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Wine Region - The Jura vineyards stretch from the north to the south of the department, between Salins-les-Bains to St Amour, along an 80 km strip, called Revermont. Burgs and wine-growing villages spread out along the foothills of the sunny vineyard-covered slopes of the Jura mountains.
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Vineyards - The vines thrive in the favorable exposure and marly soil to produce great vintage wines. For Jura wines, there are 6 official AOC labels or "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" (Arbois, Chateau-Chalon, L'Etoile, Côtes du Jura, Macvin and Crémant du Jura) for 5 grape types: Chardonnay and Savagnin (whites), Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot noir (reds).
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Wine Road - Arbois is the capital of Jura wines. It is a good departure point to explore the wine region of Jura. The town also hosts a few annual wine celebrations such as Wine Festival, Biou Festival... more info
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Arbois - Picturesque town surrounded by vineyards. It produces unusual fine wines, which the most famous one is the "Vin Jaune", a unique wine made from the Savagnin grape. Several winegrowers' cellars are open to the public for wine tasting... more info
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Arbois Vineyards - With its large number of vineyards, all 5 allowed Jura grape varieties are planted in Arbois, It produces some excellent red, white and rose wines, and exceptionally heady and expensive Vin Jaune (yellow wine) and Vin de Paille (straw wine). Lion share of red wines and about 30% of white wines in Jura are produced under Arbois label.
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Montigny-les-Arsures - 4 km from Arbois, this main wine-growing village is the capital of the Trousseau wine, made from a type of grape which found its ideal soil here. This village remains one of the most picturesque in the Revermont area, with its 12th century church, 15th century castle and seignioral mansions.
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Pasteur Vineyards - 2 km to the north of Montigny-les-Arsures, Pasteur, the renowned scientist, had a vineyard, where in 1878 he conducted his famous experiments on the fermentation of grapes, which lead to the foundation of modern wine-making science.
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Pupillin - 3 km from Arbois, Pupillin is one of the great vineyard names. It is a typical wine-growing village with beautiful restored houses decorated with flowers. A scenic point with a picnic area gives a panoramic view over the entire vineyards. It claims to be the world capital of the Poulsard wine. Wine tasting is available.
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Pupillin - Grape harvesting in Pupillin (3 km from town) is one of the most famous local vineyards.
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Poligny - Listed as "Petite cité comtoise de caractère" (small town of character), Poligny is the capital of Comte cheese, but good wines have been produced from the surrounding area for centuries. The rock "Croix du Dan" towers over the small town surrounded by rich farmland. Poligny also has a rich architectural heritage from its past.
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Chateau-Chalon - 15 km from Lons-le-Saunier, this beautiful medieval village is perched on a rocky promontory high above the local vineyards. The Savagnin grape vineyards growing on the steep hillsides produce the renowned "Vin Jaune" (yellow wine), a golden-colored wine exquisite to both the nose and the palate, which can be sampled in the producers cellars. The other attractions include its 12th century church, feudal castle and two scenic viewpoints.
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Chateau Chalon Vineyards - At the foot of Chateau Chalon, a road winds up through the vineyards to reach this medieval village. It is one of the most pleasant and picturesque section of the Jura Wine Road.
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Chateau Chalon Scenic Points - There are 2 scenic points in the village that offer breathtaking views of vineyards and surrounding area. This view is taken after the harvest season from one of the scenic points.
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Arlay - Vilage of Arlay, with a rich past has kept the remains of its medieval castle. Visit of the 18th century castle, medieval ruins, pre-romantic park and the beautiful wine tasting cellar.
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Chateau Arlay - The estate is reputed to be the oldest wine castle in France and has a beautiful wine tasting cellar. It is also, the headquarters of a very old and renowned family operated wine business.
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L'Etoile - 5 km from Lons-le-Saunier, this village is known for the small star-shaped fossils found in the earth, after which it is named, as well as for its wine, known and recognized since the 13th century.
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L'Etoile Vineyards and Wines - L'Etoile is best known for its white and sparkilng wines, It also produces a rare and expensive sweet dessert wine called "Vin de Paille" or straw wine, made in small quantities by only some producers. Wine tasting is offered by the local producers.
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Chateau du Pin - This medieval castle is located in the north of Lons-le-Saunier, it is surrounded by vineyards and pastures. It has a watch tower built in the 13th century and restored in 15th century to protect the salt road. It offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
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Montaigu - Set above Lons-le-Saunier, this small village with a 13th century church and Rouget de Lisle's family house (composer of the national anthem "La Marseillaise"), offers 2 panoramic views, one over the city and the other over the Revermont region. The vineyards planted in the 13th century by the Chartreux monks and their beautiful vaulted cellars belong to a family who has kept the tradition for 7 generations since 1794. Their wines can be sampled and purchased on the premises.
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Lons-le-Saunier - Capital of the Jura, Lons-le-Saunier is an ideal city base to tour the vineyards around. A handsome group of winegrowers' houses on the "Place de la Comedie" (Comedy Square) have been restored and bear witness to an activity deeply rooted in the local culture, as illustrated by the old wine press in the middle of the square.
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