French Wine Tours by EuroPanache by Panache Voyage

French Wines by

Panache.Voyage

France is where fine wine and food meet.The world’s best-known estates are in Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy – but other, smaller regions are worth a visit.

If hands-on is what you are looking for, Panache.Voyage’s team can even arrange

for you to be involved in the harvest in smaller

estates. You’ll mingle with owners and producers like you never have before.

Champagne — the nec plus ultra of sparkling wine regions, rich with history, fabulous chalk cellars and UNESCO world heritage sites.

wine regions of

Alsace —a taste of Germany in France, where you can savor wonderful rieslings and pinots, enjoy the canals, rolling hills and natural parks.

france

Champagne Loire

Loire —one of the most scenic wine regions, with mineral wines, troglodyte caves and fairytale castles.

Alsace Burgundy

Bordeaux

Bordeaux — the most visited wine region in the world, with prestigious chateaux properties. The region is best known for fine red wines, oysters and seafood.

Beaujolais Rhone

Southwest & Basque Country

Southwest & Basque Country — known for hearty food – some of the best in France – sheep’s milk cheese and terroir wines. The villages are among the most beautiful in France.

LanguedocRoussillion

Burgundy — famous for mustard, dukes, and fabulous light reds and oaky whites, this region produces some of the finest wine in the world.

Rhône Valley —from Lyon to Avignon, this area is known for fine gastronomy, Alpine backgrounds and tasty reds that leave hints of grapefruit and pepper on the palate.

Provence

Provence and Languedoc Roussillon — the South of France is known for healthy food, fabulous scenery, fine rosés and full-bodied reds.

et Panache.Voyage’s experts introduce you to France’s rich tradition of wine. Visit premier and grand cru cellars and vineyards. Enjoy fine regional gastronomic fare. Meet estate owners and top sommeliers. Bask in vinotherapy spas and discover the secret of grapeseeds. Visit small cheese producers and master your pairing skills. Participate in the finest auctions and invitation-only events.

Champagne Acquire an intimate understanding of why Champagne is so unique. Stay in a magnificent five-star Relais & Châteaux property – either Les Crayères in Reims or the Royal Champagne in the Vineyards. Day 1 — Reims Today, you’ll learn about “the drink of kings” at prestigious houses like Pommery, Ruinart or Bollinger. Also, enjoy a visit to the city of Reims and its medieval cathedral, where the monarchs of France were crowned.

French Wines

Day 2 — Montagne de Reims Pinot Noir realm This morning take the scenic road of the “Montagne de Reims” in the region of Pinot noir varietals. Make a stop at the mill and lighthouse of Vernezay, housing a wine museum. We’ll open the doors of family estates and organize a stroll in the vineyards. In the evening, enjoy a gastronomic tasting dinner comparing vintage champagnes. Day 3 — Epernay Visit the abbey where Dom Perignon and Dom Ruinart lived. This region houses the charming villages of Cramant, Avize and Oger (considered one of France’s most beautiful villages). Here the vineyards are almost exclusively chardonnay white grape, which produces “Blanc de Blancs” champagne. You’ll have the opportunity to taste it at a prestigious champagne house in Epernay, such as Moët & Chandon.

French Wines

Alsace Alsace offers an incredible wine experience due to its Germanic charm and the diversity of its styles of wines, varietals, Grand Crus terroirs and fabulous gastronomy. Day 1 — Strasbourg City Tour Upon your arrival in Strasbourg check in to the luxury hotel Château de l’Ile. After lunch, start your visit of Strasbourg’s pedestrian center (UNESCO World Heritage), and later enjoy a wine tasting at a wistub located along the scenic canals. In the evening, enjoy the art of pairing Alsatian wines and food at gastronomic restaurants such as La Cambuse, La Casserole, or the two-Michelin-star Au Crocodile. Day 2 — The wine route from Strasbourg to Colmar Start your discovery of the Alsace wine road, winding 106 miles through small picturesque villages. Head south and make stops at numerous wineries, such as the famous Cave de Ribeauvillé and the highly renowned estate, Domaine Trimbach. Also: we’ll see the Bergheim Grand Crus vineyards, and can visit at a reputed organic winemaker. Day 3 — The wine route from Colmar to Thann Colmar is, without a doubt, the capital of Alsace wines, and boasts charming timber houses and a lively atmosphere. Spend the morning enjoying the pedestrian area known as “Little Venice” and later have a tasty lunch. In the afternoon, go off the beaten track by strolling through one of the 47 vineyard trails and meet prestigious winegrowers nearby, such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht.

