The wine harvest is a sacred moment in the vineyard, and a special time that some winemakers are more than happy to share. Discover all the stages in the winemaking process, from vine branch to balloon glass.

Whether it was at the foot of Mount Olympus or in the temples of Rome, the wine harvest was considered a special event as far back as antiquity: as seen in the large events they organised at this time of year, and the intense devotion given to the many vine gods for the occasion. While mythological beliefs may have vanished long ago, our traditions retain a link to these mystical times: although grape picking is seen as hard work, for the winemakers the wine harvest is a time of joy and satisfaction, as it marks the culmination of many months spent tending the vine.

No need to pay homage to Bacchus or Dionysus if you want to celebrate this special moment in your own way: simply opt for an excursion to a wine estate and slip into a winemaker’s shoes for a day. The few weeks of harvest are a crucial stage in developing the future wine, so it’s the perfect time to discover what this role entails and learn their tricks of the trade. Each year, Bordeaux Tourist Office, in partnership with the Pays de Haute-Gironde region, organises “wine harvest days”, part of the Bourg and Blaye Route des Vins. On two dates in September, be both a spectator and active participant, at this once-in-a-year event.

The day includes a range of activities with an educational focus, from an introduction to the wine harvest and working the vine, a wine tasting, visit to the wine cellar, and lunch with the winemaker.

You’ll discover the different stages involved, from grape picking to putting the grapes in the tank, and fermentation, and gain a better understanding of the techniques involved, such as pressing, devatting and pumping over. Thanks to your newly acquired expertise, your tastings sessions will take on a new dimension: in future, wine will surpass the nectar of the gods of Mount Olympus after this fascinating trip!

Travel by car to France with P&O Ferries and explore its vineyards at your own pace! On this tailor-made road trip, discover the highlights of one of France's most famous wine regions: Champagne.

There's no better way to learn about some of France's famous wines than by exploring one of its wine regions at your own pace. And with P&O Ferries you can do just that on a 3-day short break in the home of Champagne!

Your trip begins with a short 90-minute crossing from Dover to Calais. From there it's just a leisurely drive south-east to the capital of the Champagne region, Reims, arriving in time for a spot of lunch at one of its many bistros. And your first glass of champagne, of course! 

After checking into your hotel, it's time to find out more what makes this precious wine so unique. And a visit to world-famous Maison Mumm will do the trick! Here you'll learn about the champagne making process, discover one the world's finest champagne museums and taste some of their exceptional products.

Round off day one with a visit to the beautiful art deco Café du Palais restaurant. The perfect spot to sample one of Champagne's little known, but delicious, Coteaux Champenois still wines.

Next day, make the most of the freedom that your car brings by driving into the stunning Montagne de Reims national park. Enjoy the rolling hillsides covered in vines and head to the charming village of Hautvilliers, where you'll find the grave of that famous champagne-making monk Dom Perignon.

While the Champagne region has some famous brands, there are actually more than 15,000 growers in total. Just outside Hautvilliers you'll find Champagne Tribaut, a small producer with some outstanding and well-priced white and rosé champagnes. You can also sample Ratafia, the local aperitif.

And the beauty of a P&O Ferries road trip is that you can take a bottle, or case, back home with you in the boot of your car!

Before leaving Reims the next day, pop into its stunning cathedral. Then it's time to bid au revoir to this stunning region, but having learned about the production method, and with a case of champagne in your car, memories of this holiday will live on for quite some time!

The vineyards of Bordeaux are prized the world over and need no introduction… but the region is never short of surprises, too, with a wide choice of unusual tourist activities devoted to wine.

Have you already heard about Bordeaux’s Urban Wine Trail? Even the name, you have to admit, is pretty intriguing. What kind of marathon is it? A hike around Bordeaux’s vineyards? A race across the six wine routes that stretch across the region? Nothing of the sort! Quite simply, it’s a city-based tour of Bordeaux’s wine bars! It’s a novel, 100% urban tour designed to delight wine-lovers eager to get off the beaten track…

The itinerary, which is based on an assortment of twenty wine bars, will take you to the four corners of the capital of the Gironde region. Download a detailed map of the trail from the application or website before heading off into the streets of Bordeaux and enjoying a stroll around the different neighbourhoods — stopping off at one of the partner bars, some of which boast the special Vignobles & Découvertes label.

The trail is full of small, intimate and cosy bars not to mention more sophisticated establishments blessed with large terraces — in short, every kind of atmosphere and style you could dream of. And you can taste a selection of the region’s finest wines along the itinerary, not forgetting the à la carte menu offered by participating bars, where you can savour a food and wine pairing specially prepared by each establishment: a foodie way to highlight the region’s grape-based products by combining them with local culinary delicacies.

Why not meet at the Métropolitain, for instance, where you can enjoy a blind tasting? Or at the Point Rouge, which has a selection of over 1,000 wines accompanied by tapas?

Though the Urban Wine Trail might be less conventional and picturesque than a guided tour of a vineyard, it does offer a rich and highly diverse wine experience. It’s a one-of-a-kind excursion — which you can follow on foot, by bike or on the tram — for exploring the town of Bordeaux, its architecture and the richness of its terroir.

