France is known for its cheese, but most importantly its wine. France is home to some of the best wines in the world. The whole country is full of amazing places to drink wine.
The Provence region of France is famous for its stellar rosé wines. While other parts of France are better at producing red wines, white wines and how could we not include champagne?
Because of the mild winters and warm summers, Provence can produce some of the best rosé in the country, and that is saying a lot because France produces plenty of great wine regions.
But this article is not about all the great places to drink wine in France. This article is about the best wine tours in Provence to drink at.
With its perfect climate, the region can create unique blends that can completely alter the way you think about wine after your first sip of the sweet and fresh Provencal flavors.
The grapes are blended in unique combinations to create a creative and exclusive taste.
The Provence region is most famous for its rosé which is definitely the drink of summer for anyone in the area.
If you are interested in trying other wines while you are in France, you might want to check out the best wine regions to visit in France.
Top 5 best spots for wine tours Provence
1. Château la Coste
Located 25 minutes from Aix-en-Provence in the Provencal village of Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, Château la Coste sits right on 500 beautiful acres of Provencal landscape.
This winery aims to protect and preserve the soil and natural resources it uses to create its blend of wines.
In 2009, the wine was given the French organic label “AB”. This is in recognition of its respect to the land and the methods it uses that harmonize its natural resources.
When visiting Château la Coste, you can take a wine tasting tour that will walk you through the winery.
You are also able to can enjoy the contemporary art and architecture of various artists by walking along the hills and valleys throughout the entire compound.
The tour takes about two hours to complete. But it’s a fun and unique winery adventure that is unlike any other.
There are also three restaurants plus a café on-site for grabbing food and relaxing after tasting some exceptional wine.
Château la Coste is a luxurious, contemporary, artistic, and chic winery with the goal of preserving natural resources. This makes it unlike any other winery in the area.
The winery has even opened 28 villas and suites privately placed along with the property with views of Mont Ventoux and the Luberon massif.
Château la Coste is known for its Grand Vin rosé. Which is a soft, smooth, and well-balanced wine. It’s definitely a favorite of the winery. It’s made with 40% Syrah and 60% Grenache.
The Grand Vin Red has comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Syrah with hand-harvested organic grapes and aged in new and old barrels.
The Grand Vin White is 90% Vermentino and 10% Chardonnay and aged on its lees before being bottled. Along with these three favorites are other reds and whites that are loved by many.
It’s a winery worth visiting not only for its exceptional wine but also for its mission to preserve the land and as a place of modern luxury.
It has paved the way for wineries in France by ever-improving its experience for visitors.
2. Château Vignelaure
Sitting on almost 500 acres with 55 vines is Château Vignelaure. Located in Rians, France, the winery aims to follow organic standards by respecting the land and the natural resources it uses for the wine.
It’s known as being a pioneer of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Provence region and was founded in the 1960s. The wine is sold throughout wine shops and restaurants including 30 with Michelin stars.
Their wine is also sold in over 15 countries.
The red wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Shiraz and aged in a mix of old and new barrels.
The rosé is certified as organic wine and consists of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The white wine is also a certified organic blend between Roussanne and Sauvignon Blanc. All of the wines are well balanced with elegant flavors, making them a favorite in the Provence region.
A unique experience at the Château Vignelaure is the underground art gallery that connects the old and new wine cellar.
The collection of art is quite exceptional with pieces from César, Buffet, Arman, Miro, among other artists. Besides the gallery, there are art pieces all over the complex. Artists are even invited to stay at the Château to be inspired creatively.
Not only is Château Vignelaure a highly praised winery, but it’s also a place to experience beautiful art all over the compound.
It’s a great winery to visit for a tasting tour, a view of the art gallery, and a walk around the surrounding site to see the vineyards and additional art that graces its presence.
3. Château Val Joanis
In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, just west of the town of Pertuis and only 15 minutes from Aix-en-Provence lies Château Val Joanis.
Not only does it have great tasting wine, but it’s also full of beautiful gardens home to fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
It was named “Garden of the Year” in 2008. The estate was once a Roman villa and is now a beautiful winery and garden pasture with a small hotel and reception hall.
The winery has almost 300 acres of vineyards. There are a lot of great wine options such as the Cuvée Les Griottes which is a mix of Syrah and Grenache and has won many awards and medals for its rich blend of fruits and spices.
