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Vineyards and winemaking are deeply rooted in a culture and heritage of French people. That is why France is the country widely recognized for its production and consumption of wine. French people love their wine and usually cannot refuse a glass or two during the dinner or even lunch 😉. Also, wine lovers from all over the world come here to taste this delicious liquor and to please their taste buds.

There are a couple of regions in France that are famous for producing and selling wine. We can distinguish regions such as Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Loire Valley, where you can find different types of wine, according to the specific region. But let me tell you something more about the Loire Valley wine region.

Loire Valley region

The region of Loire Valley, also called the Garden of France, is located in central west France and is well known for its attractive landscapes, stunning castles, and old villages. The combination of the beautiful landscape with the cultural heritage determines the uniqueness of the valley. But there’s something more to that. The Loire Valley region is also well known for the wine that its producing. It is the most diverse wine region of all France that produces wines in every style. We can find there 86 different wine appellations with a wide choice of red, rosé, white and sparkling wine.

Loire Valley wine

The Loire Valley wine has its unique flavors that are made from different types of grapes. The grape varieties we can find in the Loire Valley wine region are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Muscadet, and Chardonnay.

Among all of the exquisite wines of the Loire Valley wine region, I would recommend trying Coteaux-du-Layon which is a sweet white wine made from Chenin Blanc grapes. Its delightful fruity flavors may be perfect for those who need a little bit of sweetness in their life. Second one worth trying is the Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil which impresses with its soft, fruity taste. It is made mainly from Cabernet Franc grapes with up to 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon. You can choose between rosé and red wine. When it comes to Anjou wine, it has its winegrowing influence for over 1,000 years. This wine is especially known for its fresh fruits flavors and it’s usually found as red or rosé wine. The next wine I would recommend you to try is the Muscadet, made from Melon de Bourgogne grapes. Muscadet wines are usually dry and light bodied. So, if you’re a big fan of this type of wine, it might be perfect for you!  The last but not least is the Vouvray which has white dry, off-dry, sweet and sparkling wines since it’s made of Chenin Blanc grapes. Its flavor is considered very fresh with the range from full to opulent.

Visiting cellars

In Loire Valley there are 5 smaller regions where you can find a lot of tourist cellars: Anjou, Centre-Loire, Pays Nantais, Saumur, and Touraine. Take a tour in one of the cellars where you can have a guide who will explain everything to you. Also, you can try the famous Loire Valley wine! To taste some of the finest wines I would highly recommend you to go and visit one of those cellars: Cave des Producteurs de Montlouis-sur-Loire, Cave des Vines de Bourgueil, Domaine de la Vinçonnière, Ackerman, Domaine Lelais or Conférie des Vignerons de Oisly et Thésee. Each one of them has in their basements different types of wines so I’m sure you will find something for yourself!

If you’re not a fan of visiting the cellars you should check out also the wine bars where you can taste Loire Valley wine with some local food. And maybe you will get to know the secrets of pairing wine with some culinary specialties! 😉

You can also check out those 3 other interesting articles:

Loire Valley Wine Tasting : Ideal For Wine Lovers

Loire River Cruise

Loire Valley Bike Tours

Looking to dine in Paris but aren’t too familiar with the area? Have no fear! We have compiled a list of great restaurants around Paris ranging in all sorts of cuisines and price ranges.

Le Moulin De La Galette (83 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, France)

www.lemoulindelagalette.fr/en

Le Moulin de la Galette is a lovely restaurant in Paris situated in a historic old mill. Here, you will find great classics of French cuisine, based only on fresh and seasonal produce. The restaurant is expensive but worth every penny. The staff is very kind and eager to answer any questions that might arise. This restaurant accepts reservations so I highly recommend making one before you go! If the weather permits, dining outside on their terrace is a charming way to enjoy the afternoon in Paris.

Pink Mamma (20 Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris)

http://www.bigmammagroup.com/fr

Ok, if you are looking for authentic Italian pasta this is the place! Nestled on a calm street corner right around the block from Moulin Rouge, you will stumble upon Pink Mamma. This restaurant belongs to the Big Mamma group. The Big Momma group owns trattoria style restaurants throughout the city of Paris. You can’t make reservations at any, and they are only open from 12-2pm and 6:45-11:30pm each day, so if you want to try it out I suggest you head there about an hour to 30 minutes before opening hours in order to reserve your  place in the inevitable line that forms around their door. The restaurant has very tasteful yet trendy décor which really helps set the ambiance.

Le Babalou (4 Rue Lamarck 75018 Paris, France)

http://restaurantbabalou.fr/en

Le Babalou is known for their fabulous Italian pizzas (also a hot spot for locals). This restaurant can be found right at the foot of the Sacre-Coeur – great for a pre or post meal. The menu offers elaborate and seasonal Italian pizzas, but also serves fresh pasta, a range of cheeses, cuts of delicious Italian charcuterie accompanied by a fantastic dessert menu (we recommend the tiramisu!) The dining space feels comfortable with tasteful patterned wallpaper. There is limited outside seating but it is available if you arrive at the right time!

Le Chamarré Montmartre (52 Rue Lamarck 75018 Paris, France)

www.chamarre-montmartre.com

Le Chamarré Montmartre is one of the best restaurants in Paris for traditional gastronomic French cuisine. The chef, Antoine Heerah is well-known for providing signature creations that include roasted cod, pan-fried cuttlefish with anchovies and garlic cream, crispy tandoori scallops with celery mousseline, and rack of suckling pig with red cabbage and polenta. For seating, you have the option to dine inside or on the tastefully decorated terrace outside. If you are looking for a classy yet intimate culinary experience, this is the restaurant for you!

Miss Kō (50 ave Georges V Paris, France 75008)

http://www.miss-ko.com

If you are looking for “cool” restaurants in Paris, Miss Kō is where you need to be. Miss Kô offers it all under the guise of an offbeat, after-dark Tokyo atmosphere, with its large and colorful murals mimicking Japanese prints, its street-food, and open-style kitchens. The menu is eclectic and features primarily Asian cuisine. This restaurant is a little untraditional or maybe “out-of-the-box” but very chic none the less!

L’Orangerie (31 Avenue George V | Four Seasons Hotel)

http://www.lorangerieparis.com/

L’orangerie is located within the four seasons hotel and while many might fear the final bill, it is absolutely 100% worth it. Here you will find an ambiance of warmth, competence, and informality – but with many of the trappings of formality. The food is outstandingly delicious and creatively presented. The is staff genuine and educated, elevating the experience to new levels! L’orangerie thinks out each detail, down to the bread and butter. So if you are looking for an exquisite dining experience in Paris, this is the restaurant for you!

Ramen Bowl (44 Rue de Ponthieu 75008 Paris France)

www.ramenbowl.fr

Ramen Bowl is a Japanese style restaurant in Paris that incorporates the classic Japanese culture with modern times. The decor feels young and trendy as you walk through and look at the cool art displayed on the walls. The kitchen is open, so if you are curious one, you have the opportunity to watch how the chef prepares multiple dishes from the menu. At Ramen Bowl, they are most commonly known for their famous broths. 

3 Articles you may be interested in

10 Places for Eating Gluten-Free in Paris

Top 10 Desserts To Eat In Paris

A review of Paris’ dinner and lunch cruises