A client walks into a travel agency...no, this is not the start of a joke. However it can become a bad joke when the client states he wants you to arrange a wine tour in France.
And that's where we come in.You don't have to be a wine expert to dispense some advice when clients have questions, however as they say; “a little knowledge is dangerous”. Having said that, here is a brief synopsis of the French wine growing regions;
Alsace: TGV from Paris to Strasbourg, 3 hours. Located in eastern France, bordering the Rhine River and Germany on the other side. Predominantly white wines with grapes of Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, This is the only region in France where the label will be named by the grape varietal. Notice the Germanic sounding names of these towns, as this region has swung back and forth between Germany and France several times in history. Major towns: Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Mulhouse
Avanti wine tour offered: YES from Strasbourg
Beaujolais: TGV from Paris to Lyon just a little over 2 hours. Gamay is the grape and these are generally lighter red wines. There are 11 regions but the more famous wines are; Morgon, Saint Amour, Brouilly, Julienas, Fleurie, Chiroubles, and Moulin-a Vent. Towns to visit: Lyon, Villefranche-sur-Saone, Beaujeu
Avanti wine tour offered: YES from Lyon
Bordeaux: A little over 3 hours by train SW of Paris lies the most famous wine region. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the two prominent grapes. Some of the regions are Haute Medoc, St Emilion, Pomerol, Saint Estephe, Margaux, Saint Julian, and Pauillac, all with powerful reds. Sauternes is the dessert wine and expensive. Towns to visit in Aquitaine: Bordeaux, St Emilion, Arcachon, Pau, Bayonne, Biarritz, Sarlat
Avanti wine tour offered: YES from Bordeaux
** Not wine per say, but north of Bordeaux is Cognac; a quaint town, famous for its variety of brandy. Well worth the trip if you're taking one of our driving tours and staying in Bordeaux or Sarlat. While in this region, I strongly recommend that the clients visit the incredible, jaw-dropping cliff town of Rocamandour.
These are only three of the many wine regions throughout France. Check back with us on Friday, April 28th for the complete countdown!