What is Cognac?  When someone asks you “What is cognac?”  What is the easiest way to differentiate Cognac from brandy or Armagnac, or another spirit? Here is your essential guide to Cognac. Cognac is a brandy, a spirit produced by distilling wine from grapes. Cognac comes from a ...

A trip to Bordeaux has endless possibilities. You can enjoy tastings at famed estates, try regional dishes at local restaurants, and take in the rich history of some of France’s oldest towns. With all of these options, it can seem impossible to know where to begin! To make your ...

It’s not too late for considering Valentines Day wines. What makes the wine “special,” though, is not just the wine itself. Also bear in mind the person with whom it is shared, and occasions you have enjoyed together. Those shared associations will be more meaningful than a pricey wine bought ...

Northern Rhone Wines That Will Make You Happy I’ve noted to students in my wine tasting courses, many wine regions have produced finer wines over recent years; thus, transforming what is available on the market. That particularly holds true in France. Quality conscious producers are making ...

Pascale Bernasse Celebrates 20 Years in the Travel Industry Twenty years ago, Pascale Bernasse fulfilled a lifelong dream and began a career in the travel industry. Today, that dream remains a reality for her as the co-owner and President of French Wine Explorers.  Bernasse started working in ...

What Are Natural Wines? Why Should I Care About Them? The idea of “natural” wine originated in France in the 1960s. Winemakers in the Beaujolais region wanted to return to the production methods that their grandparents had used. They wanted to get away from the pesticide and chemical use that ...

Easy Guide to French Fall Wines Fall is a time when the grapes in France hang heavy on the vine, surrounded by leaves of ochre and crimson, anticipating the harvest. It is also the perfect time to enjoy some more full-bodied wines after the lighter wines of summer. Here are some recommended ...

What Are The Best Thanksgiving Wines? The traditional Thanksgiving turkey is not an easy fit with wine. The upside of that dilemma is that there are no “right” Thanksgiving wines to serve. Turkey is not one of those meats that is automatically associated with any particular wine. ...

Bordeaux is a diverse region full of character. It may be best known for its world-class wines, but Bordeaux has much to offer beyond the vineyards. Bordeaux has architectural and historical monuments to discover. The city is second to Paris for maintaining the most protected historical ...

Luxury French Wine Tours, Amazing Experiences, Great Wine French Wine Explorers, America’s leader in luxury French wine tours, is expanding offerings with exciting wine tour packages for the 2020 season. These tours provide the ultimate experience for wine lovers. Programs feature luxury ...

How to Demystify Bordeaux: Best Bordeaux Wine by Region For all of its beauty of variety and lasting history, Bordeaux wines can be a complex subject. Let’s break Bordeaux wine down to better understand the nuances of the major wine regions of the area, and to offer you the best Bordeaux ...

Bernasse Earns Condé Nast Travel Specialist Eight Years in a Row French Wine Explorers announces that Pascale Bernasse, President of French Wine Explorers, is honored as a Condé Nast Travel Specialist for 2019. This is the eighth year in a row that Bernasse is recognized with this prestigious ...

Paris Desserts: Our Guide to the Best Sweet Spots Paris is known for its Michelin starred dining prepared by famous chefs. There’s no lack of amazing places to eat in stunning environs. But what if your taste buds are looking for something a little more sweet, a little less savory? ...

When I was in college, I was often responsible for refreshments when visiting dignitaries came to talk to our budding diplomats club. The talks were interesting, but the wine was pedestrian. The very worst of those was a sweet, unbalanced Chablis from California. I promised I would never touch ...

Paris 2019 Michelin Update: What’s New In the Stars?  Who were the winners and losers in the Paris 2019 Michelin update for Paris restaurants? This year, the food world’s most prestigious guide added 68 new tables to its pages, including 18 in Paris. With a nod to trends for the Parisian food ...

Luxury Paris Bordeaux Wine Tour Video In this Paris Bordeaux Wine Tour video we give you a glimpse inside our tour highlight features. From cultural experiences to delicious food and wine, this Paris Bordeaux Wine tour is the perfect combination for a week of the good life! (Transcript) Find ...