3 reasons to include a wine tour as part of your holiday in France

Sounds idyllic? Here are 3 reasons why you should go on a wine tour next time you’re on holiday in France.

1. Wine tours are a wonderful way to discover the local area and its history

France is synonymous with wine. Indeed, experts believe that wine has been made in france for nearly 2,500 years!

A wine tour is the perfect way to get to know the area you’re staying in. You’ll learn about everything from how wine has helped to shape the region and the role it played throughout history, to what makes the local terroir so special (more on this later).

Plus, you’ll get to meet the people who make the wine and discover how they produce one of the world’s most popular drinks.

2. It’s a great opportunity to taste the terroir

Where the vines are grown can make a real difference to how the wine tastes. If you’ve ever studied a bottle of wine from France, you’ll notice that it’s the area, not the grape, which is displayed on the bottle. This is because the exact same variety of grapes, planted in two different regions, can taste completely different! 

The terroir is the natural environment where the vines are grown. It includes everything from the climate, to the soil in which the vines are planted. It has a huge influence on the flavours and aromas you get from the wine you’re drinking.

A wine tour is a wonderful way to uncover the secrets of the local terroir and find out what makes the wine you’re drinking when you’re on holiday there, so special.

3. Make sure you’re not missing out on other local delicacies…

Wine tours are also the best way to find out about other local produce that you may have otherwise missed out on. 

Local food and wine always go together extremely well…this is no coincidence. Your guide should tell you the perfect match for this year’s wines!

Book a holiday near vineyards…

On your next holiday in France, why not head off the beaten track and take a wine tour in the little-known AOC of Châteaumeillant? Believe us when we say that this area’s rosé gris is one of the best rosés we’ve ever tasted! Our One Off Places, La Maison des Vignes is only a short drive away and the local company, Goûts du Berry, even include gîte pick-up and drop-off in the price - so no need to worry about designated drivers.

Bonnes vacances!

Lauren Howells is the owner of the charming Maison des Vignes, a detached stone country house set in a half an acre of gardens and overlooking a private lake in the Loire Valley, just outside the village of Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre.  La Maison des Vignes sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms and has a separate games barn so it is perfect for families.  Tranquil grounds, plentiful outdoor pursuits in the vicinity and of course wine galore!  From €68 - €80 per night depending on time of year.