For hundreds of years, France basked in the reputation of being the world's greatest producer of wines. France still offers some of the greatest wines, with the greatest variety, and excellent value for money, even from the main wine areas. To many, France is the benchmark for fine wine.

French wine is produced in several regions throughout France, on over 2 million acres of vineyards, and in a typical year between some 7 to 8 billion bottles. France has the world's second-largest total vineyard surface and has been a leader in the use of Biodynamics and Natural Farming practices.

Two central concepts to high-quality French wines are the notion of terroir and the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. "Terroir wines" reflect their place of origin, which are specified on labels of French wine, usually in terms of the wine's appellation. Appellation rules closely define which grape varieties and winemaking practices are allowed in each of France's several hundred geographically defined appellations.

Producers

ALSACE
Binner
Domaine Gerard Neumeyer

BORDEAUX
Chateau Raymond Lafon
Jonc Blanc

BURGUNDY
Christian Verger
Domaine Bachey-Legros
Domaine Castagnier
Domaine Fevre (Nathalie & Gilles)
Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard
Domaine Henri Delagrange
Domaine Jomain
Domaine Olivier Jouan
Domaine Patrick Size

LANGUEDOC
Chateau Millegrand
Chateau Vaugelas
Domaine de la Patience

LOIRE
Clos Siguier
Domaine Andre & Edmond Figeat
Domaine Antoine Sanzay
Domaine Cousin-Leduc
Domaine de la Pauline
Domaine Eric Morgat
Domaine Nicolas Reau
Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau

PROVENCE
Chateau de Pampelonne
Chateau Salettes
Domaine de la Damase
Domaine de la Fouquette
Saint Roch Les Vignes

RHONE
Domaine du Coulet
Domaine des Escaravailles
Domaine Jean-Michel Stephan
Domaine Vallet
Domaine de Villeneuve
Estezargues
Yves Cheron

SAVOIE
Domaine Jean Vullien