The white, rose & red wine in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Famed for its Popes’ Palace and iconic bridge, Avignon stands at the gateway to the region’s winegrowing terroir. Begin your tour with a visit to the Carré du Palais, a cultural and gastronomic hub in the beating heart of the city. A clever mix of old and modern, the Carré showcases temporary exhibitions and local specialities, including, of course, Côtes-du-Rhône wines! Take time to stroll through the cobbled streets and pop into the city centre wine cellars for spot of wine tasting. Avignon is also the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding vineyards, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, located just a few kilometres away.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a must-do for lovers of powerful, aromatic red wines. The Pavillon Bouachon and Vinothèque de Châteauneuf-du-Pape offer a variety of wine tourism experiences including cellar tours, tasting straight from the cask and gourmet workshops where you can learn how to pair wines and artisan chocolates. Speaking of which, don’t miss the Chocolaterie Castelain – their handmade chocolates marry to perfection with the local elixirs. Just a few minutes away, Orange invites you to enjoy a bicycle ride along the countrified Via Venaissia winding its way between vineyards and tulip fields – you can stop off along the way to sample the fine local wines. The day ends with a visit to the Roman Theatre in Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage site promising a genuine voyage back in time.

Your day begins with a discovery tour of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a spectacular rocky formation overlooking the vineyards of Gigondas and Vacqueyras. Both appellations produce full-bodied reds and fruity rosés – you can enjoy tasting them at beautiful local vineyards such as Château de Montmirail, Clos des Cazeaux, or Domaine de Fontnobles. The tours often include a stroll in the vines, where you will learn all about the varies soil types and grape varieties. The Cave Coopérative la Romaine wine cooperative in Vaison-la-Romaine invites you to savour eco-friendly wines in a setting combining tradition and modernity. Take time to visit the town’s Roman bridge and theatre to wind up this delightful day combining history and oenology.

Your fourth day embraces the enchanting hilltop villages, vineyards and unspoiled natural beauty of the Luberon. Domaine de la Coquillade in Gargas is a must-do for fans of organic wines. This idyllic estate offers guided tours introducing visitors to their environmentally-friendly growing methods and much-praised white, red, and rosé wines, renowned for their balance and finesse. Nearby Ménerbes is home to the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin, a unique venue where you can learn how to pair local truffles with Luberon wines while enjoying some amusing anecdotes. At the end of the day, it’s time to head to Aix-en-Provence and Château de la Gaude, a family-run estate producing elegant wines you can savour in the superb wooded grounds.

The road leading from Aix-en-Provence to Rousset, against the backdrop of Mont Sainte-Victoire, crosses several prestigious vineyards, including Château des Trois Sautets and Château Henri Bonnaud. Their refreshing whites and fruity rosés are perfect served with our typical Mediterranean dishes. The Terre de Mistral estate in Rousset hosts tasting sessions in a warm and friendly atmosphere, topped with stunning views over the surrounding hills. As the day draws to a close, you’ll be heading to Les Arcs-sur-Argens for a bicycle ride on the “La Vigne à Vélo” cycling route, winding its way through vines and olive trees. The Maison des Vins des Côtes de Provence is a must for wine tourism buffs keen to appreciate the diversity of the Côtes de Provence appellation.

Day five takes you to Lorgues, a typical village in the Var area. Here, Château Roubine and Château de Berne host fabulous wine tourism experiences spanning cellar tours, winemaking secrets, guided tasting sessions to refine your palate and walks in the vines in the company of a winegrower. These internationally-renowned estates produce medal-winning fruity rosés and full-bodied reds. Next on your route is Clos des Roses in Fréjus, a family-run wine estate producing personality-packed organic wines to savour in the gorgeous shaded grounds. The town of Fréjus, home to beaches and beautiful Roman heritage, marks the start of your final day, spent on the Côte d’Azur.

You’ll be winding up your wine appreciation tour in style with the Bellet appellation – a treasure tucked away on the heights of Nice. This insider’s AOC – one of France’s smallest – produces exceptional wines crafted with iconic local grape varieties including Rolle and Braquet. Subtle, with a marked mineral taste, the Bellet wines perfectly reflect the unique terroir of these sun-drenched hills. Several local vineyards open their doors to visitors if you want to learn more about the appellation: the must-do Château de Bellet, as well as Domaine Saint-Jean and Domaine de la Source. Often accompanied by breathtaking views over the Bay of Nice, their tasting sessions are an unforgettable feast for the senses and great opportunity to discover rare wines telling the story of time-honoured know-how and a preserved terroir.