Design your wine tours with our experts

Explore the Best Wineries in Arbois

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Arbois is considered the capital of the Jura and Savoie wine region in Eastern France, its name being a potent symbol of local production. It produces a wide array of red, rosé, and white wines, including the famous Vin Jaune (yellow wine) and vin de paille (straw wine) of Jura, that are produced there, too. The region’s diversity attracts many wine lovers, and its ambience and location create a perfect mix of France and Switzerland – two giant wine countries. It is also said on the labels of bottles that the wine of Arbois, the more we drink, the more we go right! Therefore, it is an absolute must to discover the region and feel the soul of how these signature wines are made. 
Find out more about the wine tastings and tours in Arbois!

Where is the Arbois wine appellation located?

Arbois is the most prolific wine appellation of the Jura and Savoie region, located in Eastern France, at the border of Switzerland. The AOC Arbois stretches over 800 hectares of wine-growing area, with a production of about 3,720,000 litres of wines in a year spread over the towns of Arbois, Montigny-Les-Arsures, Arsures, Mesnay, Vadans, Villette-Les-Arbois, Pupillin and others, making 13 communes in total. The neighbouring wine appellations are Côte du Jura and Vin de Savoie.

The history of Arbois wine appellation

Arbois was one of the six first controlled appellations to be attributed in France in May 1936. The name itself, Arbois, comes from the Celtic origin and means fertile land. The fact that it got appellation status so early indicates its importance to the region and to the national wine industry in general. In the past, the movement of rail systems to more popular wine-growing regions, the explosion of grape varietals, and the infamous ravages of phylloxera have created challenging times for the Arbois sub-region. However, as we see now, it has recovered quite soon and established the sustainable production of various wine grapes thanks to its fertile soil and excellent winemaking methods practised in the region.

Arbois wine appellation terroir

This name identifies a quality terroir, sheltered from winds under limestone cliffs, with marly sub-soils rich in minerals and retaining the humidity typical of the Jura climate. The climate of Arbois wine appellation is continental, with many similarities to the Burgundy region, with warm summers and abundant sunshine hours. However, it can be aggressively colder during winter, which can be explained by the higher altitudes of 300-400 mm above sea level where the vineyards sit. Due to this reason, the harvests are delayed as late as possible to ensure that the highest sugar levels in grapes are obtained, sometimes even until the end of October. To protect grapevines from autumn frosts, vine training techniques such as the Guyot system are practised. The soils mainly consist of limestone, alluvial, and clay; marl is also found occasionally. This soil diversity also contributes to the various grapes grown in the region and reflects the variety of tastes in its wine palette.

Arbois wine characteristics

A great variety of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines are produced in Arbois wine appellation. Arbois red wine is lighter and fragrant when they favour Poulsard, or rounder and more coloured with Pinot Noir; another authorized main red wine grape variety is Trousseau. Due to this colour distinction, Arbois red wines are classified as coral red or ruby red. They have fruity aromas and an ageing potential of 3 to 10 years. The best serving temperature for them is 14 to 16° C. The Arbois rosé wines, principally produced from the Poulsard grapes around the town of Pupillin, can claim the label AOC Arbois-Pupillin; Poulsard gives it a slight orange coral tint. This AOC also offers a large variety of dry whites, mainly from Savagnin, pale, fruity, delicate and yellow wines, straw-yellow wines, and sparkling wines. The primary grape varieties for Arbois white wine are Savagnin and Chardonnay. Surprisingly enough, many grape varietals of different colours can be blended in Arbois wine appellation. Up to 20% of red wine is permitted into white wine and vice versa, which, once again, dramatically induces this colour diversity. White, rosé and sparkling wines or Crémant de Jura are moderately acidic and structured with an ageing potential of 1 to 3 years. They taste best served at 10-11° C.

Food to pair with Arbois wine

Fondue Jurassienne

Fondue is a very well-known signature French dish from Jura and Savoie region. It is also common in the French part of Switzerland. This melting delicacy consists of a famous Comté cheese, butter, corn flour and white wine; once ready, crispy garlic-rubbed bread is dipped in it over the flame; raw vegetables can also be served with it. This cheesy dish pairs exceptionally well with Jura Arbois wine.

Gratin de Crozets

Gratin de Crozets are a traditional French dish originating from Jura and Savoie region that is made with onions, lardons, eggs, pasta layers, sour cream and cheese such as Gruyère, Comte, or Beaufort. It is typically served in the form of a casserole. Baked until golden and topped with fresh greens like parsley and chives, this mouthwatering dish is excellent to savour with a glass of Arbois wine.

Tartiflette

Tartiflette is a French dish from the Jura and Savoie region. It is made with potatoes, Reblochon cheese, onions, and bacon, with a sauce made of white wine and cream. The dish is such famous in Switzerland and Italy as in France. It is ideally served with a green salad on the side and a glass of dry white wine. 

Places to visit in the Arbois wine region:

Église Saint-Just d'Arbois

Saint-Just’s church is undoubtedly one of the most important monuments of the Jura and Savoie region, visible from afar thanks to its characteristic bell tower. With a height of 60 meters, it is completed by a Romanesque building composed of three naves, in which a gallery and numerous side chapels are inserted. This church is also worthy of its sublime carillon, made up of 20 bells, 11 of which were cast in 1738. Listed as a Historic Monument, this ensemble is one of the few still preserved in France.

Pont des Capucins

The Pont des Capucins is a bridge located in Arbois, France. It was built between 1787 and 1793. It is a beautiful bridge with ancient buildings, a fantastic way to get acquainted with the region’s architecture.

Place de la Liberté

Liberty Square is the main square in the small town of Arbois, France, with lovely decorations and surrounded by numerous buildings with restaurants and cafés. It is a great idea to walk around the square to feel the region’s soul, eat local food nearby, and drink coffee or even a glass of wine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arbois wine appellation

What is Arbois wine?

Arbois wine can be red, rosé, white, and sparkling wines, also the famous Vin Jaune (yellow wine) and vin de paille (straw wine) of the Jura.

What is Arbois famous for growing?

Arbois is famous for growing grapes such as Poulsard, Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Savagnin and Chardonnay.

What is the name of the river that flows through Arbois?

The Cuisance river traverses Arbois.

Map of Wineries in Arbois

Discover the locations of wineries in Arbois

Explore the Best
Experiences in Arbois

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Arbois