Sip, swirl, savor, and spit: France’s many wine regions have a taste for all palates. Take the train to one of these regions for the ultimate tasting.
You should absolutely plan a trip to France around its many wine regions.
There are nearly two-dozen wine regions of France, some obviously more renowned around the world than others. The good news is that you can venture anywhere from Normandy to Nice and find a fantastic bottle of wine produced not far from your carafe.
The bad news? France’s wine region is so extensive that we can’t in good conscience attempt to cover so much ground in a single article.
So allow us to set up a little tasting for you of 9 French wine regions you should explore by rail.
Image credits, iStock, Otmarw.
1. Bordeaux
Popular train station: Bordeaux St-Jean
Bordeaux, need we say more? In between sips, we’d encourage you to venture to both sides of the Garonne River so you can get a steady sampling of its many grapes: Cab Sauv, Sauv Blancs, Malbecs and more await.
2. Champagne
Popular train station: Château-Thierry
Champagne truly sparkles: both the region and the wines. There are more than 300 villages throughout 17 areas to explore, which means you should have a little extra baguette during lunch. Find your way to Épernay and then let the bubbles guide you.
3. Provence
Popular train station: Marseille Blancarde
Come for the lavender bloom, stay for the grape fermentation. The South of France has its share of delicious wines and Provence region bottles are no exception. Rosé all day is your mantra as you explore the vineyards in this warm climate.
4. Corsica
Popular train station: Nice, then a ferry from Nice to Calvi, Corsica
Yes, we’re suggesting that you leave mainland France — an Eden like environment for winegrowing — and venture to Corsica. Your reward? Under-the-radar wines that showcase this island’s Italian heritage. Seek out dry reds made from the indigenous Sciaccarello grape; you’ll find them in the Ajaccio area.
5. Burgundy
Popular train station: Auxerre-St-Gervis | Auxonne
If you’re not headed to Champagne or Bordeaux, you’re probably bolting to Burgundy. There’s no reason not to — who doesn’t love a good Chardonnay or Pinot Noir? These Burgundies are the tops of their class according to many sommeliers so be prepared for a rather formal sip, swirl, and spit when you visit.
Image credits, iStock, Xantana. Location, Provence, France.
6. Jura
Popular train station: Lons-le-Saunier
Don’t make a beeline for Burgundy without first stopping in overlooked Jura. This mountainous region may be small but it produces wines you won’t find anywhere else. Reds, whites, rosés? Jura’s got them, plus a vin jaune: a true yellow wine that we bet even your most well-traveled friends haven’t yet tasted.
7. Rhone Valley
Popular train station: Avignon Centre | Vienne
The Rhone Valley is divided into southern and northern regions so there’s plenty of exploration lined up from Avignon to Vienne (which are easy trips from Lyon by train). Winemaking sprouted up in these parts before even the Romans got there so you can’t go wrong with any wine made from Syrah or Grenache grapes. Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte Rôtie are our two picks.
8. Alsace
Popular train station: Strasbourg-Ville
You need only see Strasbourg and taste a glass of white to understand why France’s Alsace region is so coveted. Known primarily for its white wines, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris are the ones most visitors uncork first. Fans of the red won’t regret a visit, either: the fruity and light Pinot Noir is the sole Alsace red wine.
9. Charente
Popular train station: Angoulême
The Charente department of New Aquitaine is well-known for its cognac production, but don’t limit your liquid to brandy. Sample the Pineau des Charentes, a local aperitif which blends regional grape juice with cognac. This is one bottle that acts as a unique addition to your bar without taking up a space dedicated to a more classic French wine.
Remember, the train conductor won’t side eye you for sampling your souvenirs on the train. Download the Trainline app and purchase tickets to France’s best wine regions.
Header image credits, Getty Images.