No visit to Provence is complete without experiencing its rich history of winemaking. Provence is famous for its rosé wines, especially those from the Côtes de Provence, and it also makes fantastic whites and reds too. Whilst not in Provence itself, the full bodied, prestigious reds produced in Chateauneuf-du-Pape are also very easily accessible whilst in Provence.
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The best way to experience Provence wines and winemaking is by visiting its wineries, enjoying a guided tour and finding out first hand from the people who make the wine, what makes it so special. Take a stroll in the Provence vineyards and admire the views, visit the barrel cellars and vat rooms and learn about Provence wine!
It’s possible to visit wineries and vineyards in Provence from Avignon, Aix-en-Provence and Marseilles (both the city and the cruise terminal). A la Francaise offers guided wine tours from each of these departure points which provide an easy and relaxing way to visit the wineries. Our small group wine tours and private wine tours are guided by local experts who will collect you from your base in Provence and drive you in comfort to visit the wineries in this beautiful region. You can choose from half day wine tours leaving in the morning or afternoon, or full-day wine tours.
Our guided wine tours will take you to Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards like all the vineyards in Provence, are considered to be some of the most natural in France due to the drying effects of the Mistral wind. The shallow soils, formed by limestone and argillaceous sandstone, produce high-quality wines.
When visiting wineries in the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire you will learn interesting facts about Provence rosés and red wines, their grape varieties and their terroir...and of course.. enjoy tasting them! The wines you taste will be wonderful full-bodied reds with excellent structure (typical grape varieties used are Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cabernet-Sauvignon), and subtle, elegant rosés.
Did you know? The Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards and their beautiful surrounding landscapes were a source of inspiration for the great painter Cezanne!
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region is located in the famous Rhone Valley and tours to the vineyards take you through scenic drives through fields and fields of vines. The famous wine region of Châteauneuf du Pape takes its name from the charming historical village which it surrounds. Visiting wineries here with A la Francaise you will enjoy tastings in the cellars of top wineries and sample the unique taste of this local red wine, the product of an exceptional terroir which is bathed in the sunshine of its wonderful climate.
Did you know? In Châteauneuf du Pape, wine-producers grow no less then 13 different grapes!
You can also choose to combine your Provence wine tour with other visits in the region including to the Luberon villages, historic walking tours of Avignon, Roman sites, Arles, Saint-Remy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence. And, delve into its rich history, following in the footsteps of the great Van Gogh, Cezanne and the ancient Romans! In fact, if you book a private driver and guide for the day in Provence you can combine your winery visits with almost any other activity in the area that you like!
For the best choice of expertly guided wine tours to visit the wineries and vineyards of Provence, choose A la Francaise!
Provence, boasts several notable wine-making regions. Côtes de Provence, the largest, excels in producing exquisite rosé wines and includes sub-regions like Sainte-Victoire and Fréjus. Bandol, near the coast, is renowned for robust reds predominantly crafted from the Mourvèdre grape. Cassis, situated close to the town of the same name, specializes in elegant white wines, notably Marsanne and Clairette blends. Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence offers a diverse range of wines, including reds and whites, with rich flavours derived from Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Palette, near Aix-en-Provence, produces refined reds, whites, and rosés, while Luberon in the east delivers fresh and balanced wines across all three categories. Whilst Chateauneuf-du-Pape is not technically in Provence, it is a key wine region that can be visited whilst in Provence.
You can try red, white and rosé wines whilst visiting wineries in Provence. Whilst taking a tour with A la Francaise you will be able to try the famed reds of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and in the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards the wines you can try are wonderful full-bodied reds with excellent structure (typical grape varieties used are Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cabernet-Sauvignon), and subtle, elegant rosés.
The best way to taste Provence rosé is without a doubt, in Provence itself! Whilst you can hire a car and visit wineries, much the easiest way is to join a small group or private tour and be driven between the wineries and guided whilst there.
The closest wineries to visit from Avignon are those based in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but if you are happy to drive for longer or hire a private driver guide for the day it’s possible to visit wineries further afield in Provence and in the Rhone Valley.
The closest wineries to visit from Aix-en-Provence are those based in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire vineyards, but if you are happy to drive for longer or hire a private driver guide for the day it’s possible to visit wineries further afield in Provence and in the Rhone Valley.
Whether you are in Marseille itself or hopping of a cruise ship at the cruise terminal for a shore excursion, many of the wine regions of Provence, and indeed the Rhone Valley are within reach. You can join a small group guided tour of from Marseille to the famous region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. And, whilst visiting wineries here, you can include a guided tour of the historic Avignon, the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence and Pont du Gard: the world's best preserved Roman aqueduct!
Yes! Taking a wine tour in Provence combined with visiting the Luberon Villages is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Provence’s most famous characteristics; its historic charm, its stunning landscapes, its food, culture and traditions and its rich history of winemaking.
