It is easy to both over-simplify and overcomplicate the many differing regions, appellations and classifications of the French Winelands. As designer of your bespoke itinerary, Conte believes that regardless of the complexity and intrigue surrounding wine culture, any level of connoisseur, lover or collector is welcome to take a seat at the table and join the conversation. To pick but three areas of focus, Conte would recommend a visit to one of the following on your wine & food journey of France:
The Complex Made Simple: A Conte Designed Luxury Wine Tour of France
Bordeaux; a unique location for both its historical city and architectural grandeur, as well as its internationally renowned vineyards and viticulture. Situated on either side of the Garonne estuary in southwestern France, Bordeaux is famous for its divided wine lands. On the Left bank, bear witness to some of the oldest vineyards and Chateaux in France coupled with an incredible classification system which has championed a five-tier hierarchy since it was introduced in 1855. With Conte as your faithful luxury travel concierge, explore private tastings and guided tours of the five first growths and their estates in a comprehensive and indulgent exploration of the Médoc and Haut-Médoc regions’ respective appellations. On another day, explore the sun-kissed hills and estates of Saint-Émilion on the Right bank, home to world-class suppliers and estates presented through their own Saint-Émilion classification, independent of the Left bank. It truly is a wine lovers’ haven that Conte would be delighted to introduce you to - and simultaneously is perfect as a corporate destination for meetings, networking and events.
Further inwards in central eastern France, Conte would recommend a visit to the constellation of villages known as Burgundy on your luxury wine tour of France. Although slightly more difficult to access logistically, the Winelands and viticulture found here are ideal for those who possess a soft spot for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Throughout the renowned vineyards and their history, you will find yourself leaning into an alternative celebration of wine; one that follows a different structure where the land is celebrated as opposed to the individual producers. With an on-the-ground Conte guide at your side, these differences will soon fall to the wayside; our most memorable moments and encounters are often formed by understanding the core of the local communities in the destinations we visit. Here, the sampling of vintages, exploration of local towns and dining in their established culinary scene take centre stage.
Finally, the luxury travel design team here at Conte would look to take you to the varied and often overlooked talents of the Provençal wine scene. Perfect for a stop en route to St Tropez or Marseille, the esteemed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its neighbour Vacqueyras will amaze you with their plum reds, whilst further southeast you’ll be introduced to the palate-cleansing rosè wines and warm climates of Aix-en-Provence and beyond. Home also to the picturesque villages, lavender fields and local markets that have inspired many a trip to the region, it’s the perfect destination for art, gastronomy and an indecent amount of wine.
As Conte would advise, the best way to travel, if you have extended time, is by partaking in a multi-stop trip through France and its wine regions. Littered with pit-stops at the best farm-to-table experiences, wine cellars and artist haunts there is no better way to gain an invaluable insight into the culture and history of France.
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