● Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, steeped in a rich history dating back to the 14th century.
● Indulge in exclusive wine tastings at Les Caves Saint Charles, Château La Nerthe, or Domaine de Beaurenard.
● Savor the flavors of Gigondas and Vacqueyras with wine tastings in the northern Rhône Valley, amidst vast vineyards.
Your private driver will chauffeur you to your first destination as you embark on this exclusive wine tour. Begin your exploration in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a medieval village nestled on a hill, embraced by the remnants of an ancient château. Throughout the Chateauneuf-du-Pape & Rhone Valley Full Day Private Wine Tour, delve into the castle's fascinating history, transforming into the 'pope's new castle' during the 14th century when the Roman Catholic Church established its seat in Avignon. Fueled by Pope Clement V's passion for wine, vineyards were promoted, culminating in the construction of the renowned Château des Papes in 1317.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, primarily crafted from Grenache grapes, are renowned for their bold and complex profiles. These red wines feature rich fruit flavors with distinctive notes of "garrigue," encompassing herbs like sage, rosemary, and lavender. Diverse soils, including limestone and round pebbles, contribute to their unique depth, and their aging potential allows for evolving complexity over time.
You will later have the opportunity to visit some of these Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards for exclusive wine tastings (subject to availability and timing):
Les Caves Saint Charles, an essential stop offering tastings of exceptional local wines. Guy, the vintner, breathes life into each wine, sharing their personalities and guiding you through the nuances of tastings. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a wine novice, this visit promises a memorable experience.
Château La Nerthe, situated in the hills of Chateauneuf du Pape, boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Wander through the lovely grounds, providing a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. You can also choose to visit Domaine de Beaurenard, guided by Daniel and Frederic Coulon, the 7th generation of vine growers whose tradition and modern practices yields exceptional organic and biodynamic wines, garnering over 350 awards.
Continue your wine journey to the northern Rhône Valley, where you'll explore the exquisite wines of Gigondas, surrounded by expansive vineyards, and Vacqueyras, an authentic village with a rich Roman history and a reputation for exceptional red, white, and rosé wines. Deluxe France will meticulously select wine tastings from these appellations based on the season and availability, ensuring a curated and memorable experience.
After this fantastic private wine tour, your knowledgeable English-speaking driver will elegantly chauffeur you back to your accommodation in Provence.
*Please note that this itinerary is available from multiple departure cities and hotels throughout Provence.
*Kindly be aware that our drivers adjust dynamically to your preferences and pace during the tour. The locations visited including the wine domains and their sequence may vary based on your place of stay, availability and the season or day of the week.
*Should you have a specific château or vineyard preference, kindly inform us so that we may tailor the itinerary to your desires.
*In Provence, our tours include the services of a knowledgeable driver. He will provide a panoramic tour, stops for pictures, good local knowledge and light historical explanations. When parking allows it, he accompanies the clients to the sites. If you or your clients are looking for deeper historical explanations, we advise adding a licensed guide.
Included
● English speaking driver
● Mercedes vehicle or equivalent
Not Included
● Lunch
● Gratuity to the driver
● Tasting and visit slots are booked by Deluxe France but must be paid for on-site or in advance as specified in your quote by your agent
● Entrance tickets for any activity are to be paid on-site or to be included upon request