vineyard walks, wine estates, local gems, Cotes du Rhone, Chateauneuf du Pape
Personally, our greatest pleasure is walking among vineyards that produce our favorite wines. And we can walk among vines from the western edge of Provence around Uzes practically all the way to Italy. Provence's southern Cotes du Rhone is one of the world's premier wine regions best known for Chateauneuf du Pape. But some of the most exciting vineyards are in the less known local regions, including the Cotes du Ventoux and the Cotes du Luberon, where quality has shot up in recent years, prices remain reasonable, and values are terrific.
Our wine trails take you from the best little country wineries to top Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape estates according to your personal preferences. Start each day among the vines, and go on to tastings at the best wineries. We can also arrange estate visits with a top local oenelogist to guide you, if you like. Private wine tasting courses are another option. All of our walks along the wine trails are carefully tailored to your personal interests and experience level.
Use this itinerary, custom designed for a client, to inspire yours. Start on any day. Walk for as many days as you like. On your own time, at your own pace.
| Day 1 Arrival and Transfer to the Cotes du Ventoux | |
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Start in Cotes du Ventoux, and its ascendant vineyards, where profound improvements are propelling subtle, sumptuous local wines into the wine world beyond Provence. Unwind in a luxurious B&B among the vines and attend a private tasting at a small family winery before dinner featuring more great little local wines. |
| Day 2 Beaumes de Venise Circular Walk Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Launch from nearby Beaumes de Venise today and head for the hills through the village's vines of sweet dessert wine grapes. Ascend to one of the most picturesque perched villages in the Vaucluse before circling back. Taste for the rest of the day at recommended wine estates in the neighboring wine villages of Vacqueyras, Seguret, Sablet, Rasteau, and more. |
| Day 3 Gigondas Wine Walk Distance: 12 miles Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging |
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Walk from the little wine village of Gigondas deep into the Dentelles de Montmirail with sweeping vineyard views from the Alps to the Med. Stop in at top Gigondas wine estates along the way. Then stroll back to the village for more tastings from the neighboring Rhone regions, too. Don't miss Chateau St. Cosme, our perennial favorite (and Robert Parker's too). |
| Day 4 Tavel's Tantalizing Rosés Distance: 8 miles Difficulty: Moderate |
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Rosé is back in vogue, and Tavel is the world's best rosé terroir. Ignore the old wine bores who sneer at rosé - as any local worth his truffle omelet knows, a good rosé paired well with a fine menu is unbeatable for a lazy summer lunch in Provence. With the right meal at the right time, that's what wine is all about. And the walk is straight out of Renaissance times. |
| Day 5 Chateauneuf du Pape Circular Walk Distance: 8 miles Difficulty: Easy |
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Wander the vines of Chateauneuf du Pape, the Southern Rhone's top wine region and one of the best in the world. Touch Chateauneuf's famous galettes, the oversized pebbles, and feel the ripening sun's heat they reflect on the vines. See a chateau's sample rows of all 13 grape varieties allowed in making Chateauneuf du Pape. Taste at great trailside estates. |
| Day 6 More Chateauneuf du Pape | |
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Today it's time for serious business - an entire day tasting the wines of Chateauneuf du Pape for your cellar (doing it with your personal oenologist is an option). Make the rounds of the best estates; Beaucastel, Chateau La Nerthe, Pegau, Le Vieux Telegraphe, Raymond Usseglio, Pierre Amadieu, and more. And you'll learn valuable secrets, too. Anyone for a bottle of Domaine Charvin? |
| Day 7 Departure from Provence | |
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After breakfast it is time to head for home to get back in time to receive your wine shipment. |
7 days, 6 nights
Northern Vaucluse
best time April to October
Walks
four walks, easy and
moderate to challenging,
up to 12 miles per day,
shorter and longer options;
comprehensive self-guidance
package; in-person briefing
Where You'll Stay
Classic: charming B&Bs
and small family run hotels
Superior: high end B&Bs
and superior hotels
Deluxe: top country house hotels
Mix choices if you prefer
Field Support
In-person briefing on arrival; English speaking background support throughout the trip; optional GPS support
Pricing
(per person double occupancy)
Classic: from $1,432
Superior: from $1,747
Deluxe: inquire
indicative prices - actual quotes
may vary; mixing accom. choices also varies price
single supplement - inquire
Included
• all accommodation
• all baggage transfers
• all breakfasts
• briefing on arrival
• comprehensive Trip Kit including all official IGN maps, Trail Guides, and other guidance material
• any transportation except
for transfers if indicated
• meals/picnics other than breakfasts
• any form of insurance