What wines does Alsace produce?

Alsace is known for aromatic white wines such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Unlike most French regions, wines are typically labelled by grape variety.

How does climate affect French wine styles?

Cooler regions such as Burgundy and Alsace produce higher-acid, more delicate wines, while warmer regions such as the Rhone produce riper, fuller-bodied styles.

How many wines will I taste?

You will taste seven to eight French wines across the key regions, including both white and red styles.

Do I need to know anything about French wine before attending?

Not at all. Our courses are designed to be approachable and jargon-free. Beginners are always welcome.

The Ultimate French Wine Masterclass

Name: The Ultimate French Wine Masterclass
Price: 169.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

If ordering French wine has ever left you guessing, this class changes that. We break down regions, grapes and labels in a way that finally makes sense — practical, enjoyable and genuinely useful.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2.5 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair
Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

French-style Tapas and Wine Matching

Price

From £169 per person

Rated 4.6 out of 5 – based on 82 Google reviews
Read our reviews on Google

Welcome to The Ultimate French Wine Masterclass

Cut through the complexity — unpack the key French wine regions, classic grapes and the wines that deserve a place on your table.

French wine can seem complex, with so many regions, grapes and styles to navigate — but once you understand the structure behind it, everything starts to make sense. This masterclass breaks it down clearly, giving you a practical framework you can use straight away.

French wines are enjoying a real resurgence, with quality and value improving dramatically in recent years. There are plenty of excellent, affordable bottles if you know where to look. We’ll show you the standout regions, reliable producers and everyday options that over-deliver.

You’ll explore key regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire, the Rhône and Alsace. You’ll learn which grapes belong where, how climate and winemaking shape flavour, and how to recognise quality without relying on price. French wines are delicious by the glass, but they really come alive with food — that’s how many of them were designed to be enjoyed.

The session includes seven or eight French wines paired with simple French-style tapas. It’s a fun, practical and engaging way to understand the major regions and feel confident choosing French wine, whether you’re shopping, ordering, or pairing at home.

Reserve your place and make French wine easy, enjoyable and immediately usable.

The Ultimate French Wine Masterclass is a 2.5-hour immersive wine experience at The London Wine Academy in central London, priced at £169 per person. Established in 1993 and rated 4.6 on Google, the Academy has welcomed over 50,000 students and its founder is a brand ambassador for the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux region. Part of the Voyager Masterclass series — designed as a journey into the heart of a wine region — this session cuts through the complexity of French wine and gives you a practical framework you can use straight away. You’ll explore Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, the Loire and Alsace, learning which grapes belong where, how climate and winemaking shape flavour, and how to read French wine labels with confidence. A 4-course tapas menu is included, with seven or eight wines paired throughout. Your tutor holds a WSET Diploma, Master of Wine qualification or Master Sommelier certification. Independently curated, experience-led and tried and tested over three decades.

What will I learn during the Course?

Practical French wine knowledge — key regions, grapes and label basics
Simple food pairing rules that consistently work
How grape variety, climate and terroir influence flavour and style
Where to look for value and dependable producers
How to choose and order French wine with confidence

Course Agenda

Start times may vary depending on the date. Please check your chosen date for the correct start time. We recommend arriving 5–10 minutes early to settle in and meet your London Wine Academy tutor.

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in, meet your tutor and get ready for your first wine.

We’ll begin with a clear introduction to tasting and explore how to assess French wines with confidence. You’ll taste a curated selection of seven or eight wines from key regions, supported by simple French-style tapas designed to highlight structure, flavour and balance.

The class is relaxed, sociable and highly informative, giving you practical insight you can use straight away. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of French wine and the confidence to choose and enjoy it with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are French wines labelled by region rather than grape?

France’s labelling system is based on terroir – the idea that where a wine comes from is as important as the grape used. Once you understand which grapes are typical of each region (e.g. Pinot Noir in Burgundy), labels become much easier to navigate.

What French wine regions will be covered?

What is the difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy?

Bordeaux produces predominantly blended wines (often Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), while Burgundy focuses on single-variety wines, mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Bordeaux is known for its château system, while Burgundy emphasises vineyard-specific expression.

What does AOC or AOP mean on a French wine label?

AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) or AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) indicates the wine comes from a defined region and follows strict regulations on grape varieties, yields, and production methods – a key indicator of origin and quality.

What do Grand Cru & Premier Cru mean?

These are quality classifications, most clearly defined in Burgundy. Grand Cru denotes the highest-quality vineyards, with Premier Cru just below. Their meaning can vary by region but generally indicates a higher level of quality and origin.

Is French wine good value or is it always expensive?

French wine spans every price point. While top Bordeaux and Burgundy can be expensive, regions such as the Loire, Rhône, and Alsace offer excellent quality and value if you know where to look.

What is the Loire Valley known for?

The Loire Valley is known for its diversity, including crisp Sauvignon Blanc, versatile Chenin Blanc (from dry to sweet), light reds from Cabernet Franc, and high-quality sparkling wines. The wines are typically fresh, food-friendly, and great value.

What food is included during the masterclass?

The session includes six or seven French wines paired with a simple four-course French-style tapas menu.

How much does the French Wine Masterclass cost?

The French Wine Masterclass is £169 per person, includes six or seven French-style wines and a four-course, tapas-style menu.

Feature Venue

The Punch Bowl

Famously previously owned by Guy Richie and Madonna, The Punch Bowl is one of Mayfair’s most historic and celebrated pubs.

Feature Venue

The Duke of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex is a reflection of the needs of the local community - the food is simple and harks back to the days when the British Pub first came about.