that produce delicious French wines.
The vineyards of Strasbourg extend over a few kilometres: the vineyards of Kochersberg, Couronne d’or and Molsheim stand out. Wine tasting is one of the many activities to be found here!
In the heart of Alsace, the landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, whether on foot or by bike. This wine trail, combining gustatory and visual pleasure, will delight wine tourists, especially during tastings of Klevener de Heiligenstein or Rouge d’Ottrott wines.
In an equally fantastic setting, between castle ruins and Romanesque abbeys, the Colmar region offers some of the best wines in the region. The owners of the Robert Karcher estate can guide your senses through various wines and spirits to taste.
Finally, the “Sud Alsace” stretches between Soultzmatt and Thann. This wine trailallows visitors to discover different wineries along the roads. Various cellars line the wine route, giving visitors the opportunity to discover their wines.
To enjoy accommodation in the heart of the Alsatian countryside, the Maison de Pamela welcomes visitors to the Strasbourg vineyards, 25 minutes from the city. For tourists in the heart of Alsace, the Relais des Vignes Gîtes are the place to go. For a family and convivial moment, the Gîtes de la Mère Michèle are the most popular in the Colmar region. As for the South-Alsace Wine Route, it offers the possibility of discovering the Gîtes du Vieux Mûrier and its incredible heritage near the vineyards.
Discover the Burgundy wine trail with its thousand delicacies
The Burgundy wine trail crosses some of the most prestigious appellations in the country. Exceptional wines have been produced for centuries and are recognised throughout the world: Pommard, Romanée-Conti, Chambertin, etc. One of the specificities of the Burgundy vineyard concerns its single-variety production: light pinot noirs are the only grapes produced in Burgundy. The climate in this area is ideal for the vines to reach maturity.
The Burgundy wine trail benefits from the Vignobles & Découvertes label, which assures tourists that they will be guided and welcomed in the best conditions through the five wine territories of Burgundy.
Among them, the Yonne vineyard and its endless vineyard landscape, including the Chablis vineyard, which is a must-see during a tourist stay. The Châtillonnais region extends over the land of Crémant de Bourgogne, not far from the route des Grands Crus, also known as the Champs-Élysées of Burgundy. This area allows you to discover many wine-growing villages on foot or by bike.
On the Côte Chalonnaise side, the balance of Burgundy wine is skilfully respected through the different wines offered. Mercurey, Rully, Givry… Whether white or red, these delicious nectars are just waiting to be tasted!
The Monts Mâconnais trail is illustrated by its architecture, art, markets to visit, religious monuments, but also by the wine fairs and tastings held at the producers’. A real taste journey in the heart of Burgundy.
For memorable accommodation, the Maison Rose, near Beaune, allows tourists to discover the charming home of the Rocault family, who cultivate their own Burgundy vineyard. For an immersion in time, the Clos de la Challangette offers a unique experience inside gypsy caravans, for an unforgettable traditional atmosphere.
The Champagne wine trail, the most chic of them all!
Your wine journey continues in the land of fine bubbles with the Champagne wine trail. Indeed, champagne is the drink of the festivals cultivated since four centuries! On the Champagne wine route, 239 winegrowers and 37 wine houses are waiting to welcome you.
The French wines grown in the Champagne region come from three grape varieties: pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. The particularity of the Champagne trail is its unique production of wine where the mixture of vintages is allowed: the whole art of a true champagne depends on this blend of grape varieties in an ideal balance.
Vignobles & Découvertes-certified for the quality of its hospitality and exceptional know-how, the Champagne wine trail has many estates, including: the Gratiot-Delugny, Météyer Père et Fils, Charlier et Fils, Guy Charbaut, Philibert Père et Fils wine estates… As you will have gathered, the making and bottling of champagne is a family affair!
To make the most of your Champagne getaway, the Cottages Antoinette offers colourful accommodation with a breathtaking view of the vineyards and the village of Chigny-les-Roses. Similarly, the unique décor of the Domaine du Chalet or the Château de Sacy is able to welcome their guests in the purest Champagne tradition and for a timeless gustatory journey!
The Bordeaux wine trail, or the prestige of French wines
The Bordeaux vineyards are home to the second largest vineyards in France. Labelled Vignobles & Découvertes, this wine industry is made up of 80% red grape varieties and 20% white grape varieties. Many varieties of grapes are grown: merlot, cabernet franc, sauvignon, semillon, muscadelle and other vines that are just waiting to be discovered!
For this, nothing is better than a long walk through the Bordeaux estates. The terroir of the Bordeaux wine trail is divided into several sub-regions, including the Médoc, Blayais, Bourgeais, Libournais, Sauternais and Entre-deux-Mers. Each of these sub-regions has its own little specificities in terms of making quality red or white wines. What is certain is that the location of the Bordeaux wine trail, on the edge of the Landes and the ocean, has become the cradle of the world’s most prized red wines.
To discover the prestige of Bordeaux wines, Château Marquis de Terme offers a wide range of activities, from tasting to brunch and bike rides. For a more family-oriented atmosphere, the Domaine Les Sadons is ideal and promises an immersive experience in the smallest vineyard in Pauillac. Accommodation is provided by a number of Bordeaux wine châteaux, offering both wine tasting and wine bars, food and wine pairings, cellar tours and much more!
