The best times to set off on the Wine Routes in France

You want to go and visit a winery but don't know when to go? Don't worry, there is not really a season to go and visit our winegrowers. Throughout the year, the vine lives. According to its phenological cycle, the vineyard mut: the leaves change colour, the buds turn into grapes, the bunches form.

Find in this article the best times to meet our winemakers!

Autumn

As winter comes to an end, the vines are waking up despite the still cool temperatures: the first buds are pointing their noses. Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit the vineyards. The pinkish vine leaves and wild flowers colour the vineyard. Poppies, buttercups and daisies enjoy the first rays of sunshine as the previous year's vintage is just coming out of the cellars. This period is ideal, you will often be alone as the wine tourism season has not really started yet.In Burgundy or in the Rhone Valley, don't hesitate and book your wine tasting visit now.

The summer

Summer is here, the temperatures are pleasant and the French go on holiday on the coast. The vines are in full bloom: the vine flowers appear at the beginning of June. The first grapes appear and their mutation follows. In August, the grapes take colours: the veraison follows its course. As you will have understood, summer is the ideal season to visit a vineyard and meet the winegrowers. Even if the temperatures are pleasant and conducive to giving a few blows of pruning shears, beware of the crowds that may be in the vineyards at this time.

Back to school

From September to October, the fruit of the vine reaches the end of its maturation. It is time for it to reach the vats to be transformed into wine: it is the harvest period. Many properties open their doors at this time and welcome the curious who wish to give a few blows of pruning shears in the vineyard. If you are lucky enough to still be on holiday at this time of the year, head for the wine regions!

Autumn

This is undoubtedly our favourite season to meet our winegrowers! The vineyard has its most beautiful colours: from yellow to red through orange. The temperatures are still pleasant and the harvest is just finished. It will be the ideal time to go and visit an estate and taste the local vintages. You will often be alone with the cellar master/winemaker at this time: the good life.

Wintertime

For those of us who are less cold, wine tourism lasts until winter. On a beautiful winter day, the vineyards will show you all their beauty. Come and warm up in the cellar for a tasting by the fireplace. It will also be a good opportunity to taste the wines in vats if you have never experienced it before.