The ranking of the 10 Best French Vineyards Worldwide in 2023: Best French Vineyards to Visit during your Journey in 2024
Please remember that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health, so always consume in moderation
* Date: July 20, 2024
* Location: France
French Vineyards to Visit
France is indeed a paradise for wine enthusiasts, with its breathtaking vineyard landscapes, historic châteaux, and rich culture.
Let’s explore some of the best wineries and vineyards you can visit in France.
Alsace: Located near the border of Germany and Switzerland, Alsace boasts the Alsace Wine Route, a 170-kilometer stretch that takes you past fairy-tale villages, castles, churches, and, of course, many vineyards.
Champagne: Everyone knows Champagne! Visit the world’s most famous Champagne houses in Reims and Épernay (think Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and Mumm) or explore the vineyards along the Champagne Tourist Route.
Beaujolais: Known for its 140-kilometer circuit, Beaujolais offers picturesque vineyards and is famous for its Beaujolais nouveau, released every November.
Bordeaux: Home to esteemed vineyards and beautiful châteaux, Bordeaux is a must-visit for wine lovers. Don’t miss the Cité du Vin, where you can learn about wine history and enjoy 360-degree views1.
Bourgogne (Burgundy): The Burgundy vineyard areas, known for their unique terroir, are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Loire Valley: Known for its diverse wine styles, the Loire Valley offers stunning vineyards and historic châteaux.
Cognac: Famous for its eponymous brandy, Cognac has picturesque vineyards along the Charente River.
Provence: Beyond its lavender fields, Provence produces delightful rosé wines. Explore vineyards in this sunny region.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Château Smith Haut Lafitte (France): The first French vineyard ranks.
Located in the Bordeaux region, it’s renowned for its quality wines.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a prestigious Bordeaux wine estate located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Here are some key points about it:
Terroir and Vineyards
The estate covers 87 hectares of contiguous land on a hill called Lafitte (from ancient French).
The soil, known as Ggraves » (« Günziennes), allows the vines to draw resources from depths of over six meters. The grapes benefit from the sun’s reflection on the stones, resulting in optimal ripening. The terroir produces both subtly “smoky” white wines with flinty notes and suave, complex red wines.
Biodiversity and Sustainability: Château Smith Haut Lafitte prioritizes soil health by using its own organic compost. They also protect the fragile slopes of their white vineyards by working with horses. The estate maintains wooded areas and hedges to enhance the landscape and harmony with nature.
Signature Wines:
Château Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge: An elegant, powerful red wine faithful to its terroir.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc: A complex and balanced white wine.
Le Petit Haut Lafitte Rouge and Blanc: Smaller production wines.
Les Hauts de Smith Rouge and Blanc: Second wines of the estate.
Bio Precision: The estate’s commitment to quality stems from 25 years of “bio precision” work—a unique approach combining the best of nature and science.
Their red and white wines are internationally recognized.
Contact :
Château D’Yquem
Château d’Yquem is a renowned wine estate based in Sauternes, France, known for producing exceptional-quality sweet white wines.
The vineyards of the estate cover 100 hectares of land. Positioned on a small hill, the estate is one of the five first-class châteaux classified as « Premiers Grands Crus » (Premiers Grands Crus Classés), considered to be the greatest white wines in the world.
The winemaking at Yquem begins with the work of the harvesters, who manually select each grape cluster and remove anything that does not meet their high-quality standards.
Once the vines are selected, fermentation follows, using previously selected indigenous yeasts.
The aging is then done in new barrels for a minimum of 18 months to guarantee the typical level of quality of the estate.
Yquem also produces olive oil, quality sauternes, table wines, and anise.
In the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, Château d’Yquem was the only Sauternes given this rating, indicating its perceived superiority and higher prices over all other wines of its type. Wines from Château d’Yquem are characterized by their complexity, concentration, and sweetness, which are balanced by a relatively high acidity.
With proper care, a bottle will last for a century or more.
Since 1959, Château d’Yquem has also produced a dry white wine called Ygrec, made predominantly from Sauvignon blanc and a few lots of Sémillon.
It was originally produced only in select years; since 2004, it has been produced every year.
Other Offerings:
In addition to its iconic sweet wines, Yquem produces olive oil, quality Sauternes, table wines, and anise liqueur.
The Château d’Yquem is open for visits from Monday to Sunday.
