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Travel Tactics | Wine Tasting in France

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Here are some tips and unwritten rules to make using our guides easier.

Dial 011 (U.S. exit code), then 33 (country code) and drop the first 0 (internal code) in the number when phoning from the States.
Look for combination hotel-restaurants listed under their principal activity--either "Where to Stay" or "Where to Eat."
Make dinner reservations at B&Bs before you arrive. Since these are private residences, evening meals often have to be arranged in advance.
Arm yourself with Michelin maps from the 1/200,000 series. They will direct you to even the tiniest hamlet in France.
Call wineries to set up weekday visits. They may not be as prepared for drop-ins as they are on weekends.
Offer to pay for a tasting if you don't buy a bottle or two. It's traditional to give the vintners something; they understand that tourists can't cart away much.