If you’re a fan of French wine, what better way to spend a holiday than exploring the vineyards on offer in this part of Europe and learning about the process of making this delicious tipple? 

Whether you simply want to get clued up on the subject of wine making techniques so that you can get more enjoyment from sampling the drinks, or you’re keen to take things further and get qualifications or even establish your very own vineyard, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Choose a region

There are several famous wine producing regions in France and if you have a favorite type of French wine, which you can look for online at Tesco, make sure you head to the area where it’s from. For instance, perhaps your heart belongs to the bottles that come from Bordeaux. Home to thousands of wine growers, this is where some of the best French reds are produced. Most of the bottles that emerge from this part of the country are made using Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes. Burgundy is also a hotspot for wine production and is particularly famed for its reds made using Pinot Noir grapes and its whites produced with Chardonnay fruits.

Meanwhile, the Rhone Valley is renowned for producing great value beverages from grape varieties including Syrah, Viognier and Grenache. Alsace, on the other hand, is noted for its aromatic Gewurztraminer and delicate Pinot Blancs, Pinot Gris and Rieslings. Another well-known wine region, the Loire Valley is held in high-esteem for its whites, including Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume and Vouvray. If you prefer pink though, a trip to Provence could be ideal. The region produces a range of delectable rosé wines.

Book the perfect package

For the most informative and immersive wine experiences when you’re in France, book a package experience that goes beyond conventional tasting sessions and vineyard tours. You can arrange trips that allow you to see what it’s really like to be a winemaker. Itineraries can include learning about and participating in the various stages of production and finding out about the region you’re in, the grapes used and the all-important terroir. This term refers to the natural environment that characterizes a particular region, including its soil, climate, topography and anything else that can impact on the quality and flavor of the food and drink produced there. Your package might also provide you with a chance to prune vines, pick grapes, or work in the cellars. Of course, you’ll also get to sample some of the good stuff.

As long as you choose the perfect place in France to expand your wine-related knowledge and you book an experience that allows you to see the grape growing and wine production processes in action, you should feel like an expert by the time your trip comes to an end. 

Images by werkman, clhendricksbc, and Giam, used under Creative Commons license