France is the epitome of fine wine and gourmet culture. It offers excellent wine festivals that are more than just tastings—they are immersive experiences celebrating regional traditions, history, and community. That’s why you need to attend at least one of these wine festivals in France.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, these festivals offer a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and, of course, exceptional wine. This guide covers all you need to know, from delightful wine tastings in Bordeaux to culinary walks in the Champagne region.
Top Festivals for Wine Tasting in France
France may be synonymous with bread and pastries, but what festivals and French winery tours offer is simply unbeatable! Take a look at these best French wine festivals you should attend:
1. Bordeaux Wine Festival
The Bordeaux Wine Festival is a premier event showcasing one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. Hosted along the quays of Bordeaux, this lively wine festival combines tastings, workshops, and cultural experiences.
The festival offers a chance to sample rare and vintage Bordeaux wines while engaging with expert winemakers. Stroll the waterfront for live performances and art exhibitions, or embark on a river cruise along the Garonne River to enjoy scenic views and wine tastings. If you’re up for a bit of a history lesson, head to the Cité du Vin — a modern museum with exhibitions and more.
When: June 26 – 29, 2025 / Where: Bordeaux, France
Tour: Cité du Vin Direct Ticket and Wine Tasting
2. La Route du Champagne
This sparkling festival invites you to explore the Champagne region’s picturesque villages and vineyards. La Route du Champagne offers a passport system allowing access to tastings across multiple cellars. The festival offers you an unforgettable journey through some of the region’s most picturesque villages, where each stop offers a chance to sample some of the finest bubbly.
Sample champagne directly from producers in their charming hometowns. Visit historic churches and castles along the Champagne Route and enjoy eating your way through the delicate local food markets, offering artisanal cheeses, breads, and pastries. Don’t miss out on learning more about Champagne production techniques through a guided tour.
When: July 27 – 28, 2025 / Where: Les Riceys, France
Tour: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch
3. Beaujolais Nouveau Time Festival
The Beaujolais Nouveau Time Festival is not just about wine—but it’s a nationwide celebration that shakes up some of the most famous cities in France. Every third Thursday in November, a new Beaujolais Nouveau wine is released, marking the end of the harvest season.
Events marking this festival range from lively street parties in Lyon to serene wine tastings along the Seine in Paris. You can also attend celebrations of this festival in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa.
In Beaujolais, the festival is marked by a five-day event hosted throughout the wineries and vineyards, where tastings, food pairings, dinners, and live performances are all on the cards.
When: November 20, 2025 / Where: Various locations, including Paris, Lyon, Johannesburg, and Cape Town
Tour: Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour
4. Fête des Vendanges
The Fête des Vendanges (or Grape Harvest Festival) brings vineyard charm to Montmartre, a historic Parisian neighborhood once surrounded by vines in the 15th century. This festival celebrates the annual grape harvest with a lively mix of wine, art, and community events.
It’s one of the few urban wine festivals where vineyards still exist in a metropolitan setting. Enjoy a parade featuring colorful floats and performers, or attend free concerts and performances in the vibrant Montmartre streets. For stunning views of the city, don’t miss a visit to Sacré-Cœur.
When: October 8 – 12, 2025 / Where: Montmartre, Paris
Tour: Montmartre Cheese, Wine & Pastry Guided Walking Tour
5. Aniane’s Wine Festival
Aniane’s Wine Festival highlights the robust wines of the Languedoc region. Known for its intimate atmosphere, this event provides an authentic taste of local culture. The event is a haven for celebrating diverse wine-related activities. You’ll also enjoy horizontal wine tasting, a winemakers fair, a wine masterclass, a gala dinner, and a DJ performance.
It focuses on boutique wineries, making it perfect for discovering hidden gems. You’ll meet winemakers, learn about their artisanal techniques, and try local delicacies like cassoulet and tapenade. Also, explore Aniane’s medieval streets and nearby hiking trails.
When: Late July, 2025 / Where: Abbaye d’Aniane, France
Tour: Château Capion Wine Tasting Experience
6. Paille et Ripaille Wine and Cheese Festival
This lively festival marries the best of Bordeaux wines with regional cheeses. Paille et Ripaille is a sensory delight, offering a laid-back yet gourmet experience. It celebrates the harvesting of grapes, the tradition of winemaking, as well as the rich farming and cheese culture in France.
Paille et Ripaille is as much about cheese as it is about wine, with pairings curated by experts. Attend workshops on creating the perfect wine-and-cheese pairings, then end the day with live music performances while sipping wine under the stars. It’s held in Langon, making it suitable for a day trip from Bordeaux. While you’re there, explore its scenic countryside and nearby riverside.