Château Pape Clément
Château Pape Clément is a prestigious vineyard located in the Graves region near Bordeaux, France. Here are some fascinating details:
History and Ownership:
The château boasts a remarkable history spanning seven centuries.
Its first grape harvest dates back to 1252.
Bernard Magrez, the current owner, acquired the estate in the 1980s. It was his first vineyard and marked the beginning of his passionate journey in winemaking.
Bernard Magrez is also the sole proprietor of four other Grand Crus Classés in Bordeaux: Château La Tour Carnet (Haut Médoc), Château Fombrauge (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru), and Clos Haut Peyraguey (Sauternes).
Symbol of Excellence:
Bernard Magrez’s commitment to excellence is symbolized by the Keys—a representation of his unwavering dedication to quality.
These Keys ensure that the wines produced across his 42 vineyards receive the same meticulous attention as his Grand Crus Classés.
Visitors are invited to explore the château, taste exceptional wines, and experience the passion behind each bottle.
Activities at Château Pape Clément:
Guided Tours and Tastings: Discover the mythical history of this Grand Cru Classé and sample its exceptional wines. (Duration: 1.5 hours; reservation required.)
Wine Tasting: Enjoy a tasting of three wines without a guided tour. (Duration: 30 minutes; reservation required.)
Château Pape Clément
Maison Ruinart
Maison Ruinart holds the distinction of being the oldest established champagne house, exclusively producing champagne since 1729.
Founded by Nicolas Ruinart in the Champagne region, specifically in the city of Reims, it remains a symbol of elegance, purity, and light. The Maison’s cuvées are celebrated for their exceptional quality and heritage.
Additionally, the Ruinart crayères, natural cellars classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, add to its allure.
Maison Ruinart offers several exquisite cuvées, each with its own unique character and style. Here are some of their notable creations:
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs:
A flagship champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes.
Known for its elegance, freshness, and delicate floral notes.
Ideal as an aperitif or paired with seafood.
Ruinart Rosé:
A delightful rosé champagne crafted from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Displays vibrant red fruit flavors, subtle spice, and a creamy texture.
Perfect for celebrating special moments.
Dom Ruinart:
A prestige cuvée named after the founder, Nicolas Ruinart.
Available in both Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs versions.
Aged for extended periods, resulting in complexity and finesse.
Ruinart R de Ruinart:
The entry-level champagne offers a harmonious blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Crisp, with citrus and brioche notes.
Versatile and enjoyable for various occasions.
Maison Ruinart’s champagnes are a celebration of craftsmanship and heritage.
Contact:
Adress :
Château Mouton Rothschild et Domaine de la Romanée Conti
Château Mouton Rothschild is a renowned wine estate located in the village of Pauillac in the Médoc region, 50 km north-west of the city of Bordeaux, France.
This Premier Cru Classé of the Bordeaux region has 84 hectares of vineyards in Pauillac, in Médoc.
Since 1945, the label of Château Mouton Rothschild has been illustrated by the original work of a great contemporary artist.
These original works are displayed in the rooms of Art and the Label at Mouton.
The château also houses the Museum of Wine in Art, which brings together two millennia of art objects associated with wine.
The property produces three crus: Château Mouton Rothschild, its second wine, Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild, and a Grand Vin blanc, Aile d’Argent.
Contact:
Champagne Bollinger
Maison Bollinger
Known for its iconic Bollinger Special Cuvée, this Champagne house has a long history.
Their champagnes are characterized by depth, complexity, and a rich Pinot Noir influence.
Champagne Bollinger is a renowned French Champagne house that produces luxury sparkling wines from the Champagne region.
They offer several labels of Champagne under the Bollinger name, including the vintage Vieilles Vignes Françaises, Grande Année, and R.D., as well as the non-vintage Special Cuvée.
The Bollinger House has been an independent, passionate family business since 1829, located in Aÿ, France.
They are known for their unique style, which is largely due to their preference for the elegance of Pinot Noir, an exceptional vineyard, and artisanal know-how passed down from generation to generation.
Here are some of the products you can find:
Bollinger Brut Champagne Special Cuvee, Champagne
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee NV
La Grande Annee Brut | Champagne & Sparkling Wine By Bollinger
2013 & Sparkling Wine | Champagne & Sparkling Wine By Bollinger
R.D. Extra Brut | Champagne & Sparkling Wine By Bollinger
20 Bd Maréchal de Lattre, Aÿ-Champagne
Champagne BILLECART-SALMON
As for the logo, it’s interesting to note that a vintage of their sparkling wine, named for the patron saint of Mareuil-sur-A, is aged exclusively in oak barrels that are topped with a crystal glass Baccarat stopper designed in the logo of Champagne Billecart-Salmon3. Unfortunately, I can’t provide the image of the logo due to the limitations of my current capabilities. However, you can easily find it by searching « Champagne Billecart Salmon logo » on the web.
