Wine Enthusiast Getaway

France, which is home to Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux, is perhaps the world's largest wine-producing nation. It has historically produced more wine than any other country, reputedly of a higher quality as well. Wine is engrained in French culture on practically all societal levels; it is a favorite beverage of both the affluent and common people and a significant emblem of Roman Catholicism, the country's dominant religion.

However, the range of available styles, more than its quantity or renown, is what continues to draw people to French wine. As consumer tastes have evolved through time, French vignerons have been inspired to create new wine types using the climate and grape varietals at their disposal.

Without a few verres du vin, no proper French meal is complete, and tourists are also drawn to the nation's wide selection of domestically produced wines. Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the other wine regions of France receive an annual average of about 24 million foreign visitors.

A wonderful opportunity to view the countryside, learn about wine production, and of course, sample some delectable products is to take a tour of wine country in the Loire or Bourgogne districts. This is a fascinating aspect of France's cultural and culinary legacy, even for those who don't drink, and a great opportunity to experience the country's various regions.