Burgundy Burgundy wines are exceptional — known for their light body and flavor. The food — and mustard — are also renowned!

Day 1 — Legendary Côte de Nuits Enjoy your stay at the Hotel Le Cep in the medieval town of Beaune. Today you’ll discover the Côte de Nuits and the prestigious vineyards of Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot, Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis and Gevrey-Chambertin. Later, enjoy a gourmet tasting dinner back in town.

Day 2 — Prestigious Côte de Beaune Embark for full day in the Côte de Beaune, experiencing the most renowned white wines in the world: CortonCharlemagne, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay. Savor a tasting lunch at Château de Meursault, followed by a relaxing stroll through the city of Beaune, which boasts prestigious wine cellars and splendid architecture and heritage.

French Wines

Day 3 — Côte Chalonnaise and Maconnais Region, or Full Day in Beaujolais We offer two customizable options: a full day in the regions of Côte Chalonnaise or Beaujolais. The Côte Chalonnaise offers high value white wines, and here we can organize tastings of premium organic wines. The Beaujolais is the homeland of a unique grape variety, the gamay, which produces delicious light-bodied and fruity red wines.

French Wines

Rhône Valley Lyon is known for its rich food and the Rhone Valley for its red wines – tinged with pepper and grapefruit flavors…

Day 1 — Discover the City of Lyon After checking into your Lyon hotel, La Cour des Loges, you’ll start your discovery of the city with your private guide, exploring 2,000 years of heritage in half a day. For lunch, enjoy the abundance of bouchons and wine bars. Visit Georges-5 or Vercoquin, specialized in natural wines. For dinner, renowned Michelin star restaurants await.

Day 2 — Côte du Rhône Northern Wine Tour Today you will reach Ampuis on a steep route strolling through the prestigious vineyards of Condrieu and CôtesRôtie. It’s now time for a wine tasting at Paul Jaboulet Ainé, Guigal, or Yves Cuilleron. After lunch, reach the Colline de l’Hermitage on foot and enjoy an unforgettable tasting at Michel Chapoutier’s cellar. Stay at Maison Pic, where you’ll have a unique gastronomic experience at the three Michelin star Anne Sophie Pic restaurant.

Day 3 — Côtes du Rhône Southern Wine Tour Your full day will begin with a visit of the medieval village of Châteauneuf du Pape, looking over 3,000 hectares of vine fields. We’ll organize wine tastings at Domaine de la Janasse or Domaine Beaucastel, among the best wine producers in the region. You’ll enjoy the afternoon at Italian-inspired Carpentras, and finish off the day in Avignon, where you’ll stay at La Mirande, an 18th century boutique hotel located at the foot of the Palais des Papes.

Day 4 — Avignon City This morning enjoy a half-day guided walking tour of the city. You’ll see the palace of the popes, the old city, the ramparts and the 12th century Avignon Bridge. Enjoy lunch at a typical Provençal restaurant.

Provence, Languedoc, & Roussillon This region is known for its rosés, reds, beautiful scenery and great food.

Day 1 — Aix en Provence Upon your arrival in Aix, you’ll check in to the Villa Gallici, a luxurious country inn. Meet your guide for a morning visit of the old town. After lunch, under the shade of plane trees, you’ll enjoy the most prestigious rosé wines at Domaines d’Ott and Chateau de Pinarbon. End the day visiting the gorgeous calanques of Cassis.

French Wines

Day 2 — Languedoc, Montpellier Vineyards Today you’ll head to the highly-regarded vineyards of Languedoc. Have a Grand Crus tasting at elite estates, such as Prieuré Saint Jean de Bébian and Domaine Mas Julien in Côteaux du Languedoc, or Clos Marie in Pic Saint-Loup. Your accommodations for the next two days are at the luxurious Domaine de Verchant Hôtel, Spa & Wine Estate.

Day 3 — Languedoc, Narbonne Vineyards This morning you’ll head to Narbonne to discover the 12th century Cisterian Abbaye de Frontfroide, also a wine estate. You will taste Corbières appellation wines and enjoy a savory lunch. On your way back to Montpellier we’ll organize tastings at the best Minervois, Faugères and Saint Chinian winemakers such as Domaine des Terres Falmet and organic-producing Domaine Borie La Vitarèle.

Basque Country With the highest spend per capita worldwide on food and wine, this is any gourmet’s special find. The food is distinct and spicy and the scenery beyond comparison.