Billecart-Salmon is a renowned Champagne house that has been family-owned for over 200 years
. It was founded in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in their hometown, Mareuil-sur-A, France.
Today, it is managed by Mathieu Roland-Billecart, the seventh generation of the family.
The house is particularly famous for its Brut Rosé, which was created in the 1970s by Jean Roland-Billecart.
This blend is made up of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir and is considered one of the best sparkling rosés on the market.
Here are some options for Billecart-Salmon Champagnes that you can consider:
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé Champagne
Billecart Salmon Brut Rose Champagne
Brut Reserve By Billecart Salmon |
Brut Rose By Billecart Salmon
Billecart-Salmon « Brut Réserve » Champagne
Adress :
Château Pichon Baron
Château Pichon Baron, also known as Château Pichon Longueville Baron, is a renowned winery located in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region of France.
It is one of the great historic vineyards of Bordeaux.
The Château was classified as a Second Grand Cru Classé in 1855, which is a testament to the quality of its wine.
The production of its Grand Vin, Château Pichon Baron, is the result of a rigorous selection policy in the vineyard and in the cellars, ensuring it is the pure expression of their unique terroir.
The Château is located at RD 2 rte Châteaux, 33250 Pauillac.
If you’re interested in visiting, it’s always a good idea to call ahead at + 33 5 56 73 17 17
Château de Beaucastel
Château de Beaucastel: Located in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this renowned estate produces exceptional Rhône Valley wines. Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends are highly regarded.
Its vineyards cover 100 of the estate’s 130 hectares, three quarters of which are in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.
Château de Beaucastel is a renowned winery located in the southern part of the Rhône valley in France.
It is primarily noted for its Châteauneuf du Pape wines, which are produced in a long-lived style.
The winery includes all 13 grape varieties that are traditionally part of the blend and uses a higher-than-usual proportion of Mourvèdre.
The Château de Beaucastel estate covers 130 hectares, of which 100 hectares are planted with vineyards.
The remaining 30 hectares are farmed with rotated crops to prepare new vineyard plantings.
The estate’s history dates back to 1549, and it has been managed by the Perrin family since 1909. They moved to organic farming in 1950 and biodynamic farming in 1974.
The winery offers a unique sensory experience. You can enjoy a cellar visit accompanied by a tasting of their prestigious wines.
Their ancestral know-how allows them to create exceptional wines that will delight your palate.
You can book a guided tour to learn more about their history and passion for wine.
Contact Beaucastel
Visits are by appointment only. Please contact the domain by email to make an appointment.
Perrin Family
Château de Beaucastel
Chemin de Beaucastel
84350 Courthezon
Phone: +33 (0) 4 90 70 41 15
Fax: +33 (0) 4 90 70 41 19
E-mail: contact@beaucastel.com
Veuve Cliquot
Veuve Clicquot is a renowned Champagne house founded in 1772. Its headquarters are in Reims, France, and it belongs to the luxury group LVMH.
The annual production of Veuve Clicquot is approximately 22 million bottles.
The heart of Veuve Clicquot lies in its historic cellars, where unique craftsmanship goes into creating their exceptional champagnes. You can explore these historic cellars and discover the savoir-faire behind their cuvées.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift or a delightful wine to accompany your meals, Veuve Clicquot offers an ideal collection for the holiday season.
One of their notable champagnes is the Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé
Veuve Clicquot produces
Veuve Clicquot produces a delightful range of champagnes. Here are some of their notable offerings:
Veuve Clicquot Brut Carte Jaune: This is their flagship champagne, known for its balanced flavor profile and fine bubbles.
Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec: A slightly sweeter champagne, perfect for those who prefer a touch of sweetness.
Veuve Clicquot Cave Privée Rosé 1990: A rare vintage rosé champagne with rich flavors and a beautiful pink hue.
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé Brut 2008: Another excellent vintage rosé, characterized by its elegance and complexity.
