Fleurie, a picturesque town located in the Beaujolais region of France, is renowned for its red wine made from the Gamay grape variety. This charming town is nestled amidst rolling hills, vineyards, and century-old houses that exude the charm of old-world France. Fleurie has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, and the town's architecture and landmarks reflect its fascinating past. Today, Fleurie is a popular destination for wine lovers and foodies, with numerous wineries offering wine tastings and wine tours.

Fleurie is best known for its light and fruity red wine, which is made exclusively from the Gamay grape variety. Visitors to Fleurie can explore the vineyards and wineries, and learn about the winemaking process from the grape harvest to bottling. The town's wineries offer a variety of wine tastings and wine tours, ranging from basic tastings to in-depth tours of the vineyards and cellars. The wines of Fleurie are renowned for their unique aroma, which is said to resemble freshly-picked raspberries.

Fleurie is also known for its excellent cuisine, which perfectly complements the town's wines. The local cuisine is centered around fresh, seasonal ingredients, and dishes such as Coq au Vin, Beef Bourguignon, and Ratatouille are staples in the region. Visitors can enjoy traditional French cuisine at the town's many restaurants, bistros, and cafes. Additionally, the town has several markets where visitors can purchase fresh produce, cheese, and other local specialties.

Fleurie's red wine is made exclusively from the Gamay grape variety, which thrives in the granite and schist soils of the Beaujolais region. The Gamay grape is known for its lightness, fruitiness, and low tannin content, making it an ideal grape for producing wines that are easy to drink and pair well with food. During wine tastings, visitors will learn that the grape is harvested in late August to early September, and the wine is typically released by wineries within a few months of the harvest.

The best time to visit Fleurie's wineries is in the fall, during the grape harvest season, which typically runs from late August to early September. During this time, visitors can participate in grape picking and wine tastings, and witness the vineyards at their most vibrant. However, Fleurie is a year-round destination, and visitors can enjoy the town's charm and hospitality throughout the year.

In addition to wine tastings and wine tours organized by local wineries, visitors to Fleurie can explore the town's many historical landmarks, including the 12th-century church of Saint-André, and the ancient village of La Madone. The town is also surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and scenic bike routes, which provide stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Nearby attractions include the medieval town of Cluny, the Beaujolais Wine Museum in Romanèche-Thorins, and Lyon, France's second-largest city, which is renowned for its food and wine culture.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Fleurie:

• DOMAINE CHRISTOPHE SAVOYE

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Fleurie:

• Beaujolais Terroir Discovery: Wine tasting at Domaine Christophe Savoye