When: 29 – 31 August, 2025 / Where: Langon, Bordeaux
Tour: best wineries to visit in Bordeaux
7. Vignes Vins Randos
Vignes Vins Randos combines wine tasting with all things outdoor adventure. This festival offers guided vineyard hikes where you can savor the region’s wines in their natural setting. Each trail is tastefully themed, from history to gastronomy, making every one a unique experience.
Hosted in the UNESCO-listed Val de Loire, this series of interactive walks takes you through perfectly manicured vineyards set on rolling hills. Join a themed hike and enjoy tastings along the way; while you’re at it, sample some local dishes like rillettes and tarte Tatin. There’s much to see in Val de Loire, so don’t leave without exploring the valley’s stunning châteaux and gardens.
When: August 31 – September 1, 2025 / Where: Loire Valley, France
Tour: Loire Valley, France, Best Wine Tastings & Wine Tours
8. Chablis Wine Festival
The Chablis Wine Festival is a celebration of elegance, showcasing the region’s most famous wines. Hosted on the fourth weekend of October, this event takes place in the heart of Burgundy’s picturesque wine country, bringing together connoisseurs and wine lovers alike.
This is a long-running wine festival with well over 70 installations. It offers a range of events, from the baptism of the new vintage to tastings from over 40 regional producers. Explore the charming markets selling local products and crafts and attend wine seminars led by sommeliers.
When: October 26 – 27, 2025 / Where: Chablis, Burgundy
Tour: Burgundy Chablis & Chateau de Pommard Wine Tastings
9. Paulée de la Côte Chalonnaise
This festival marks the end of the harvest season with communal meals and plenty of wine. Paulée de la Côte Chalonnaise is steeped in tradition, offering a warm, convivial atmosphere. It’s one of the largest harvest-end festivities, with traditional Burgundian music and dancing.
The wine festival is anchored on celebrating the history and culture of Côte Chalonnaise – a subregion of the greater Burgundy wine region. Between the parades and feasting on local cuisine, take some time to explore the lush vineyards for an epic post-harvest experience.
When: 17 – 19 October, 2025 / Where: Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy
Tour: Côte Chalonnaise · Best Wineries & Vineyards to Visit
10. Armagnac en Fête
If you don’t mind, I want to finish my list with something slightly stronger – Armagnac, a brandy from Southwest France!
Armagnac en Fête is a vibrant celebration marking the start of the distillation season in the Armagnac region. For over 20 years, this iconic festival has transformed the picturesque Place Royale of Labastide-d’Armagnac into a hub of festivities on the last weekend of October. The event gathers Armagnac producers and local artisans, featuring lively markets, gourmet food stalls, tastings, live music, and distillation demos.
Labastide d’Armagnac is a beautiful little village in Les Landes, that’s really worth a visit if you’re traveling in the region. See my article about this part of the Les Landes department.
Tour: Château Arton Wine Tour
Where to Book the Best Wine Tours in France
The only bad thing about festivals is that they don’t go on forever. That said, there is a way for you to enjoy delicious and internationally acclaimed wines all year round — how? Wine tours!
Book your French wine-tasting tour and indulge in some of the finest wines around the world.
- Rue des Vignerons: Book tastings at family-run wineries, join guided vineyard tours, and learn winemaking techniques in France’s iconic wine regions. Perfect for authentic, personalized experiences.
- Winalist: Customize your wine tour with unique experiences like picnics, blending workshops, and gourmet pairings. Ideal for private tours or group outings tailored to your preferences.
- Get Your Guide: Explore wine and culture with tours that combine tastings, scenic bike rides, and visits to historic landmarks. Great for multi-day adventures and flexible bookings.
Festivals and Wine Tours in France: FAQs
You may still have some questions about festivals or wine tours in France — that’s normal. Here are a few short answers to the most commonly asked questions on this topic:
What Is the Most Popular Wine Festival in France?
The Bordeaux Wine Festival attracts global attention and is renowned for its scale and prestige.
What Is the Best Wine Region in France?
Bordeaux and Burgundy are often regarded as the top wine regions, each offering a distinct experience.
What Is the Most Expensive Wine Region in France?
Burgundy produces some of the world’s most expensive wines, including the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
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Best France Wine Tours and Festivals | Wrapped Up
Wine festivals in France are more than events—they are celebrations of life, history, and culture. Whether you prefer Champagne’s effervescence or Burgundy’s rich reds, there’s something for everyone. Cheers to an unforgettable 2025!
Next Read: A detailed guide to the Bordeaux wine region
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
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