If there is one country which is synonymous with wine, it is France. Not only is some of the most highly prized wine in the world produced there but it is part of the nation's famous culinary traditions too. In France wine tours are something special, a true taste of ancient viticulture.
It is estimated that there are around twenty seven thousand producers in the country and they are spread over the regions, except the most northerly ones. Some regions are particularly renowned for one type of wine, Champagne, for example. However, in general every area has a mixture and includes small producers and large commercial operations.
The best known wine regions are Bordeaux, Burgundy for reds, Provence for rose and for those who love white wines, Sancerre. All regions have a variety of different vineyards from small artisan producers to large commercial affairs. A visit to a small producer is a very different experience to touring a large vineyard. The owner will often host the tour himself and will be able to go into the history and impart his pride in a more personal way than the paid hosts in a large establishment.
It is important to decide which time of year to visit as some months are basically out of bounds. The period of blending, when the previous years harvest is bottled is a very busy one for producers and they do not accept visitors. Then there are tastings by professionals when the world's experts descend to judge the quality of that year's crop. Check with tour agents before booking to avoid disappointment.
Many consider Bordeaux to be the perfect region for the first-timer. It has tons of vineyards producing a huge range of wines. The soil of the area is famed for its variety and quality. For someone who want to learn about how production and cultivation affects the taste of the product Bordeaux is perfect. It also has a wine school which hosts classes for novices and has longer courses teaching the technical aspects of wine making.
The Loire Valley has many attractions for the visitor. In terms of wine it is home to many grape varieties, Muscadet, Sancerre and Chenin Blanc are just a few . The Loire is also a popular holiday destination for its history, chateaus, Gothic cathedrals and cultural sites. It is an area of outstanding beauty affording plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping and natural history.
Many types of tour are offered by travel companies. There are all-inclusive ones where guides, transport, accommodation, meals and vineyard tours are all included and delivered in a reasonably priced package. Connoisseurs can design their own package and choose which producers they want to see. There are also self-drive options where agents will arrange the tours and any other activities but transport and accommodation are arranged by the customer.
Wine tours are an increasingly popular way to enjoy a region of the world known for its fine food, traditional production and picturesque villages. France is a large country with much to offer the visitor. Tour are usually organised by region so check out where your favorite types of wine are made and head in that direction.
It is estimated that there are around twenty seven thousand producers in the country and they are spread over the regions, except the most northerly ones. Some regions are particularly renowned for one type of wine, Champagne, for example. However, in general every area has a mixture and includes small producers and large commercial operations.
The best known wine regions are Bordeaux, Burgundy for reds, Provence for rose and for those who love white wines, Sancerre. All regions have a variety of different vineyards from small artisan producers to large commercial affairs. A visit to a small producer is a very different experience to touring a large vineyard. The owner will often host the tour himself and will be able to go into the history and impart his pride in a more personal way than the paid hosts in a large establishment.
It is important to decide which time of year to visit as some months are basically out of bounds. The period of blending, when the previous years harvest is bottled is a very busy one for producers and they do not accept visitors. Then there are tastings by professionals when the world's experts descend to judge the quality of that year's crop. Check with tour agents before booking to avoid disappointment.
Many consider Bordeaux to be the perfect region for the first-timer. It has tons of vineyards producing a huge range of wines. The soil of the area is famed for its variety and quality. For someone who want to learn about how production and cultivation affects the taste of the product Bordeaux is perfect. It also has a wine school which hosts classes for novices and has longer courses teaching the technical aspects of wine making.
The Loire Valley has many attractions for the visitor. In terms of wine it is home to many grape varieties, Muscadet, Sancerre and Chenin Blanc are just a few . The Loire is also a popular holiday destination for its history, chateaus, Gothic cathedrals and cultural sites. It is an area of outstanding beauty affording plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping and natural history.
Many types of tour are offered by travel companies. There are all-inclusive ones where guides, transport, accommodation, meals and vineyard tours are all included and delivered in a reasonably priced package. Connoisseurs can design their own package and choose which producers they want to see. There are also self-drive options where agents will arrange the tours and any other activities but transport and accommodation are arranged by the customer.
Wine tours are an increasingly popular way to enjoy a region of the world known for its fine food, traditional production and picturesque villages. France is a large country with much to offer the visitor. Tour are usually organised by region so check out where your favorite types of wine are made and head in that direction.
About the Author:
The very best France wine tours are arranged by our travel site. Come and book a fun wine-tasting tour through our official website at http://decantertours.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment