Join Pascale Bernasse, Co Founder of French Wine Explorers, and I as we take your questions on traveling to France in 2021. Let’s explore the wine regions, Paris, and countryside of France together.
Pascale Bernasse and Tricia Conover, DIpWSET will be taking your wine and travel questions this Thursday, January 28 from 5-9 PM Central. Just drop in at any time.. My French Wine Explorers tours in 2016 included touring and tastings in Top Chateaux of Bordeaux, tasting all the Grand Cru wines of Burgundy, visiting Paris landmarks, and touring Top Champagne houses and Grower’s Champagne wineries near Reims. Pascale can answer your 2021 travel questions.
It’s funny even with the tariffs and inflation the time where French wine felt pricey was when the Euro was strong. Everything was really pricey. And certain wines are in such high demand that there is a perceived bubble in the premium market.
Overall, the sales are down. But, much like the US they consume most of their wine in-country. And everyone was drinking wine at home. So that made up for some of the deficit in sales from the restaurants.
Wine consumption amongst the French has been declining as well. So for many producers the US market is an important export market. Also wine sales in restaurants have been hit hard.
I always suggest that for wine touring you go where they make the type of wine you enjoy. So Bordeaux for cab lovers snd Burgundy for Pinot lovers. Not sure? The do both! We have a week long program that allows you to discover both. And from there branch out to other regions. If it’s your first time to France spend a couple of days in Paris before wine touring.
Sure! We offer wine tours to France to help wine lovers become connoisseurs. We have also introduced an online course and will soon offer master lashes in Burgundy and Bordeaux.
I took your Burgundy and Bordeaux tours right before taking my big "Wines of the World Exam" for WSET Level 4 diploma. It really gave me a better feel for the differences in say, a red Burgundy vs. a Sonoma Pinot Noir.
Of course a Grand Cru from Burgundy. But for everyday drinking and prices I really like a Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir. They are closer to red Burgundy's (from a latitude perspective too) and of course the French have invested heavily in Oregon.
I just had a Right bank wine last night. A Grand Cru from St. Emilion - blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Fabulous. Tannins were extremely smooth and ripe. Roses and raspberry aromas.
I had a call with a producer who has several Grand Cru Saint-Émilion in their portfolio today. One thing that surprised me is that when they have to replant a section, they are primarily planting Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon instead of Merlot due to warming.
I love St Emilion wines and some have a higher cab content which I really love. Do you remember what the wine was? One of my first great experiences was at Canon La Gaffeliere.
Alsace is wonderful. There is a very cute town Riquewihr that they used for a model for the movie Beauty and the Beast. So charming. The wine is special too, as it is a dryer area of France and has more normally German varietals.
I would love to go to Alsace. It’s been an n my list for years and the wines are excellent! My favorite wine region is almost always the the last one I visited as they all have so much to offer. But if I had to choose I would say Burgundy! Or Bordeaux, or The Rhône. Or perhaps the Loire!
Meant the region I visited last. That was Bordeaux and Provence. I usually fall in love with each region I visit. I’m scheduled to go to Aix in October and can’t wait to go back there. It’s one of my favorite French cities.
There is so much to experience for rose, but also red and white wines! There is a small pocket near Aix where you can find Bordeaux blends so it’s really worth exploring.
I just received a bottle of Meursault to try from wine.com. It was recommended on our last Thursday Thread. Phillip, was it you that made the recommendation?
Good evening, Linda. Pascale has fallen on the ice and dialed off. But we have several threads we'd like you to weigh in. Any France travel plans in the works for you in the next 2 years?
I have heard that wine in France is cheaper then here in the states. True or not? Also, what percentage of the French do not drink wine or spirits? Less than here, right? Why would a French person not drink at all? Cost? Religion?
Some wines are cheaper but it depends on how they are distributed. Sourcing direct from the estate can be a good option. Not sure of stats for French wine consumption but they have been in decline. Why? Many factors including a younger generation that may prefer other options rather than cost or religion. I’m curious to know if you drink French wine and if so what are your favorites?
Welcome to Wine Wanderings. Kicking off our Thursday Thread in a moment.
Has the pandemic hurt or helped the French wine industry?
For wines exported to the US the tariffs were the first blow to the industry and then the pandemic made it worse.
We have to do something about the tariffs. I signed a petition along with other wine professionals and Somm's who are fighting this.
It’s funny even with the tariffs and inflation the time where French wine felt pricey was when the Euro was strong. Everything was really pricey. And certain wines are in such high demand that there is a perceived bubble in the premium market.
Overall, the sales are down. But, much like the US they consume most of their wine in-country. And everyone was drinking wine at home. So that made up for some of the deficit in sales from the restaurants.
Wine consumption amongst the French has been declining as well. So for many producers the US market is an important export market. Also wine sales in restaurants have been hit hard.
Do All French think their wines are the best? Spain has great wines too but are the French arrogant about their wine industry?
There are great wines in all countries including Spain!
Phillip, Will you be traveling to France later this year? If so, where would you want to go?
