Take this inspiration to plan your 2025 France and Italy trips - which wine regions to visit and when.
Whether you're craving winter slopes, sunlit vineyards, or cultural treasures, this guide inspires you to pair travel with wine and create an unforgettable European adventure.
January: Chamonix, France
Why Visit? Experience world-class skiing and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Chamonix is a winter paradise, perfect for snow enthusiasts.
Wines to Try: The nearby Savoie region offers distinctive mountain wines:
- Jacquère: Crisp and light with citrus and alpine floral notes.
- Mondeuse: A red grape with spicy, dark berry flavours.
- Roussanne: Full-bodied with hints of pear, honey, and herbs.
February: Val d’Aosta, Italy
Why Visit? Nestled in the Italian Alps, this region offers charming villages and exceptional skiing. February is perfect for après-ski paired with local cuisine.
Wines to Try:
- Petit Rouge: A vibrant red with red berry and herbal notes.
- Fumin: Bold, smoky, and peppery, ideal for cold weather.
- Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle: A high-altitude white with minerality and citrus zing.
March: Burgundy, France
Why Visit? As winter melts into spring, explore the rolling hills and historic vineyards of Burgundy, home to UNESCO-listed wine regions.
Wines to Try:
- Pinot Noir: Elegant and earthy with cherry and forest floor notes.
- Chardonnay: Rich yet fresh, with apple, pear, and buttery hints.
- Aligoté: Crisp and zesty, perfect for spring sipping.
April: Cinque Terre, Italy
Why Visit? Spring blooms in this coastal gem. Stroll colourful villages perched on cliffs, enjoy the sea breeze, and taste Ligurian seafood.
Wines to Try:
- Vermentino: Fresh and aromatic with citrus and sea-salt notes.
- Pigato: A variant of Vermentino, offering herbal and stone fruit flavours.
- Sciacchetrà: A sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes, perfect with dessert.
May: Provence, France
Why Visit? May brings lavender fields, Mediterranean warmth, and idyllic villages. It's rosé season in this picturesque region.
Wines to Try:
- Grenache: A versatile red with berry and spice notes, often blended.
- Syrah: Full-bodied with hints of blackberry and black pepper.
- Cinsault: Light and floral, commonly found in Provençal rosés.
June: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Why Visit? Early summer on the Amalfi Coast offers dramatic cliffs, lemon groves, and turquoise seas. The views are as unforgettable as the wines.
Wines to Try:
- Falanghina: Crisp and aromatic with apple and floral notes.
- Biancolella: A local white grape with minerality and citrus freshness.
- Piedirosso: A light red with red fruit and earthy undertones.
July: Bordeaux, France
Why Visit? Long summer days are ideal for exploring Bordeaux’s majestic vineyards, châteaux, and vibrant city life.
Wines to Try:
- Merlot: Soft and velvety with plum and cherry flavours.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and bold, with dark fruit and tobacco notes.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty and herbal, ideal for warm weather.
August: Puglia, Italy
Why Visit? Puglia’s golden beaches and olive groves shine in the summer sun. Pair seaside relaxation with the region’s robust wines.
Wines to Try:
- Primitivo: Juicy and bold, with flavours of blackberries and spices.
- Negroamaro: Deeply coloured with dark fruit and earthy notes.
- Bombino Bianco: A refreshing white with citrus and floral hints.
September: Loire Valley, France
Why Visit? As autumn begins, explore the Loire’s fairytale castles and vineyards. Harvest season adds charm to this enchanting region.
Wines to Try:
- Chenin Blanc: Versatile and vibrant, ranging from dry to sweet.
- Cabernet Franc: Light, elegant red with notes of raspberry and bell pepper.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and zesty, a Loire Valley classic.
October: Tuscany, Italy
Why Visit? Autumn colours the Tuscan hills in golden hues, creating a perfect backdrop for vineyard visits and wine festivals.
Wines to Try:
- Sangiovese: The backbone of Chianti, with red cherry and earthy notes.
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano: A white with citrus and almond flavours.
- Canaiolo: A soft red often blended with Sangiovese.
November: Champagne, France
Why Visit? Prepare for the holiday season in Champagne, where rolling vineyards and bubbly perfection await. Visit Reims and Épernay for cellar tours.
Wines to Try:
- Chardonnay: Vital in crafting elegant Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.
- Pinot Noir: Adds structure and red fruit notes to blends.
- Pinot Meunier: Fruity and soft, often found in Champagnes.
December: Piedmont, Italy
Why Visit? Celebrate the festive season with truffle hunting and wine tasting in Piedmont’s misty, magical landscape.
Wines to Try:
- Nebbiolo: The star of Barolo and Barbaresco, with complex aromas of rose and tar.
- Barbera: Juicy and approachable, with cherry and spice notes.
- Moscato d’Asti: A lightly sparkling sweet wine, perfect for celebrations.
Let this month-by-month guide inspire your travels and wine discoveries, blending the rich cultures of France and Italy into a year-long adventure. Cheers to a year of wine and wanderlust!