The Jura vineyard is marked by a typical personality and represents approximately 2000 hectares. It is one of the smallest French vineyards.
Existing in the Jura for centuries on hillside, between 250 and 400 meters above sea level, the vineyards grows again today with the particularity of its small farms and cooperatives. The generic name of the Jura vineyard is the “Côtes du jura”, but there is regional appellations such as Arbois, Chateau-Chalon and l’Etoile , The Crémant du Jura appellation, and the Macvin is obtained by distilling Marc du Jura. These wines come from different grapes varieties linked to the variety of soils and micro-climates. The production of white wines being largely dominant, the most widespread grape variety is Chardonnay.
However, the most representative vine of the Jura is Savagnin, it gives The Yellow Wine of great reputation which is the glory of Chateau-Chalon, which is sold in a 62cl bottle called “Clavelin”.
The red or rosé wines of the Jura, produced in particular in the Arbois-Pupillin sector, are obtained from the Poulsard and Trousseau grape varieties. Pinot Noir is also present in the Jura vineyards. These wines come from different grapes varieties linked to the variery of soils and micro-climates.
6 kms from Passenans, discover the famous village of Chateau-Chalon. Old medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop, it is considered to be the stronghold of the Yellow Wine. There are beautiful lookouts and a multitude of hiking trails departures. For cheese lovers, you can go inside the village visit the cheese factory “Vagne”. You will also find many wine tasting cellars of the Jura.
15 kms from Passenans, discover Baume-les-Messieurs, classified site ***, one of the most beautiful villages in France. The village is famous for its Imperial Abbey (guided tours can be organized, you have to reserved in Baume-les-Messieurs welcome office. There is also its caverns (guided tours 45 minutes from the 1st of April to the 15th of September, 10am-6pm), and its “reculées”.
20 kms from Passenans, discover Arbois, its famous vineyard with his boxwoods trails, numerous viewpoints and cliffs. Possible visits of the house of Louis Pasteur, Castle Pécault (museum of the vine and wine) or the church of Saint-Just.
A bit hungry in Arbois? Head to a typical Jura restaurant “La Finette, taverne d’Arbois”.
Discover the history of salt in the region, visiting Salins-les-Bains, the ancient “Salines” and further to Arc-et-Senans, in Royal saltworks, classified in the Unesco Heritage.
During the beautiful days, devote yourself to water hobbies :
Chalain Lake : From glacial origin, this lake is the largest natural lake in Jura. Enter in the area (paying in summer, about 4€), there are many things to do : beach, pedal boat, hiking trails, shops and beautiful views from the village of Fontenu.
Then, leaving the Domain of Chalain, cross the village of Doucier, towards the Hérisson waterfalls (large classified natural site). Set in an area surrounded by cliffs, the Hérisson River, at a height of 805 meters, descends in a series of 31 jumps and 7 waterfalls before crossing the Val and Chambly lakes. A pedestrian course (7.5 kms round trips, 255 meters above sea level, on 3 hours). Vouglans Lake and its dam (3rd of France) direction Lons-le-Saunier, Orgelet, Moirans-en-Montagne. Possibility of lunch at the restaurant « Le Surchauffant » or « Le regardoir ».