Here is a list of wine bars in Bordeaux:

• Le Bar à Vin du CIVB

• Max Bordeaux/ Wine gallery & Cellar

• Le Flacon

• Le Wine Bar du Boutique Hôtel

• Chez le pépère

• Aux 4 coins du vin

• Le Wine Bar

• Vins Urbains 

• L'Oenolimit

• La ligne Rouge

• La Talenquère

• Le Milésime

• Le Point Rouge

• Le Métropolitain

• The Warehouse

• Wine Lounge

• Au Bon Jaja

• Secret d'Initiés

• Le bar à vins du Château Pape Clément

Discover this former 19th century hunting lodge with its huge parkland, situated in Onzain (between Blois and Tours), only two hours from Paris.

The Virginia creeper that covers the façade of the Domaine des Hauts de Loire gives the building the familiar feel of a holiday home in the country, the kind of second house where it’s a pleasure to come and recharge your batteries for the weekend.

And there’s no doubting that the venue’s quiet charm contributes greatly to making the Domaine des Hauts de Loire seem like a “patch of paradise” nestling in a green oasis.

This magnificent hunting lodge was built in 1860 on the Val de Loire Wine Route, in the heart of a region famous for its châteaux. The Domaine is surrounded by a 70-hectare park where the ponds — which are home to many birds — lie hidden in the green and fragrant woods.

Whether you’re on foot or on a bike, it is highly agreeable to follow the paths that cross the forest. In the shade of the trees, several benches invite you to rest awhile as you admire the beauty of the landscape and the spectacle offered up by nature.

More adventurous visitors might make their way to one of the three ponds, tempted by a spot of fishing alongside the black swans, guardians of the water.

For those interested in something more unusual, a visit to the Domaine Lamé Deslile Boucard, a Bourgueuil vineyard, is a must: here you can explore the highly original way in which the winemaker maintains his vines under the banner of eco-responsibility, using poultry to weed the land in complete freedom!

After a walk like that, it’s time for a tour devoted to fine cuisine! And the surrounding vineyards offer a number of different guided visits and tastings where you can discover the region’s best wines.

 

At the Domaine, the starred-chef’s table serves up the delights of Loire cuisine with a fresh twist and enhanced by a range of excellent wines, including the great whites of the Loire: Vouvray, Montlouis and Touraine.

And, if you like, you can even take a class with the chef and enjoy the fresh produce from the vegetable garden.

The comfortable rooms and peaceful, sunny terrace overlooking the plain and surrounding woods add the finishing touches to a moment of perfect relaxation, all offered by the Domaine des Hauts de Loire.

Nature lovers and anyone who appreciates the good life will undoubtedly be seduced by the attractions of this exceptional venue, a haven of peace where harmony and well-being are the order of the day.

Florence and Daniel Cathiard wanted to turn the forest of Château Smith Haut Lafitte into a place of expression for young local contemporary artists. The vineyards of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte and Les Sources de Caudalie already house several artworks from international artists.

Since the 1rst of July, the 8 hectares forest is now an open sky museum. All the artworks are exposed to natural elements and live in total harmony with the environment or in contrary in a creative opposition and they all represent the philosophy of Château Smith Haut Lafitte: the respect for the environment and the biodiversity.

This stroll will get you immersed in the heart of an artistic, esthetic and definitely poetic path. With friends or family, this is a truly  unique experience!

Captivating landscape, elegant wines and unforgettable encounters... A journey along the Loire Valley Wine Routes will be a trip you’ll never forget!

A new chapter in the story of the Loire Valley wine region has opened with the redrawing of its numerous Wine Routes: 17 tours waiting to be discovered by wine connoisseurs, novices and families alike.

And as modern-day explorers you won’t lose your way, no matter where you’re heading, thanks to an interactive map and GPS on your smart phone.

Explore the new routes in the Pays de la Loire, by car or by bike, and prepare to be amazed by the surprises that await in its four wine growing regions.

In the wine region of Nantes, discover its Muscadet and iconic city and river, as it meanders through a lush green landscape.

In the Loire Valley, enjoy a walk among the vines and stop to sample wines from Jasnières or the Coteaux-du-Loir.

In the Fiefs Vendéens, between the Marais Poitevin and Atlantic Ocean, fill your lungs with the fresh air and delight your taste buds with some young, light wines.

The Anjou-Saumur wine region, known for its wide range of wines, and Coteaux de l’Aubance, Coteaux du Layon and Saumur Blanc in particular, is the perfect spot for a family stroll among stunning vines, landscape and châteaux.

Behind each wine destination lies a rich history, including some classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You’ll also enjoy the skilled local artisans, tempting gourmet restaurants and wine cellars where you can taste world-renowned AOC wines and some hidden gems.

 

Treat your taste buds to the delights of Savennières, Saumur and Anjou and be sure to sample the region’s only Grand Cru, the Quarts-de-Chaume.

While the routes are perfect in any season, those lucky enough to visit the vines between the end of summer and autumn will be rewarded with a glimpse of the winemakers in full harvest mode.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and off you go!