The World's Top Ten Most Famous Wine Regions and Wine Holiday Destinations Part 1: France.

Tuesday, 22nd November, 2011.

THE WORLD'S TOP TEN MOST FAMOUS WINE REGIONS AND WINE HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS.
This week I am going to start a new series of features through which I shall be introducing to you the World's most famous, ten, wine regions and wine holiday destinations for both the professional and enthusiastic wine tourist.
In addition to producing the finest wines in the world and to the world, these destinations offer visitors outstanding hotels, top gourmet restaurants offering exquisite local cuisine, and exclusive wine tours, which are a must for every wine lover.

French Wine Regions.

 The first of these ten world regions without a shadow of doubt is:

1. FRANCE.
France is possibly and without doubt, one of the most famous wine countries in the world. It has been a stand-out wine producer for centuries and its wines are not only world famous but also known to connoisseurs through various, exclusive, Chateaux names, brand names and fine wine styles through France’s appellation system.

Typical wine region landscape in France.

Burgundy with its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Bordeaux with its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, are the most famous wine destinations in France, and both have long been renowned for their vineyards that produce everything from delicious table wines to the most expensive bottles in the world. In both Burgundy and Bordeaux, the French passion for food and wine unite for a sensational wine-tasting experience.

Champagne-Ardenne, is the province most famous for the beloved sparkling white wine that bears its name. Its neatly tended vineyards situated amongst a picturesque, natural landscape, rich history, and unique culture makes this region as vibrant as its effervescent wine.

Then we have the Loire Valley which is a massive wine producing region that stretches from the coast near Nantes right through to Saumur, Anjou and Vouvray. In this region one can enjoy the best Muscadet, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc and the exclusive Gamay reds.

Alsace with its famous Riesling and Pinot Gris, and then there is the Rhone Valley - the famous Cotes du Rhone, and the Languedoc region and Roussillon, with their numerous towns like Chablis and Beaujolais, and their famous Syrah and Viogner, and the well known Chablis whites and Beaujolais reds which carry the names of their town of origin. There is also Provence and Corsica on the Mediterranean side of France.

Writing about France and its wine is a never ending story. It is definitely a must for any prospective wine tourist to visit. One has to bear in mind that a wine tasting holiday is vastly differrent from a visit to Paris and its city culture. The wine regions offer a rustic experience of exquisite countryside and terroirs, exclusive wines, and sublime food.

Good planning is a must and preferably should be done through a renowned operator and organizer from within the region that one is planning to visit.