Go on the Jura Wine Tour to discover the diversity of landscapes offered by this destination but also the different appellations of the region. If you want authenticity, you don't need to go any further! The Region covers a little over 1800 hectares, between Burgundy and Switzerland. From the north to the south of the Jura vineyard, the terroir varies and gives unique wines.
The steps of our Jura Wine Route :
In the Jura, you can taste straw wine, yellow wine or Crémant du Jura, for example. It is a region with a cool climate, with clay and limestone soils made up of fossils from the Jurassic era, hence the name of the region... ! Wine production is 80% of white wines.
The white wines of the Jura are mainly made from blends between Savagnin (the star of the Jura with 20% of the grape varieties) and Chardonnay. For red wines, the grape varieties used are Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir. On the nose, the whites of a beautiful finesse are intense on peach and apple with some hints of vines. The reds have aromas of candied red fruits and spices, especially cinnamon, with a beautiful length.
As for food and wine pairings, whites (such as Macvin du Jura or even Château-Chalon) are best served with Jura rind cheeses, all cream-based dishes, generous mushrooms and the inimitable coq au vin jaune. The reds will go perfectly with a roast beef in juice, leg of lamb, Bresse poultry... It is no coincidence that Jura wines go perfectly with Jura and Franche-Comté cuisine!
Among the main cities in Jura that you can visit there is: Champagnole, Poligny and Arbois.
Here are our recommendations for discovering the Jura vineyards and the region.
With a very rich heritage, the Jura is mainly known for its lakes, forests, rivers, in other words for its natural landscapes! It is also known for its wines and gastronomy. It is therefore impossible to travel the Jura Wine Route without discovering all the riches of this destination.
First of all, discover the Cascades du Hérisson, magnificent waterfalls to observe along a walk in the forest. The village of Baume-les-Messieurs is also a must. Classified among the most beautiful villages in France, it is nestled in the heart of an exceptional natural setting. Visit the caves of Baume, its imperial abbey and enjoy a unique landscape. The magnificent Jura lakes, located east of Lons le Saunier, can be admired from easily accessible lookouts. In summer, Lake Vouglans offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Swimming, pedal boat, kayak, paddle... It is THE seaside resort of the Jura. Whether as a couple, with friends or family, this place is perfect. Do not leave the Jura without having discovered Salins-les-Bains. In Salins-les-Bains, you can experience the benefits of the spa's naturally salty waters. You can also admire a UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Grande Saline.
The Jura also offers you gastronomic discoveries. Known for its delicious cheeses with a marked character, you cannot leave the Jura without trying them. Comté, Morbier, Mont d'Or, Bleu de Gex, you will be able to find the one that pleases you.
Learn moreYellow wine, a dry and aromatic wine with hazelnuts, sometimes with spicy notes of turmeric, ginger and cardamom, it is also known as "l'Or du Jura". Yellow wine is nowadays considered as one of the greatest wines in the world. It owes its fame and typicality to its unique process of elaboration and bottling. Yellow wine is a white wine made exclusively from the local Jura grape variety, Savagnin. Only four appellations of controlled origin are authorised to produce it: Arbois, Côtes du Jura, Château Chalon and Etoile.
As for the production of yellow wine, after fermentation, it is kept for at least six years and three months in oak barrels without racking or topping up, i.e. without completing the part of the wine that evaporates. This allows a veil of yeast to develop on the surface during its ageing and to protect the wine from oxidation by cutting off its contact with the ambient air. This process gives the yellow wine its typical aromas. Its bottle is also very atypical. Only one container is authorized for the bottling of yellow wine, the clavelin. Created to measure, this bottle has a capacity of 62cl, which is about what is left of a litre of wine after ageing.
With its golden yellow colour, brilliant and clear, the yellow wine is a wine that can be contemplated. It is also a pure delight for the nose, intertwining a number of aromas that only it offers. It is the only wine in the world to develop so many aromas over the years.
As for gastronomy, this wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif but also goes perfectly with foie gras, shellfish or poultry with cream.
It is also used in many Franche-Comté specialities such as the very famous coq au vin jaune.
Learn moreLocated between France and Switzerland, Lake Geneva is a crescent-shaped lake. The Jura mountains offer a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva covers 58,000 hectares. Cruises allow you to reach the Swiss shores. The lake is a way for you to discover both France and Switzerland. Located on the Franco-Swiss border, it has more Swiss banks than French ones. On the French side, Messery, a very small village located near the lake, is pleasant to visit and allows you to discover the Pointe du lac, a pleasant and relaxing place. This view makes it possible to realize how immense the lake is. Still on the French side of the lake, don't forget to pass through the medieval village of Yvoire. This village is nicknamed the "pearl of the lake" and you will quickly understand why when you get there. It is a beautiful village, with houses made of old stones, flowered alleys and a view of Lake Geneva from Lake Geneva. This village is charming.
On the banks are sometimes terraced vineyards that you can visit. These vineyards overlook Lake Geneva and as you stroll you can admire the different landscapes that are available to you: the mountains, Lake Geneva, and the vineyards. On the Swiss banks are the Lavaux vineyards, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Don't forget if you are going to the Swiss side to pass through the city of Lausanne!
