The Best Wine Experiences in France: Five Unique Wineries and Where to Stay Nearby

There’s no shortage of wine in France, but the best experiences go beyond a basic tasting. If you're travelling for more than just the wine list, here are five standout wineries across France that offer something special, along with nearby hotels that turn a good visit into a great escape.

1. Domaine Vacheron – Sancerre, Loire Valley

This biodynamic family estate in the heart of Sancerre is known for razor-sharp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Pinot Noirs that punch well above their weight. The Vacheron family were early adopters of biodynamic farming in the region, and their commitment to terroir shows in every bottle.

Tastings are by appointment only and feel more like private conversations than sales pitches. You’ll walk the vineyards, tour the spotless cellar, and taste wines that redefine what Sancerre can be.

Where to stay: La Côte des Monts Damnés in Chavignol is a charming boutique inn with sweeping vineyard views and a restaurant that locals book weeks in advance.

2. Château de Pommard – Burgundy

Château de Pommard is one of Burgundy’s most recognisable names, but it’s not resting on reputation. Under new ownership, it has reinvented itself with biodynamic practices, immersive tastings, and a fresh take on wine education. The “Climats Experience” is a must - an in-depth look at Burgundy’s complex vineyard system paired with top-tier Pinot Noir.

The château also houses an impressive art collection, and have recently redesigned their tasting rooms.

Where to stay: Just 10 minutes away, Hostellerie de Levernois offers Michelin-star dining, beautiful grounds, and understated luxury without pretension.

3. Domaine Tempier – Bandol, Provence

Provence is best known for rosé, but Domaine Tempier is a different story. This historic estate, located high in the hills near the Mediterranean, helped revive the Bandol appellation and has become legendary for its structured, age-worthy Mourvèdre-based reds. The late Lulu and Lucien Peyraud put Bandol back on the map, and their legacy lives on in the vineyard’s deep connection to land and tradition.

Tastings here are quiet, personal affair. No buses, no crowds, just serious(-ly good) wine and southern French hospitality.

Where to stay: Hotel Le Castellet offers a peaceful, luxurious retreat just a short drive away, complete with a spa and a two-star Michelin restaurant.

4. Château La Coste – Aix-en-Provence

If you like your Syrah with a side of architecture, Château La Coste is your dream vineyard. Equal parts winery, art gallery, and open-air museum, this contemporary estate near Aix-en-Provence brings together organic winemaking with world-class design, and delicious food. 

Where to stay: The Villa La Coste, on the estate grounds, is a design-forward luxury hotel that manages to be both bold and completely serene.

5. Maison Tamboite x Château Fonplégade – Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

Château Fonplégade, a biodynamic Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, has partnered with bespoke French bicycle maker Maison Tamboite to offer a rare kind of wine journey - cycling through vineyards on handcrafted bikes, ending with private tastings in an 18th-century château.

It’s Bordeaux, but without the formality. The wines are polished and precise, the experience completely personal.

Where to stay: Hostellerie de Plaisance in the medieval heart of Saint-Émilion offers old-world charm with serious culinary clout.

In France, it’s easy to find good wine. What’s harder, but far more rewarding, is finding wineries that slow things down and give you a taste of the place behind the label. These five deliver all that and more, each in their own way. Book ahead, stay nearby, and give yourself time!