We'll be live until 9 PM CT.
For anyone joining in, please feel free to go to any thread of discussion or start your own questions.
If someone had never been to France, Where would you suggest they go first?
I always suggest that for wine touring you go where they make the type of wine you enjoy. So Bordeaux for cab lovers snd Burgundy for Pinot lovers. Not sure? The do both! We have a week long program that allows you to discover both. And from there branch out to other regions. If it’s your first time to France spend a couple of days in Paris before wine touring.
Also consider going during the shoulder season so early May or October. You will avoid the crowds that way.
Good advice.
Pascale, Tell everyone about your firm, French Wine Explorers.
Sure! We offer wine tours to France to help wine lovers become connoisseurs. We have also introduced an online course and will soon offer master lashes in Burgundy and Bordeaux.
Are they mostly small groups or private tours?
We focus on small groups of 12-14 and private tours.
I took your Burgundy and Bordeaux tours right before taking my big "Wines of the World Exam" for WSET Level 4 diploma. It really gave me a better feel for the differences in say, a red Burgundy vs. a Sonoma Pinot Noir.
Do you have a preference?
Of course a Grand Cru from Burgundy. But for everyday drinking and prices I really like a Willamette Valley, Oregon Pinot Noir. They are closer to red Burgundy's (from a latitude perspective too) and of course the French have invested heavily in Oregon.
I find New Zealand Pinot to be very much in the Burgundy spectrum these days as well.
Hi Phillip, Thanks for joining us. I agree with you. Do you have any brands you prefer?
Yes I love wines from Willamette as well. The Drouhin family has invested heavily in that area.
And they have been served at the White House. Lovely wines. I have an upcoming Newsletter on Wine and the Presidents.
What can you tell me about your online courses?
Pascale had to leave. She slipped on some ice. We'll get you some info.
Thank you for visiting. Hope you enjoy the Bordeaux article.
Thanks! Hope all is okay with Pascale.
I just had a Right bank wine last night. A Grand Cru from St. Emilion - blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Fabulous. Tannins were extremely smooth and ripe. Roses and raspberry aromas.
I had a call with a producer who has several Grand Cru Saint-Émilion in their portfolio today. One thing that surprised me is that when they have to replant a section, they are primarily planting Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon instead of Merlot due to warming.
I love St Emilion wines and some have a higher cab content which I really love. Do you remember what the wine was? One of my first great experiences was at Canon La Gaffeliere.
Belle Assise Coureau Grand Cru 2016
You probably love Chateau Gazan in Pomerol too, as you helped me set up that visit. Vineyards bump up next to the famous Petrus.
Yes! Still one of our fav wines and experiences!
Derek, It can seem that way sometimes, but I would say they are more confidant about the wines vs. arrogant. Pascale, your thoughts?
I agree Tricia and the I think that finding pleasure in wine will always allow you to find generous wine lovers without pretense.
Alsace is wonderful. There is a very cute town Riquewihr that they used for a model for the movie Beauty and the Beast. So charming. The wine is special too, as it is a dryer area of France and has more normally German varietals.
Just curious, Pascale, is there any part of France you have not been? What are your favorites?
I would love to go to Alsace. It’s been an n my list for years and the wines are excellent! My favorite wine region is almost always the the last one I visited as they all have so much to offer. But if I had to choose I would say Burgundy! Or Bordeaux, or The Rhône. Or perhaps the Loire!
Meant the region I visited last. That was Bordeaux and Provence. I usually fall in love with each region I visit. I’m scheduled to go to Aix in October and can’t wait to go back there. It’s one of my favorite French cities.
I have not been to Provence. It is on my list!
There is so much to experience for rose, but also red and white wines! There is a small pocket near Aix where you can find Bordeaux blends so it’s really worth exploring.
Pascale and I are looking forward to taking your questions Thursday from 5-9 PM CT.
I just received a bottle of Meursault to try from wine.com. It was recommended on our last Thursday Thread. Phillip, was it you that made the recommendation?
Good evening, everyone!
Good evening, Linda. Pascale has fallen on the ice and dialed off. But we have several threads we'd like you to weigh in. Any France travel plans in the works for you in the next 2 years?
I haven't been to France in so long. I would want to be close to Paris so I can see art and shop, along with wine tasting.
Good plan. Great art, food, wine.
Hmm....I would love to, but nothing in the works yet.
Pascale, on your wine tours, do you spend some time in Saint-Émilion? That's such a wonderful town for the wine & food & the views.
I have heard that wine in France is cheaper then here in the states. True or not? Also, what percentage of the French do not drink wine or spirits? Less than here, right? Why would a French person not drink at all? Cost? Religion?
Some wines are cheaper but it depends on how they are distributed. Sourcing direct from the estate can be a good option. Not sure of stats for French wine consumption but they have been in decline. Why? Many factors including a younger generation that may prefer other options rather than cost or religion. I’m curious to know if you drink French wine and if so what are your favorites?
Looking forward to taking questions😀!