The group

With family, friends, or colleagues? Organizing a wine tourism weekend is first and foremost about knowing who you want to share a simple, friendly, and welcoming experience with. No matter your group size, you'll find the perfect fit: some wineries welcome up to 50 people per session, while others cater to couples. Although the main focus of the trip is discovering the world of winemaking, children are welcome, with workshops tailored for younger guests.

The region: Languedoc or Southwest?

You may be a Burgundy wine enthusiast, but wine tourism is all about discovering French wine regions. So don't hesitate to choose regions you're unfamiliar with: why not taste the red wines of Provence or the white wines of Bordeaux ? More than just visiting cellars, you'll immerse yourself in the terroir and the history of the region, and that's invaluable!

Southwest , Alsace , Rhône Valley , Jura , Burgundy , Bordeaux , Loire , Provence , Languedoc , Beaujolais or Corsica, to name but a few, you are spoiled for choice!

The budget for a wine tourism trip

Around €2,500 is the average cost for a wine tourism trip in France. Don't worry, you can plan a much cheaper trip!

From tastings at €5 per person to a 10-day wine cruise at €4,230, there's something for every budget. The advantage of wine tourism: you can take advantage of winery prices, so be sure to bring back a few cases!

What means of transport?

Several options are available to you depending on the size of your group:

• The car, a classic choice for families, will allow you to travel at your own pace through the wine regions.
• The coach is ideal for large groups (families or colleagues), but the ride will be a little less personalized.
• The minibus is ideal for small groups (2 to 8 people) wishing to discover the secrets of the vineyards.
• A private chauffeur, for the luckiest among us. No need to drive, just sit back and watch!

What do you want to do?

There are countless places to visit and original or more traditional activities to enjoy to discover the winemaker's craft and world. Whether with family, as a couple, or with friends, you can taste, touch, and smell the fruits of the vine.

The vineyard is a complex place: the soil type, the plots, the sunlight—all combine to create something magical and delicate. If you love being outdoors, this is the place for you!

The cellars are impressive. These basements sometimes house more than 5,000 casks containing the elixir we love so much. Time seems to have stood still in these large rooms, kept at a constant temperature between 11° and 12°C.

Winemaking studios are industrial settings. The harvested grapes are transformed into juice for fermentation. With its factory atmosphere and yeasty aromas, this is an essential step to understanding how wine is made.

Wine

There are many ways to cultivate vines and just as many ways to approach the profession. Depending on your preferences, you can therefore appreciate the worlds of biodynamic , natural , or conventional viticulture.

Are you a fan of Bordeaux red wines? Don't hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and visit a wine region known for its white wines, where the reds are sure to be very interesting. If you want to deepen your knowledge of a particular region, diversify your experience by exploring different production methods!

The period

Keep in mind that you won't see the same things in a vineyard in September as you will in February. That's right, until July, you won't see any grapes on the vines, only flowers and leaves. From September to October, it's harvest time, and it's a golden opportunity to see the vines buzzing with activity. You have all the information you need now, so get out your calendars!

Lucas Chartier