Alsace - located in the northeast corner of France adjacent to the border with Germany along the Rhine Valley, this ancient wine growing region has its origins dating back to the Roman invasion. The area is known for its white wines, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Sylvaner.

Bordeaux - One of the BIG 3 of the Aquitaine along with Burgundy and Champagne, Bordeaux owes is dominance in the world of wine to the fact that it was the only one of these primary regions with its own seas port and the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Henry II in 1152 which opened an Anglo-Norman economic tie that has flourished ever since. This region controls the appellation of Bordeaux but also produces other appellations usch as Medoc, Graves, St. Emilion, Pauillac, Graves and Saint-Estèphe.

Burgundy - This primary region is responsible for the appellation Bourgogne. The region is quite small positioned occupying a narrow eastern facing hillside strip running south from the regional capital of Dijon. The center of activity of this region is Beaune. Contrary to popular belief, there are both red and white burgundy wines. The red burgundy is generally accepted as being superior but the white variety is worthy of exploration. The southern end of the primary region of Burgundy is where you will also find the appellation of Beaujolais.

Champagne - This primary region is located in the north of France. The towns of Rheims and Epernay are at the center of its economy. Quite obviously, this is the home of Champagne. Unlike other wines, champagne is a blend - a blend of different years harvest (non-vintage), of different harvests in the same year (vintage) and of the quality of the grapes combined with the skill of the blender. Real champagne only comes from this region and will dazzle the taste-buds with its taste and purity. Naturally, the best of this primary region carries an appropriate price tag.

Cõtes du Rhone - This primary region is notably the largest in France. From north to south down the Rhone valley, the vineyard stretches for over 200 kilometers (120 miles). The notaraity enjoyed by this regions can be attributed more to its ability to produce volume rather than its exceptional quality. Furthermore, as this region is at the Mediterranean southern end of France, the grape varieties grown are notably different. The wines of this region are a blend of Viognier, Syrah and Grenache. There primary region is also home to Côte Rotie and Chateauneuf du Pape, small prestigious areas with their own appellation.

Provence - Yet another large primary region for wine production in France, Provence is best known for its Rosè. Like Cõtes du Rhone, Provence will be found in the south of France on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. While this primary region is best known for Rosè, it is also the producer of some delightfully rich reds and the famous 'grey wine'. But to mention Provence without also mentioning its famous Bandol, a white wine dating back to the middle ages would be a total oversight.

Rhine Valley - Most of the Rhine Valley notoriety can be attributed to the centuries of Germanic wine production that has resulted in varietals such as Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and other similar sweet wines that have graced the tables of kings and peasants alike. This primary region is often criticized for its massive over-production of wine from inferior grapes, a criticize that is not necessarily accurate. Like any wine growing region that has the depth of history that this area enjoys (and there are very few), you are going to find good and not so good wines. But don't be fooled, if you are looking for an exceptional wine of the sweeter variety, you cannot go past some of the wines of this primary region.