French wine and travel website Frenchvineyard.co.uk has published its list of the 30 best vineyard B&Bs in France, rated by customer reviews.
The website already lists 104 B&Bs + 59 Gites + 102 Hotels/Guest Houses on French vineyards in most of the main wine regions. Whilst many are in Bordeaux, B&Bs (Chambres d’Hôte) in other wine regions are represented; including Beaujolais, Burgundy, Provence, Langedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, Alsace, Jura and Champagne! – see 30 best vineyard B&Bs in France
French winemakers are recognising that diversifying into holiday accommodation can bring many benefits. This can be an attractive option for foreign (and French) tourists with an interest in wine and wine-making – from the enthusiastic amateur to the real wine buff! But in most cases a love of wine is not essential, as the standards of accommodation and service offered match those offered anywhere else. The bonus of getting closer to the wine, its production and traditions just adds to the experience. Guests can often taste the wines and purchase at vineyard gate prices.
French v New World Hospitality
Whilst French winemakers may not have gone as far as many New World wineries in providing a seamless and accessible approach to vineyard hospitality there are definite moves in that direction. I recall a memorable visit to Oakridge Wines in Australia’s Yarra Valley, where we had a great tasting of their wines at their Cellar Door. This was followed by an exquisite lunch in the purpose-built restaurant with a panoramic view over the vines – all in the informal, yet very professional Aussie style! On another ocassion we were able to park our motorhome overnight at Lake Breeze winery (South Australia) where we were offered a tasting on arrival and provided with a superb cold buffet for our evening meal in the van!
Yet the French can and do provide some of the best food, wine and hospitality in the World!
One difference may be that there appears to be more land available to develop such facilities, whereas the infrastructure of most French vineyards is much older and more physically constrained. Then there is a more entrepreneurial approach to the wider business of wine. But a visit to many French vineyards will be a more intimate experience, giving guests the opporunity to get to know the winemakers and their family (not compulsory!)
See also Frenchvineyard.co.uk’s list of the Top 20 Bordeaux vineyard B&Bs
see our Top 30 vineyard B&Bs in France
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