The Most Underrated Wine Regions In France

France is world-famous for its wine, and yet there are still some wine-growing regions that are relatively undiscovered. Here’s our run-down of the most underrated wine regions in France and where to find them.

1. Jura

Jura is in eastern France, close to the Swiss border, literally between Dijon and Geneva. The area is characterised by lakes and plains that lead up to the Jura mountains, from which the Jurassic period took its name. It has a colder climate than other wine-growing regions in France, unlike its more famous neighbour Burgundy, for example. It’s the smallest wine region in France (with 4600 acres) and produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. However, it is celebrated for its Vin Jaune, a yellow wine that can taste of honey, nuts, curry and rose petals. Apparently it was created by nuns from Château-Chalon.

Jura, France

Jura is better known for its Pint Noir and Chardonnay | © atl10trader/Flickr

2. Garonne and Tarn

This small area, just north of Toulouse, is where the Garonne and Tarn rivers meet. It’s a crossroad between the Atlantic climate to the west and the Mediterranean climate to the east. There are lots of grapes grown here, but one of the most distinct is a red grape called Négrette, which has been in this region since the Middle Ages. It has a violet smell, is unique to the region and can be found in Fronton wine.

Tarn et Garonne, France

The vineyards of Tarn in the southwest of France are a great place to discover underrated wine | © Lloyd Morgan/Flickr

3. The Lot

The Lot river is a subsidiary of the Garonne river in the southwest of France. Malbec is its most famous export, particularly from the sub-region Cahors. It was popular with the French and English royal families in the past and is distinct for its tobacco, apple and plum flavours.

The Lot, France

The Lot river is where to find the Cahors Malbec known for tobacco and apple flavours | © Lapastoure Didier/Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.