Jura (France)

Discover Jura: France’s Hidden Wine Gem

Nestled between Burgundy and Switzerland, Jura is a picturesque wine region known for its unique wines and stunning landscapes. This small but mighty appellation offers wine lovers a chance to explore distinctive flavors and ancient winemaking traditions.

Wine Regions

Towns and Villages

Jura’s charming towns and villages are perfect for exploring the local wine culture. Arbois, the wine capital of Jura, is home to numerous cellars and tasting rooms. Château-Chalon, perched on a limestone cliff, is famous for its vin jaune production.

Other noteworthy stops include Poligny, known for its cheese production, and Salins-les-Bains, a historic spa town with salt-water springs.

Wine Producers

Jura boasts a mix of traditional and innovative winemakers. Domaine Jean-François Ganevat in La Combe is renowned for its biodynamic wines. Domaine du Pélican in Montigny-lès-Arsures produces exceptional Chardonnay and Savagnin.

Don’t miss Domaine Rolet in Arbois for their excellent Crémant du Jura and vin jaune. For a taste of tradition, visit Fruitière Vinicole d’Arbois, a cooperative winery founded in 1906.

Accommodations

Stay in the heart of wine country at Château de Germigney, a luxurious 18th-century manor house with a Michelin-starred restaurant. For a more intimate experience, try La Maison d’Eusébie in Arbois, a charming bed and breakfast in a restored 16th-century building.

Budget-conscious travelers can opt for Hôtel des Cépages in Arbois, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to local wineries.

Dining

Jura’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines. Restaurant Jean-Paul Jeunet in Arbois offers refined local dishes with an extensive wine list. For a casual dining experience, try Le Grapiot in Pupillin, known for its modern take on regional specialties.

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste Jura’s famous Comté cheese at local fromageries or enjoy a traditional fondue at La Finette in Arbois.

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore Jura’s wine scene at these local gems:

  • La Cave d’Arbois: Extensive selection of local wines and knowledgeable staff
  • Le Nez dans le Vert: Natural wine bar in Arbois, offering tastings and small plates
  • Bistrot de la Tournelle: Wine bar and shop in Arbois, featuring organic and biodynamic wines

Other Shops

Don’t miss these local specialties:

  • Fromagerie Vagne in Poligny: Sample and purchase local Comté cheese
  • Maison du Comté in Poligny: Learn about cheese-making and buy regional products
  • Les Délices de Salins in Salins-les-Bains: Artisanal chocolates and local sweets

Attractions

Beyond wine, Jura offers diverse experiences:

  • Cascades du Hérisson: Series of waterfalls perfect for hiking
  • Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans: UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing 18th-century architecture
  • Musée de la Vigne et du Vin du Jura in Arbois: Learn about local winemaking history
  • Grottes des Moidons: Stunning limestone caves with guided tours

Events

Time your visit with these wine-focused events:

  • Percée du Vin Jaune (February): Celebration of Jura’s iconic yellow wine
  • Festival de la Troussière (July): Wine and music festival in Arbois
  • Fête du Biou (September): Traditional harvest festival in Arbois
  • Les Rendez-vous de l’Aventure (March): Film festival in Lons-le-Saunier, often featuring wine-themed events

Appellations

Understand Jura’s wine regions:

  • Côtes du Jura AOC: Largest appellation, producing diverse wine styles
  • Arbois AOC: Known for red, white, and sparkling wines
  • L’Étoile AOC: Specialized in white wines, particularly Chardonnay and Savagnin
  • Château-Chalon AOC: Exclusive to Vin Jaune production
  • Macvin du Jura AOC: Fortified wine made from grape must and marc

Grape Varieties

Jura’s unique terroir supports several distinctive grape varieties. Savagnin and Trousseau are indigenous to the region.

  • White grapes: Chardonnay, Savagnin
  • Red grapes: Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir

Main Wine Styles

Jura offers a diverse range of wine styles, from traditional to modern. The region’s most famous wine is Vin Jaune, made from Savagnin grapes.

  • Vin Jaune: Oxidative white wine aged for 6 years and 3 months
  • Crémant du Jura: Sparkling wine made using traditional method
  • Macvin du Jura: Fortified wine made from grape must and marc
  • Côtes du Jura: Red, white, and rosé wines from various grapes

Food Specialties

Jura’s cuisine complements its wines perfectly. Local specialties include:

  • Comté cheese: A hard cow’s milk cheese, pairs well with Jura whites
  • Poulet au Vin Jaune: Chicken cooked in Vin Jaune with morel mushrooms
  • Morteau sausage: Smoked pork sausage, often served with potatoes
  • Cancoillotte: Runny cheese spread, typically served warm

Drives & Walks

Explore Jura’s picturesque landscapes through scenic drives and walks. The Route des Vins du Jura offers a 80km journey through vineyards and charming villages.

  • Cascade des Tufs: A short walk to a beautiful waterfall near Les Planches-près-Arbois
  • Belvédère des Quatre Lacs: Panoramic viewpoint overlooking four lakes
  • Reculée de Baume-les-Messieurs: Stunning canyon walk with a historic abbey

Itineraries

Plan your Jura wine adventure with these suggested itineraries:

3-Day Wine Tour

  • Day 1: Explore Arbois, visit Maison Pasteur, taste at Domaine Rolet
  • Day 2: Tour Château-Chalon, sample Vin Jaune at Domaine Macle
  • Day 3: Discover L’Étoile, visit Domaine de Montbourgeau

5-Day Jura Experience

  • Days 1-2: Wine tasting in Arbois and surroundings
  • Day 3: Explore Baume-les-Messieurs and its abbey
  • Day 4: Visit Château-Chalon and L’Étoile wine regions
  • Day 5: Discover Salins-les-Bains and its salt works

Getting There & Around

The Jura region is accessible by car, train, and bus. The closest major airports are Geneva and Lyon.

  • By car: A39 motorway connects Jura to major cities
  • By train: TGV services to Dole and Lons-le-Saunier
  • Local transport: Limited bus services between towns, car rental recommended

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Jura is from May to October. Autumn offers stunning vineyard colors and harvest activities.

  • Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds
  • Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, bustling wine events
  • Autumn (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals

Sustainability Efforts

Jura’s winemakers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. Many vineyards are moving towards organic and biodynamic farming.

  • Domaine de la Pinte: Certified biodynamic since 2009
  • Domaine Tissot: Practices organic and biodynamic viticulture
  • Caves Jean Bourdy: One of the oldest organic producers in the region

Language Tips

While French is the primary language, knowing a few wine-related terms can enhance your experience:

  • Vin jaune: Yellow wine
  • Dégustation: Wine tasting
  • Caveau: Wine cellar or tasting room
  • Santé: Cheers!

Further Resources

For more information on Jura wines and travel, consult these resources:

Explore Wine Regions