When it comes to wineries, people mostly talk about the vineyards in Italy. It's not that surprising considering how famous they are. Not to mention how beautiful and scenic these places are too. More than just the fine wine they produce, these vineyards have become reasonably popular tourist destinations in their own right. It's no wonder they're so popular! But there are also many wineries in France worth checking out too. The likes of Clos de Vougeot Castle, Château de l’Engarran, and Maison Ruinart are also great places to visit. They're some of the most stunning escapes in the
French countryside and produce some of the finest bottles in all of Europe. Who wouldn't want to see them?
Clos de Vougeot Castle
Any castle in France—or anywhere in Europe, for that matter!—is worth visiting. There's just something so enchanting about these centuries-old landmarks. And even more so if they turn into some of the finest wineries in France! Case in point: Clos de Vougeot Castle in the Burgundy wine region. Doesn't this place look like the kind of setting you'd see in Disney films? You'd sooner expect to see a princess or woodland creature singing a song here instead of the fine wine they actually produce. And what a history too! Though the Château was only added in the 16th century, the vineyard has been around since the 12th century.
Source: Flickr.com/ BMR & MAM
Château de l’Engarran
No list of the most beautiful wineries in France is complete without Château de l’Engarran. Located in the
French countryside, specifically in the charming Lavérune commune in the Occitanie region, this is one of southern France's best-kept secrets. Well, it's not exactly hidden, per se, but it's definitely not among the most popular spots in the country either. Covering 150 acres of pure botanical bliss, this is the quintessential French provincial vineyard. The estate itself still looks like it belongs to an aristocratic noble. Not exactly the vineyard you expected but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Château Sauvan
Château Cos d’Estournel
If you think Château Cos d’Estournel looks more like a factory than a fabulous aristocratic home like some of the wineries on this list, you're not far off the mark. The building was built back in the 19th century primarily as a winery, not as a residence. So ever since the beginning, this place has produced wine. Nevertheless, the grand estate and manicured gardens harken back to those grand
châteaus near Paris. But the place remains as busy as ever, producing some of the finest wines in the world. Most notably, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ PA
Château Sainte Roseline
There are two things to expect in Château Sainte Roseline in Provence. There's the wine, of course, seeing as this is one of the best and most beautiful wineries in France. And then there's the impressive collection of classic and contemporary artworks. Not to mention the many relics of Sainte Roseline as well. Not a lot of the other wineries let you sample their high-quality works as well as let you peruse through an art gallery. Talk about chic, right? There's no better way to spend your time here than drinking their signature rosés and admiring the amazing art.
Source: Château Sainte Roseline Cru Classé Facebook Page.
Château de Vaults
Château de Vaults, also known by its complete name, “Les Vins Domaine du Closel Château des Vaults,” is a scenic winery that's as beautiful as it is successful. Since it was built in the 17th century, it has never stopped producing some of the finest bottles in the world. And that's on top of the fact that the entire estate only makes up 39.5 acres. It's far smaller compared to the other wineries in France, even those on this list. Yet with its grand château that looks straight out of a
classic French novel, more and more people are bound to discover its charm.
Source: Domaine du Closel - Château des Vaults Facebook Page
Maison Ruinart
And finally, there's Maison Ruinart, perhaps the most famous and most consequential among the wineries in France. Why is it so important? Well, Maison Ruinart just so happens to be the oldest established champagne house in the world. Established in 1729, it has remained one of the most successful champagne brands of all time. So it's no surprise that it eventually got acquired by the prominent LVMH luxury group too. As for the winery itself, Maison Ruinart is located in the beautiful city of Reims. It maintains a pristine estate that's definitely worth visiting!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Discover the most beautiful wineries in France and how magical they truly are! From the fine wine that they produce to their natural beauty, this is a side of the country that deserves a lot more recognition!