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Full Day Rhône Discovery Tour
This full day tour provides you with an unrivalled opportunity to visit the stunning and diverse vineyard landscapes of four premium wine villages – any of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rasteau, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Cairanne, Tavel, Lirac, Visan, Sablet and Séguret – and taste a selection of differing and exquisite wines from four leading wine estates.
The full day tour offers you the perfect opportunity to appreciate how changing terroir impacts the styles of wine that you taste.
We visit the vineyards and cellars of two top estates in premium wine villages located in and around the fabulous Dentelles de Montmirail hills.
I can recommend and book a restaurant for you in advance of your visit or we can book something on the day. I meet up with you again after lunch for the afternoon leg of the tour.
If we have four or more persons in our group we can have a food and wine matching lunch at one of the wineries where the chef matches wonderful small dishes to each of four wines that they produce.
We continue the tour with a final stop at a leading wine estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Why does Châteauneuf-du-Pape lead all other Southern Rhône wine villages in terms of price and (supposed) quality? Can the answer be found in this village’s unique vineyard “terroir”? Is Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s substantial reputation justified? You will be able to make up your own mind as we tour the vineyards and visit one of the village’s leading producers.
Wine Estates – I work with a large number of wine estates across the Southern Rhône and I have researched each wine estate that we visit : their philosophy, terroir, and wine-growing approach. This allows me to lead each guided visit and tasting, and point out what is interesting and genuinely different as we visit each estate.
As we visit the scenic vineyards – I explain the local appellation and the local wine-growing culture – in particular the notion of “terroir”
As we visit the cellars – I explain key elements of the winemaking process, particular to the region.
As we taste the wines – I explain the tasting characteristics of the Rhône grape varieties, the ageing potential of the wines and the varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods. At most of the estates we visit I supply a small selection of cheese to help us understand how the complexities and flavours of terroir wines can be enhanced and better appreciated with food.
Any Prior Wine Knowledge Required ?
My tours cater for all wine-drinkers, from those you know very little about wine, to enthusiasts seeking to broaden their understanding. My relaxed and informal tours can be tailored to suit each individual, as introductory, or as in-depth as you require.
If you are a veteran wine estate visitor and you have seen more than your fair share of wine-making cellars, I will tailor the tour accordingly.
Transport to the vineyards and the wine cellars
Village Meeting Point :
Tours commence from a designated meeting point in the first wine village.
Own Transport Option :
You require your car to get to the first village meeting point. If you opt for the own transport option and I have space in my car then I could transport you from the meeting point.
Otherwise you would use your own vehicle (following me) for the tour. The distances between the vineyards and the cellars is usually no more than a few minutes except the travel journey to Châteauneuf-du-Pape which takes 20 minutes.
3/4 Day Châteauneuf/Gigondas Tour: Three Wine Estates*
Half Day Tour : Two Wine Estates*
Full Day Provencal Cooking Class & Wine Tour*
Full Day History of Provence Walk & Wine Tour*
Half Day History of Provence Walk
Half Day Wine Walk & Picnic