The February 2006 Wine Spectator features some outstanding maps of Californian, French and Italian appellations by Richard Thompson. There are any number of similar maps online, but these are strikingly beautiful--I hope the Spectator ultimately makes them available in their archives. For now, some photos of the French maps are after the jump.
French Wine Appellations
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006
Northeast France
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Eastern France
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Southeast France
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Northwest France
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Bordeaux
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Burgundy
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Champagne
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Loire Valley
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
Mediterranean Coast
Original by Richard Thompson, Wine Spectator, Feb. 2006 
3 Responses
These maps bring up wonderful memories -- of biking the wine regions in france, talking to wine makers, working the vineyards, taking notes, and cheese ...
I'm jealous! I've been to Europe once, and my time in France was limited to Paris. Touring wine country sounds perfect--maybe someday.
Do you know if Richard Thompson's appellation maps ever became available for purchase?