Contact Veuve Clicquot:
Saint Petersburg Visitor Center
1 Rue Albert Thomas
51100 Reims
tel:+330326895390
Among the Top Ten classifications, we can also find those prestige French Vineyards
Château L’Évangile: Located in Pomerol, France, Château L’Évangile has a rich history dating back to the mid-18th century. The Léglise family played a significant role in its development. Their wines are known for their elegance and character.
The estate produces exceptional Merlot-based blends that resemble Catherine Deneuve in their allure.
Domaine Albert Boxler: Jean Boxler, from Domaine Albert Boxler in Alsace, is celebrated for his rieslings. He emphasizes passion, resilience, and sensitivity over performance. The family estate, founded in 1672, produces exquisite wines from challenging terroirs.
Boxler’s philosophy centers on love for the vines and craftsmanship.
Henri Giraud: This Champagne house creates exceptional cuvées. Sébastien Le Golvet, representing Henri Giraud, believes that champagne serves as a social bond.
Their champagnes are a blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the essence of celebration.
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht: Based in Alsace, this biodynamic estate produces outstanding wines. Olivier Humbrecht, a Master of Wine, crafts expressive and terroir-driven bottles.
Domaine Comte Abbatucci: A Corsican estate known for its unique indigenous grape varieties.
Their wines reflect the island’s terroir and heritage.
Domaine Valentin Zusslin
Founded in 1691, Domaine Valentin Zusslin is located in Orschwihr, south of Colmar, in Alsace, France. The vineyard spans 16 hectares and includes the Bollenberg, Clos Liebenberg, and Grand Cru Pfingstberg slopes.
The vineyard practices biodynamic viticulture, emphasizing manual work, care for the soil, and the use of biodynamic preparations sourced from nearby plants, animals, and minerals.
Address: 57 Grand Rue, 68500 Orschwihr
Phone: +33 3 89 76 82 84
Website: zusslin.com
Château La Calisse
Château La Calisse is a renowned vineyard located in Provence, France1. It has been practicing organic agriculture for over 30 years1. The vineyard was acquired by Patricia Ortelli in 1991 and has since been thoroughly restored and developed23.
The vineyard spans ten hectares and is home to a variety of grapes. White wines are produced from Rolle, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette grapes, while red wines are produced from Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes3. The vineyard follows traditional methods of soil preparation and does not use any chemical weed killer or fertiliser3. The vineyard has been awarded Organic Agriculture Certification (Contrôle ECOCERT) since 19963.
Château La Calisse produces a range of wines, from delicate white wine through a light rosé to a refined red wine2. Their wines are known for their fruitiness, with the Grenache Blanc being a particular favorite.
They also produce a Rouge Syrah and Grenache, which is known for its redberries and cherries aromas
Website: https://www.chateau-la-calisse.fr/en/
Domaine Belargus:
Domaine Belargus is a leading biodynamic winery located in the Loire Valley, specifically in Anjou, France.
This winery was established following the acquisition of the vineyard of Jo Pithon, a legendary winemaker from the Loire region.
The winery is renowned for its exclusive production of Chenin Blanc wines. These wines are produced from the best terroirs and appellations in « Anjou Noir » (a schist area near Angers):
Savennières, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru, Chaume 1er Cru, Anjou, and Coteaux du Layon.
Through a unique collection of grands crus, single-plots, and monopoles, Domaine Belargus explores Anjou through all its micro-climates, using Chenin as its sole instrument3. Cultivated in harmony with Nature’s biodiversity, Belargus wines bear the singularity of the millenary plots that give birth to them
Adress :
19 Rue Saint-Vincent, 49750 Val-du-Layon
Call: + 33 2 41 78 68 74
Domaine Aux Moines:
Domaine Aux Moines is a renowned winery in the Loire Valley, known for its Chenin Blanc wines.
It’s located in Savennières and produces high-quality whites.
Domaine du Cellier aux Moines:
Domaine du Cellier aux Moines is situated in Givry, Burgundy. They focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, crafting elegant wines.
Domaine Georges Vernay:
Domaine Georges Vernay, in the Northern Rhône, specializes in Viognier and Syrah. Their Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie wines are exceptional.
Château de Beaucastel:
Château de Beaucastel is a renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate in the Southern Rhône. Their red blends are highly regarded.
Domaine Comte Abbatucci:
Domaine Comte Abbatucci, located in Corsica, produces organic and biodynamic wines. Their indigenous grape varieties are unique.
Domaine Ganevat:
Domaine Ganevat, in Jura, is known for natural wines. Jean-François Ganevat’s approach is innovative and respected.
