9 of the Most Beautiful Vineyards in France

Located in Suzette, France, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, this vineyard sits high in the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains at 1640 feet. The vineyard enjoys a unique terroir with the Provencal mistral sweeping across its vines. Domaine Saint Amant produces 50,000 bottles a year between their 11 red and white wines and a few special vintages. Stop in for a visit and tasting Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm, or make an appointment for a weekend tasting.

Located in Margaux on the left bank of the Garonne in the Medoc region of Bordeaux, Chateau Margaux’s vineyard dates back to the sixteenth century. Chateau Margaux was one of the four wines to achieve Premier Cru status in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855. Today the winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes for their three wines: Grand Vin, Pavillon Rouge, and Pavillon Blanc. Tastings are available at the vineyard for wine buyers only (no direct sales).

La Source des Fees is a vineyard, winery, and guest villa in Southern Burgundy. Tucked in the quiet town of Fuisse, surrounded by vines as far as the eye can see, the winery produces three wines: Saint-Veran (white), Pouilly-Fuisse (white), and Les Fees Bulles (Fairy Bubbles)—a sparkling rosé. Stay as a guest in their five-room, sixteenth-century farmhouse manor, or stop by their shop to purchase La Source des Fees wine. You can also purchase other local wine and products like cheese, jam, and vinegar from the area. Enjoy dinner cooked by the chef on site and relax with a bottle of wine in the property’s lovely gardens.

This boutique winery is located in Baux de Provence in the heart of the Alpilles. The vineyard was one of the first to adopt purely organic growing in 1985. Domaine de la Vallongue produces five wines including reds, whites, and a rosé. Visit the winery year round from Monday to Saturday from 9:30am-noon and 2:30pm-6:00pm for a tasting in the old library tasting room.

Located in Pessac, France, in the wine region of Bordeaux, Chateau Pape Clement is named for the vineyard’s original owner, Pope Clement V. The vineyard is one of the oldest Grand Cru vineyards in Bordeaux, dating back to 1252. The property produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle grapes for their five Grand Cru Classe Wines, both red and white blends. They produce fewer than 8,000 cases of wine per year. Wine tastings are available for the public from Monday to Sunday.

The oldest buildings of Chateau du clos de Vougeot were built by monks from a nearby abbey in the twelfth century, and a Renaissance-style chateau was added in the sixteenth century. Although the estate is surrounded by vineyards, they no longer produce wine. However, Chateau du Clos de Vougeot is still a stunning symbol of Burgundy’s wine history and attracts lovers of history, architecture, and wine and hosts weddings and other events. The estate is open to visitors seven days a week with special winter hours.

Located in Seguret at the foot of Mont Ventoux in Provence, Domaine de Mourchon is a new winery, established in 1998 by the McKinlay family from Scotland. Although there were existing vines on the estate, there were no facilities for making wine. The winery was built in 2000 and is already receiving international recognition and praise. Mourchon produces eight wines including one white, one rosé, and six reds, made mostly with a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan grapes. Visit Domaine de Mourchon to take in the incredible views and try a taste of their fantastic wines. They’re open Monday through Saturday for visits and offer guided tours in English on Wednesday evenings.

Located at the southeastern tip of Pauillac in the Medoc region of Bordeaux, France, Chateau Latour produces three red wines: Grand vin, Les Forts de Latour, and Pauillac, made with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The vineyard was rated as a First Growth under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, and a bottle of Chateau Latour sold for over $135,000 in 2011. The vineyard dates back to the fourteenth century, and the estate’s wine received early recognition even in its early beginnings. The estate is open to professionals and wine collectors only, but travelers can cycle past on a Bordeaux bike tour!

This private estate is located just outside the Provencal town of Vaison-la-Romaine. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the vineyard is one of the highest vineyards in the South of France, perched in the Dentelles de Montmirail hill range where the soil is clay-limestone. All of these unique properties yield very unique wines. The estate’s manor, Domaine de la Verriere, dates back to the ninth century and was originally a medieval priory. Syrah, Grenach, Viognier, and other Rhone varietals are grown at Chene Bleu for their “couture” blended wines: two reds, two whites, and a rosé. Stay as a guest in one of La Verriere’s seven guestrooms on our Provence Chef on Wheels Bike Tour, or experience a tasting of the estate’s wines in their tasting room. While you’re there, wander the olive groves, apricot orchards, and lavender and sunflower fields.