French wine is more than a drink—it’s a window into centuries of culture, craftsmanship, and connection to the land.
Whether you’re a curious enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, exploring the world of French wine in person is an unforgettable way to deepen your appreciation for this timeless tradition.
The historical roots of French wine
France’s winemaking tradition spans over two millennia. The ancient Gauls were among the first to cultivate vineyards, and the Romans brought advanced techniques when they arrived in the 2nd century BCE, shaping the foundation of French viticulture.
During the Middle Ages, monasteries played a crucial role in preserving and improving winemaking knowledge.
By the Renaissance, France had established itself as a global leader in wine excellence, a reputation it maintains today.
The main types of French wine
Unlike many other wine-producing countries that focus on grape varietals, French wine is built around the idea of terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and tradition that gives each region and wine its identity.
The main types of French wine:
- Red (Rouge): From the structured, age-worthy Bordeaux blends to the silky, earthy Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, France offers an extensive palette of red wine expressions.
- White (Blanc): Burgundy’s Chardonnays are globally revered for their richness and complexity, while the Loire Valley produces crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs.
- Rosé: Provence is synonymous with refined, pale rosés that are dry, aromatic, and perfect for warm afternoons or light Mediterranean meals.
- Sparkling (Pétillant): Champagne, produced exclusively in its namesake region, is world-famous for its finesse, fine bubbles, and celebratory character.
The key wine regions in France
There are several key regions producing wine in France:
- Loire: Stretching along the Loire River, this region produces a diverse range of wines—from the sparkling Crémants of Saumur to the zesty, citrusy Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre.
- Bordeaux: Arguably the world’s most iconic wine region, Bordeaux produces complex, cellar-worthy red blends. The Left Bank favors Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Right Bank leans toward Merlot, offering lush, fruit-forward styles.
- Bourgogne: Burgundy is all about nuance. Here, small vineyard plots produce distinctive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that reflect their precise origin—each bottle telling a unique story of place and time.
- Alsace: Located along the German border, Alsace specializes in aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. The wines are often dry, with vibrant acidity and floral elegance.
Wine tasting trips
At Go! Go! France, we offer immersive French & Wine study trips in partnership with Les Ateliers FL, a respected language school with programs in Bordeaux and Lyon—two of France’s most iconic wine and gastronomy capitals.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious, these programs are the perfect way to deepen your appreciation for French wine while improving your language skills.
What the program includes:
- French lessons with a focus on wine vocabulary, helping you speak confidently during tastings and visits
- Vineyard tours in regions like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Beaujolais, and the Rhône Valley
- Tasting workshops led by professionals to develop your palate and understanding of key wine concepts
- Meetings with producers to hear firsthand stories and insights from winemakers and sommeliers
Open to all levels of French and wine knowledge, these study trips are ideal for adults seeking a rich, rewarding travel experience that goes beyond the typical wine tour.
See our other study trips: https://studytrip.com/en/france/
Take it further: MBA in International Wine & Spirits Management
For those interested in taking their passion to a professional level, we proudly partner with Vatel, the world’s leading network of Hospitality and Tourism Business Schools.
Vatel offers a prestigious MBA in International Wine & Spirits Management, perfect for adults considering a career pivot or planning a new business venture in the wine and spirits world.
What the program offers:
- Advanced wine business training with a global perspective
- Preparation for WSET Level 2 and 3 certifications, issued by the world’s leading wine and spirits education provider
- Hands-on experiences including tastings, winery visits, and real-world case studies
Whether you’re looking to launch a wine brand, manage a cellar, or work in global distribution, this MBA gives you the credentials and skills to succeed.
Let us help you plan your wine journey in France
At Go! Go! France, we specialize in building meaningful and culturally rich experiences for all. Our programs give you or your group the chance to explore France in a way that’s fun, educational, and truly memorable.
Get personal guidance from our team now. Contact us to start planning your wine-focused stay in France.