Day 1 — Saint Jean de Luz and the Coast On your arrival at Saint Jean de Luz, check in at the Atlanticfacing Grand Hotel Loreamar, where you’ll stay for two nights. After lunch take time to wander in this charming seaside city, discovering Basque culture. Before dinner, enjoy a sea spa at your hotel. End your day at a local fish restaurant with a glass of Iroulegy wine.

Day 2 — French Basque Country & Iroulegy Vineyard This morning you’ll pass through picturesque Basque villages on the way to Iroulegy vineyard. You’ll taste the structured reds and fruity whites made from local varietals at renowned wineries Domaine Arretxea and Domaine Etienne Branna. In quaint Saint Jean Pied de Port, enjoy hearty local cuisine. Take the rest of the day to have a refreshing walk at the waterfalls of Kakueta, or Villa Arnaga’s beautiful gardens.

Day 3 — Bilbao Guggenheim Museum and the Rioja Today you’ll head to northern Spain to visit the Guggenheim Museum, designed by American architect Frank Gehry. Enjoy lunch at the museum before heading on a tour of the most spectacular cellars of the Rioja. Your first tasting will take place at the avant-garde winery Ysios, in Laguardia. Later, have a relaxing evening at the intimate Hospederia de los Parajes, a boutique hotel in the middle of this charming medieval town.

Day 4 — The Rioja After breakfast, head to Elciego for a tasting at Marques de Riscal, a striking red, gold and silver building, also designed by Frank Gehry. Have a typical Spanish lunch in the village; later, in the afternoon, you’ll discover the incredible richness of Rioja’s traditional and modern wines at renowned family vineyards. You’ll then head back to Saint Jean de Luz.

French Wines

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Bordeaux Bordeaux is renowned for full-bodied wines —– among the best in the world. Its oysters and caviar pair well.

Day 1 — TGV to Bordeaux and City Highlights Bordeaux is the world capital of wine culture. Stay at Les Sources de Caudalie Resort & Wine Spa, located next to the prestigious vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Enjoy a guided half-day city highlights tour of Bordeaux. Celebrate with a gourmet dinner at one of the great restaurants the city has to offer.

Day 2 — The Médoc Châteaux Road The Medoc area has the region’s most prestigious estates, such as Château Margaux, Château Latour and Château MoutonRothschild. Discover appellations while enjoying first-growth tastings. Savor a typical local lunch, and, come evening, dine at the gastronomic restaurant Saint James, offering a panoramic view on the city.

Day 3 — Saint Emilion The Saint-Emilion vineyards span around the charming medieval village. Start your visit with a tour of the stunning Romanesque churches and underground monuments. The cobblestone streets are lined with wine shops, cafés and restaurants where you can have lunch paired with Saint Emilion wine. In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour and tastings near Saint Emilion and in the prestigious Pomerol area.

Day 4 — Graves and Sauternes The Graves region, famous for its stony terroir, holds prestigious wine chateaux such as Haut-Brion and Pape-Clément. Enjoy a tasting followed by a delectable lunch at a typical regional restaurant. In the afternoon, discover the Sauternes district’s famous sweet wines - Château d’Yquem is the best known.

Loire The Loire is known for its hunting castles, but its mineral wines and game delicacies are worth a detour!

Day 1 — Bourgueil and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Upon your arrival at Tours, you’ll be you’ll be transferred to the charming 15th century Château de Marçay in Chinon, where you’ll sojourn for four days. For lunch, experience Andouille smoked sausage and a delicious tarte vigneronne. Enjoy your first tasting of fruity gamay and tender and light cabernet franc grapes from Bourgueil and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil. End your day visiting Chinon Castle in the footsteps of Joan of Arc.

Day 2 — Chinon and Vouvray This morning you’ll visit two family estates producing amazing structured Chinon wines. Lunch at leisure at a local restaurant or in the vineyard, if weather permits. Mid-afternoon you’ll be transferred to Vouvray for a tour of the caves, followed by wine tastings of great dry, sweet and sparkling white wines made from the extraordinary chenin blanc varietal.

Day 3 — Saumur and Anjou The Saumur and Anjou appellations produce the widest range of red, white and rosé wines in the Loire. With your private guide you’ll taste the entire palate in different villages and chateaux. Later, we’ll stop at Saumur to admire the castle and the old city dominating the Loire.

Day 4 — Sancerre and central vineyards Sancerre is the heartland of white sauvignon. You’ll start your visit at the ancient town of Sancerre; in the vineyards enjoy a glass of crisp, dry sauvignon paired with goat cheese from Chavignol. We’ll open the doors of the best winemakers and make sure you don’t miss the smoky, gun-flint flavors of Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire.

French Wines

French Wines by

Panache.Voyage