Fortunately, French hoteliers realise this, and so looking for wine hotels in France becomes a pleasurable task. Some hotels lie deep in the vineyards - roll out of bed and into the vines, more or less - while many specialise in wine tours and tastings. Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixab. As good wines deserve good accompaniments, it goes without saying that these French wine hotels also score highly for their food - whether Michelin-star gourmet standard or French provincial cooking at its best.
So, where to go? Other people are lured by the more subtle wines of the Loire. The Savoie and Languedoc-Roussillon wine regions also have their distinct charms. Other people just start as they mean to go on and head straight for Reims, capital of glorious Champagne. We have sipped and tasted our way around these regions and found some of the most delightful places to stay. Use our guide to the best wine hotels in France and you can do the same. A less costly way of learning about techniques, while still sampling, is to visit the smaller vignerons.
Chablis is noted for the famous dry whites of the chardonnay grape. Indeed, some people believe the Chablis grand crus are the finest white wines in France. For many people, a wine hotel in France means a chateau. The Bordeaux region does not disappoint. Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris are the names to look out for. The fine Touraine reds include Chinon and Bourgeuil while Saumur and Vouvray both produce sparkling wines that can rival Champagne, and at a fraction of the price.
And predominantly white - although the red Mondeuse is deservedly popular. The two main appellations are Bugey and Vin de Savoie; due to the hilly terrain, their vineyards are scattered in isolated pockets separated by towns, mountains and lakes.
So the best wine hotels in this region of France are as much about the views as the wines. Whether you know your wines like a seasoned sommelier or, like many of us, you buy the best offer at the supermarket, France will not disappoint. Using our guide to the best wine hotels in France, you can plan a trip whether you want to stay in one place or plot a meandering route through the vineyards. A charming family-run hotel set amid vineyards, lush gardens and century-old trees. Rooms are elegant and light.
