Knowing your blackberry notes from your blueberry, or tannins from tertiary aromas, is not essential for a wine holiday. You don’t have to be a connoisseur, merely a happy admirer, to enjoy a trip to French wine country. These days as wine itself becomes more accessible so do trip to the wine country, catering for all levels of knowledge and a variety of tastes.
Here’s some hints and tips for a beginner wine lover organising a trip to Burgundy, Bordeaux and beyond.
Tours & Tastings in Burgundy
Burgundy, or to a local Bourgogne, may only take up a slither of the map of France but it is a big name in the world of wine. Wine has been made in Burgundy since around the 5th century! The richness of the history and culture of wine in the area makes it accessible to even the biggest wine newbie!
Dijon rests at the very top of the wine region and has a whole host of tours and tastings based in the surrounding area. The Burgundy Shop, a site dedicated to dishing up interesting information on the region has some examples of tours in the area.
In the South of Burgundy, Mâconnais can be found, which according to Wine Folly is rather the rogue member of that Burgundy family. But going rogue can be well worth it. The area is known for its chardonnay, but not for the price tag that other parts of Burgundy boast. For the non-connoisseur value for money may be the best choice!
Bicycling through Bordeaux
Bordeaux is exceedingly well-known for its wine – not just for drinking and travel but also for wine investment! But it’s not all about big bucks and cultured wine buying decisions. It’s also one of the best places in France for cycling.
The beautiful stretches of the Garonne means Bordeaux makes for wonderful cycling, or boating, tours of the area so that one can explore this most renowned wine region. While one is in the area it would almost be rude not to sample the local wines – but you don’t have to spend big.
If you check out the local wine bars, wander down the beautiful streets and you’re never far from a great glass of wine and some fantastic bistro food, with set 2-course menus from around 18 euros.
Laying back in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is well-known for its wonderful wines: just recently the oenophiles at The London Wine Cellar confessed to having a weak spot for Chenin Blanc. In a recent article on wine and food combinations, they suggested a chilled glass of Quarts de Chaume from Domaine Baumard with a Pear Tarte Tatin as their ultimate pairing.
But there’s more to the Loire Valley than wine: there’s a beautiful old-world of villages and folklore too. Within the Loire Valley there are many Troglodyte dwellings, and even villages. These don’t instantly sound appealing, admittedly. But these home built into the landscape are not to be missed. They echo locals, past and present, wanting to make the most of their surroundings – and in an almost Hobbit like feet or architectural genius they have built homes that sit directly within the natural forms of the valley.
Troglodyte Village of Rochemenier is one of the most famous options and makes for a great day trip. Once you’ve had your fill of these beautiful and well thought out homes you can find your way back to a wine bar with a sweet chenin blanc by the river and retire peacefully for the evening.
