Atout France is launching its second #ExploreFrance festival in London from the 11th until the 17th of September. In collaboration with the Institut français, the week-long event will incorporate activities with an eco-friendly approach to oenotourism, suggesting eventual visitors to explore vineyards and wineries whilst adopting sustainable practices.

Home to some of the most renowned vineyards in the world, admire rows of lush green vines and clusters of purple and golden grapes whilst cycling through new véloroutes or wine bikes in the mesmerizing backdrop of the Loire Valley. Feel the gentle breeze carrying out the scent of ripened grapes, taste wines at the foot of outstanding grapevines and unveil the country’s commitment to quality winemaking.

France truly boasts some of the best organic and sustainable vineyards due to its diverse microclimate, distinct terroir, grape varietals, rich viticultural history, and eminent wine producers. Jump and cycle on an e-bike through the picturesque vineyards and orchards of ‘Vallee du Loir’; explore Bordeaux’s first low-carbon Bulle Verte trails around its refined velvety wines where cabernet sauvignon dominates the blend; discover the chalky soils and maritime climate in Cognac, providing some of the finest Ugni Blanc grapes; taste the vibrant reds and oxidative-style whites of Jura or even the fruity and refreshing rose from Aix-en-Provence, offering a delightful combination of flavours, characterised by delicate aromas of red fruits and hint of citrus. A popular and fascinating experience for both wine enthusiasts and travellers alike to bring to light France’s countless wine regions!

With sustainability at the forefront of the festival, the event will welcome winemakers, who have adopted organic and biodynamic farming methods, with topics dedicated to green tourism as part of the European sustainable development week with a ‘Grande Degustation’ at the Institut Français in South Kensington.

Atout France will devote a time to welcome and inform French partners with a high-end networking evening event (sponsored by Club Med) at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, in the heart of the old Wine Merchants District.

Offering stunning views of the Cathedral and the city’s skyline with an ‘Apéritif à la Française’ organised by Jacobs Media Group, partners and guests will also have the opportunity to attend 1-1 meetings, sessions & panels as well as collaborating opportunities at the luxurious Royal Leonardo St Pauls rooftop hotel, making it all an unforgettable and indulgent experience for discerning guests.

From screenings of modern and classic films; documentaries linked to wine and France; immerse yourself in the country's rich wine culture at the final Grand Public event open to all on Thursday 14th of September at the Institut Français in South Kensington, and rejoice in their new ways of making wine by adapting to today's aspiration – living sustainably but most of all, consciously.

La Grande Dégustation at the Institut Francais in London - Thursday 14th of September

Alex Mead, Editor of Food and Travel Magazine is joined by food, travel and wine writer Ben McCormack and sommelier Daniel Issley, Director of Wine at Maison Francois, to discuss the changing face of French wine tourism and all its facets, as well as revealing their favourite wine trails, as part of the panel ‘’The true flavour of France: How wine tourism tells the most vivid stories of the country’’. Guests will be then invited to join representatives from Atlantic Loire Valley, Provence and Bordeaux to taste delicious regional wines and learn more about these destinations.