Arbois Wine Travel Guide (Jura, France)

Discover Arbois: A Wine Lover's Paradise in Jura, France

Nestled in the heart of France's Jura region, Arbois offers a captivating blend of picturesque landscapes, rich history, and world-class wines. This charming town serves as the perfect base for exploring the unique terroir and exceptional vintages of Jura's wine country.

Towns and Villages

Arbois itself is a quaint town with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Nearby villages worth visiting include:

Pupillin: Known as the world capital of Ploussard grape
Poligny: Home to the famous Comté cheese
Château-Chalon: Perched on a cliff, famous for its Vin Jaune

Wine Producers

Arbois boasts numerous renowned wine producers. Some noteworthy ones include:

Domaine Rolet: Family-run since 1942, known for traditional methods
Domaine de la Pinte: Biodynamic winery with a wide range of Jura wines
Domaine Tissot: Innovative winemaker producing high-quality organic wines
Domaine Jean-Louis Tissot: Specializes in Crémant du Jura and still wines

Most wineries offer tastings and tours, but it's best to book in advance.

Accommodations

Arbois offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences:

Château de Germigney: Luxurious 4-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant
Hôtel des Cépages: Charming hotel in the town center, perfect for wine enthusiasts
La Maison d'Eusébe: Cozy bed and breakfast in a renovated 16th-century building
Camping de la Grange du Dîme: For those seeking a more rustic experience

Dining

Arbois is a gastronomic destination, offering excellent restaurants that pair local wines with regional specialties:

Le Bistrot des Claquets: Traditional Jura cuisine with an extensive wine list
La Balance Mets et Vins: Innovative dishes using local ingredients, perfect wine pairings
Le Grapiot: Located in nearby Pupillin, known for its creative menu and Jura wine selection
Restaurant Jean-Paul Jeunet: Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet Jura cuisine

Don't miss trying local specialties like Comté cheese, Morteau sausage, and chicken with vin jaune and morels.

Wine Shops & Bars

Arbois offers several excellent wine shops and bars for tasting and purchasing local wines:

La Fruitière Vinicole d'Arbois: A cooperative wine shop featuring a wide selection of Jura wines
Cave de la Reine Jeanne: Historic wine cellar offering tastings and sales of regional wines
Le Nez Dans le Vert: Wine bar specializing in organic and biodynamic Jura wines
La Cave du Comté: Combines wine tasting with local cheese pairings

Other Shops

While in Arbois, explore these local shops for regional specialties:

Fromagerie Vagne: Artisanal cheese shop featuring Comté and other local cheeses
La Maison du Comté: Dedicated to all things Comté, including tastings and educational exhibits
Charcuterie Brelot: Traditional butcher shop offering Morteau sausage and other regional meats
Arbois Tourisme: Tourist office with local products and souvenirs

Attractions

Beyond wine, Arbois and its surroundings offer various attractions:

Maison Pasteur: Museum dedicated to Louis Pasteur, who lived and worked in Arbois
Château Pécauld: Houses the Jura Wine Museum, showcasing the region's winemaking history
Reculée des Planches: Stunning natural gorge with hiking trails and waterfalls
Cascades du Hérisson: Series of picturesque waterfalls, perfect for a day trip

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-centric events in Arbois:

Biou Festival (September): Traditional grape harvest celebration with parades and tastings
Percée du Vin Jaune (February): Annual festival celebrating the release of new Vin Jaune vintages
Arbois Wine Fair (July): Showcases local wines and producers
Christmas Market (December): Features local wines, foods, and crafts

Appellations

Arbois is part of the Jura wine region, which includes several appellations:

AOC Arbois: The largest appellation, producing red, white, and sparkling wines
AOC Château-Chalon: Exclusively for Vin Jaune production
AOC L'Étoile: Known for its white wines and Vin Jaune
AOC Côtes du Jura: Covers a wide range of wine styles

Each appellation has unique characteristics influenced by its terroir and winemaking traditions.

Grape Varieties

Arbois-Jura's unique terroir supports diverse grape varieties. The region's cool climate and limestone-rich soils contribute to the distinct character of its wines.

Savagnin: Indigenous white grape, key for Vin Jaune production
Chardonnay: Widely planted white variety
Poulsard: Light-bodied red grape, local specialty
Trousseau: Red variety producing tannic wines
Pinot Noir: Used for red and sparkling wines

Main Wine Styles

Arbois-Jura offers a range of unique wine styles, reflecting its rich winemaking tradition.

Vin Jaune: Oxidative white wine aged under flor yeast
Crémant du Jura: Sparkling wine made in the traditional method
Macvin du Jura: Fortified wine blending grape must and marc
Vin de Paille: Sweet wine made from dried grapes
Trousseau and Poulsard reds: Light to medium-bodied, distinctive reds

Food Specialties

Jura's cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local dishes showcase the region's rich culinary heritage.

Comté cheese: Aged cow's milk cheese, pairs well with local whites
Poulet au Vin Jaune: Chicken cooked in Vin Jaune sauce
Morteau sausage: Smoked pork sausage, often served with potatoes
Coq au Vin Jaune: Traditional dish with mushrooms and cream
Trout: Fresh local fish, often prepared with Savagnin wine

Drives & Walks

Explore Arbois-Jura's scenic landscapes through picturesque drives and walks. The region offers breathtaking views of vineyards, forests, and mountains.

Scenic Drives

Route des Vins du Jura: Winding road through charming wine villages
Belvédère des Quatre Lacs: Panoramic drive overlooking four lakes

Walking Trails

Sentier des Vignes: Easy walk through Arbois vineyards
Cascades du Hérisson: Hike featuring stunning waterfalls

Itineraries

Plan your Arbois-Jura adventure with these curated itineraries, designed to showcase the best of the region's wine and culture.

3-Day Wine Explorer

Day 1: Arbois town exploration and winery visits
Day 2: Château-Chalon and Vin Jaune tasting
Day 3: Scenic drive along Route des Vins du Jura

5-Day Jura Immersion

Days 1-2: Arbois and surrounding wineries
Day 3: Hike in Cascades du Hérisson
Day 4: Explore Château-Chalon and L'Étoile
Day 5: Comté cheese tour and final tastings

Getting There & Around

Arbois-Jura is accessible by various transportation options:

By train: TGV service to Dole, then regional train to Arbois
By car: A39 motorway from Dijon or Lyon
Nearest airports: Geneva (2 hours), Lyon (2.5 hours)

Within the region, a rental car offers the most flexibility for exploring vineyards and remote areas.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to visit Arbois-Jura are:

Spring (April-June): Mild weather, fewer crowds
Fall (September-November): Harvest season, vibrant foliage

Summer offers warm temperatures but can be busy. Winter is suitable for skiing enthusiasts.

Sustainability Efforts

Arbois-Jura embraces eco-friendly winemaking practices:

Organic viticulture: Many producers use organic or biodynamic methods
Water conservation: Efficient irrigation systems in vineyards
Biodiversity: Preservation of local ecosystems and wildlife

Look for certified organic wines and eco-friendly accommodations during your visit.

Language Tips

While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some French enhances your experience:

Wine-related phrases:"Je voudrais goûter ce vin" (I would like to taste this wine)
"Quelle est la spécialité de la région?" (What is the region's specialty?)

Basic greetings: "Bonjour" (Hello), "Merci" (Thank you), "S'il vous plaît" (Please)

Further Resources

Enhance your Arbois-Jura wine experience with these resources:

Official tourism website: Jura Tourism
Wine route information: Jura Wines
Local events calendar: Arbois Tourism

Consider purchasing a comprehensive Jura wine guide book for in-depth information on producers and vintages.