France’s renowned wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne often dominate conversations among wine enthusiasts, but there’s so much more to explore beyond the usual suspects. In this guest post, Tanisha Townsend, Chief Wine Officer of Girl Meets Glass, takes us on a journey through two lesser-known French wine regions—Jura and Southwest France. With her expert insights and passion for uncovering hidden gems, Tanisha highlights the unique terroir, winemaking traditions, and cultural richness that make these regions must-visit destinations in 2025. Whether you’re curious about the oxidative style of Vin Jaune or intrigued by indigenous varietals like Negrette and Petit Manseng, this piece is an invitation to expand your palate and your travel bucket list.

Jura, France

  1. What makes this region unique or special in terms of terroir, winemaking traditions, or history?

The winemaking traditions of the Jura are unique due to the style of wine they make. Vin Jaune, or yellow wine, is made from the Savagnin grape and aged a minimum of 6 years and 3 months in oak barrels. But here’s the difference, the barrels are not topped up, allowing a layer of yeast to form on the surface of the wine, similar to the process used for sherry.

  1. What specific styles or varietals of wine should wine lovers look out for in this region?

Savagnin varietal

Vin Jaune style

  1. Why do you think this region will gain more attention or appreciation in 2025?

I think people are looking for new places to visit and new things to see. The Jura region has a wine festival called Percee du Vin Jaune and it is a fun time! I think we’re going to see people traveling to not just drink wine and visit wineries, but to attend wine festivals as well this year.

  1. What are your favorite aspects of this region’s wine culture or local food pairings?

France is the epitome of if it grows together, it goes together. Comté cheese is from the Jura region and it pairs extremely well with the slightly oxidative style of wines produced here. We’re also just across the border from Switzerland so think ski country and melty cheeses.  Raclette and fondue from the Jura region are taken to a whole new level when paired with the wines.

Additionally, I would love for you to recommend two producers from this region that our readers should explore, along with any standout wines from these producers.

Domaine Baud – Deux Grains

Domaine Rolet – vin Jaune

Southwest France

  1. What makes this region unique or special in terms of terroir, winemaking traditions, or history?

This region is unique because it is composed of a lot of smaller wine regions. The Southwest or Sud-Ouest has about six different, and very distinctive in terms of terroir and varietals, regions. They also have a few plots of land with pre-phylloxera vines that still produce grapes!

  1. What specific styles or varietals of wine should wine lovers look out for in this region?

The amount of indigenous grape varietals in this region is outstanding! Try reds like Négrette or Duras, or whites such as Colombard or Petit Manseng.

  1. Why do you think this region will gain more attention or appreciation in 2025?

The jazz festival in Marciac! I’m telling everyone under the sound of my voice about this one. You can visit the surrounding regions by day to taste the wines, then visit the concert venue in the evening for wine and food pairings, and jazz of course. Some previous performers were Take 6, Carlos Santana, and Wynton Marsalis.

  1. What are your favorite aspects of this region’s wine culture or local food pairings?

Duck is the local specialty here. Whether it’s grilled, roasted or made into foie gras, it’s all delicious paired with their Gros Manseng, sweet or dry.

Additionally, I would love for you to recommend two producers from this region that our readers should explore, along with any standout wines from these producers.

Chateau Lagrezette – try the Malbec/Merlot blend

Plaimont Vignerons – try Le Faite (white)