France

The most famous wine growing country and second largest producer of wine in the world, is dominated by red wine production. Whilst wine is produced all over France, Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Provence, Rhone and the Southwest are some of the most renowned regions: each with its own principal grape varieties, climate and vineyards differences that make this country a mosaic patchwork of production.

When we think of these vineyards, the romance of aquamarine blue skies, emerald, green vines in pristine rows and brilliant sunshine dominates, but the reality often involves harsh frosts, brownie, greyish earth and vines awaiting budbreak, and wind and rain that batter them. Nowhere more than France do we see the holy trinity of climate, terroir and winemaker produce such varying results, and appreciate both the art and science of wine production.