Lons-le-Saunier Wine Travel Guide (Jura, France)

Discover Lons-le-Saunier: Gateway to Jura’s Wine Country

Nestled in the heart of Jura, France, Lons-le-Saunier serves as the perfect base for exploring the region’s unique wines. This charming town offers a blend of history, culture, and gastronomic delights.

Towns and Villages

While Lons-le-Saunier is the main hub, don’t miss these nearby wine-centric villages:

  • Arbois: Known as the wine capital of Jura, famous for its Vin Jaune
  • Château-Chalon: Picturesque village perched on a cliff, renowned for its exceptional Vin Jaune
  • L’Étoile: Small village producing distinctive white wines

Wine Producers

Jura boasts numerous artisanal winemakers. Here are some standout producers near Lons-le-Saunier:

  • Domaine Rolet: Family-run winery in Arbois, known for traditional Jura wines
  • Jean-François Ganevat: Biodynamic producer in La Combe, crafting sought-after natural wines
  • Domaine Berthet-Bondet: Located in Château-Chalon, specializing in Vin Jaune and Crémant du Jura

Accommodations

Choose from a range of lodging options in and around Lons-le-Saunier:

  • Hôtel de Paris: Centrally located 3-star hotel with a wine bar
  • Château de Germigney: Luxurious 4-star château hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, 20 minutes from Lons-le-Saunier
  • La Maison d’Eusebia: Charming B&B in a renovated 19th-century house

Dining

Savor local cuisine and wine pairings at these eateries:

  • Le Bistrot de la Marjorie: Modern bistro focusing on regional products and wines
  • La Table de Lons: Upscale restaurant with an extensive Jura wine list
  • Brasserie Le Strasbourg: Traditional brasserie serving Comtois specialties

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore Jura’s unique wines at these local establishments:

  • La Cave du Comtois: Well-stocked wine shop in Lons-le-Saunier offering a wide selection of Jura wines
  • Le Bistrot de la Place: Wine bar in Arbois featuring local wines by the glass and bottle
  • La Maison de Louis Pasteur: Museum and wine cellar in Arbois, where you can taste wines made using Pasteur’s methods

Other Shops

Don’t miss these local specialty stores:

  • Fromagerie Vagne: Artisanal cheese shop in Lons-le-Saunier, perfect for pairing with local wines
  • La Fruitière: Cooperative store in Arbois selling regional products, including Comté cheese and charcuterie
  • Chocolaterie Hirsinger: Renowned chocolatier in Arbois, offering wine-flavored chocolates

Attractions

Between wine tastings, explore these local sites:

  • Musée de la Vigne et du Vin du Jura: Wine museum in Arbois showcasing the region’s winemaking history
  • Cascades du Hérisson: Series of scenic waterfalls, perfect for a nature break
  • Musée du Jouet: Toy museum in Moirans-en-Montagne, offering a nostalgic experience

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-centric events:

  • Percée du Vin Jaune: Annual festival in February celebrating the release of new Vin Jaune
  • Fête de la Vigne et du Vin: Wine and vine festival held in various Jura villages each May
  • Arbois Wine Festival: Three-day event in August featuring local wines, food, and music

Appellations

Familiarize yourself with Jura’s key wine appellations:

  • Arbois AOC: The largest and most diverse appellation, producing red, white, and sparkling wines
  • Château-Chalon AOC: Exclusively for Vin Jaune, considered the pinnacle of Jura wines
  • L’Étoile AOC: Known for its mineral-driven white wines and Vin Jaune
  • Côtes du Jura AOC: Covers a wide area, producing various styles including the unique Vin de Paille

Grape Varieties

The Jura region is known for its unique grape varieties. Savagnin and Poulsard are indigenous to the area.

Other popular varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Trousseau.

Main Wine Styles

Jura’s most famous wine is Vin Jaune, made from Savagnin grapes. It’s aged for six years under a layer of yeast, similar to sherry.

Crémant du Jura is a sparkling wine made using the traditional method. Macvin du Jura is a fortified wine unique to the region.

Food Specialties

Jura is famous for its Comté cheese, which pairs perfectly with local wines. Poulet au Vin Jaune is a classic dish featuring chicken cooked in Vin Jaune.

Don’t miss trying Morteau sausage and Bresse chicken, both regional specialties.

Drives & Walks

The Route des Vins du Jura is a scenic drive through the region’s vineyards. It covers 80 kilometers and passes through charming wine villages.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Cascades du Hérisson trail offers beautiful waterfall views. The Reculée de Baume-les-Messieurs is another stunning natural attraction.

Itineraries

A three-day itinerary could include: Day 1 – Explore Lons-le-Saunier and visit nearby wineries. Day 2 – Drive the Route des Vins du Jura. Day 3 – Visit Château-Chalon and taste Vin Jaune.

For a week-long trip, add visits to Arbois, Poligny for cheese tasting, and outdoor activities in the Jura mountains.

Getting There & Around

The nearest major airports are Geneva (2 hours) and Lyon (2.5 hours). Rent a car for easy access to wineries and villages.

Local buses connect major towns, but schedules can be limited. Taxis are available in larger towns.

Best Time to Visit

Visit from May to October for pleasant weather and vineyard activities. September and October offer harvest celebrations.

Winter (December-February) can be cold but ideal for enjoying Vin Jaune and local cheeses.

Sustainability Efforts

Many Jura wineries practice organic or biodynamic viticulture. Look for the AB (Agriculture Biologique) certification.

The region promotes eco-tourism through hiking trails and bike-friendly routes.

Eco-Friendly Wineries

  • Domaine de la Pinte (Arbois)
  • Domaine Pignier (Montaigu)
  • Domaine des Marnes Blanches (Sainte-Agnès)

Language Tips

Basic French phrases are appreciated. Learn wine-related terms like “dégustation” (tasting) and “cave” (cellar).

In smaller villages, English may be limited. Bring a translation app or phrasebook.

Further Resources

Join local wine forums or Facebook groups for up-to-date information and tips from fellow travelers.