The traditional red wine has also won various awards for being both smoky and fruity. The Cuvée Joséphine wine is known for being juicy and fresh. The rosé has a floral and fruity blend that has been praised as well.
Château Val Joanis is worth visiting for a day of touring the winery and trying all the delicious blends. You must also visit the gardens for a breath of fresh air and beautiful views.
There are many overhangs of trees and flowers that grace your stroll through the vineyard and there is so much to enjoy. It’s a great way to get out of the city but still experience French life through their love of wine and relaxation.
4. Mas de Cadenet
Located on the bottom of the famous Sainte Victoire mountain in Trets, France is the beautiful estate of Mas de Cadenet.
Sainte Victoire is victoriously famous since artist Paul Cézanne would recreate it in his famous paintings. The mountain beautifully stands in the Provence region and draws people to the area.
The winery is in the perfect location near Aix-en-Provence and sits at the base of this stunning mountain. The land of the estate itself has a rich history dating back to Roman times with fragments of amphorae found on the property.
The family that bought the land back in 1813 still owns and operates the winery today. Tours are often led by the owners which is a unique feature not seen in most wineries. This gives a sense of appreciation and pride to the winery that is unmatched.
The mission at Mas de Cadenet is to provide organic wines that respect the land with the message: “We do not inherit the land of our parents, we borrow it from our children.”
The winery has strong values to uphold its legacy through great wine that is quite prestigious in the area.
The specialty here is the rosé. Which is known for its dry and fruity taste. The winery produces 60% rosé, 30% red, and 10% white wines.
The grapes used to produce the wine include Rolle, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Cabernet-Sauvignon. The rosé is made with 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah to create a lively taste of fruits and gooseberries.
The white wine consists of 100% Rolle for a crisp fruity and floral finish. The red wine contains 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache to create a rich and powerful taste of fruit and spices. The wine can be found in restaurants in the Provence region as well.
You can tour this winery and see the process from start to finish of creating the magnificent wine.
Which is why it is one of the best wine tours in Provence.
After a wine tasting, there are other fun things the winery offers such as a treasure hunt, paint lessons, and walks through the vineyard.
It’s a beautiful winery to visit not only because of its quality, organic wine but also to see its beauty alongside the mountain of Sainte Victoire.
5. Domaine du Bagnol
Last, but not least on our best wine tours in Provence is Domaine du Bagnol. In Cassis, France, and right near the Mediterranean Sea is Domain du Bagnol.
It was founded in 1867 and is one of the oldest wineries in Cassis. The winery compares its process to haute couture because the process of harvesting grapes is done manually and based on the maturity of the grapes.
It can change each year but luxury takes time and that’s the mission at Domain du Bagnol. The winery takes a traditional approach to its process that ensures quality taste. This doesn’t go unnoticed after a taste of the enriched flavors.
What makes the wine at Domaine du Bagnol so unique is its motto to ‘work in the most natural way.’
All of the wines are blended to make renowned and loved flavors. The land is respected and cared for in order to cultivate great wine each year.
The wines are produced organically because Domain du Bagnol ensures a healthy and respectful relationship with its environment.
The grapes used for white wine include Marsanne, Clairette, and Ugni Blanc. The white is known for its aromatic palette and balanced, mineral finish.
The rosé is comprised of the grapes Grenache, Le Mourvèdre, and Le Cinsault.
It includes citrus notes that result in a fresh, smooth, and mineral finish. The most famous of their wines is the Marquis de Fesques cuvée. It ages in a wood barrel to mature and has hints of grilled almonds and gingerbread to create a sweet and classy taste.
Domaine du Bagnol is a beautiful place to visit to taste the exceptional wines of Cassis. It’s located in a stunning area of Provence right near the water. Though it does not have red wine, the white and rosé make up for it with their award-winning taste.
It’s quite the place for a wine tasting like no other.
With wine on the mind, you must try at least one of these wineries if you get the chance. Not only great for their wines but also the best wine tours in Provence.
Not only is the taste of Provencal wine something to remember, but visiting the beautiful and vast wineries is an experience in itself.
It is clear how much the French respect and value wine as a cultural symbol and a way of life.
It’s their drink of choice. Not only to pair with a freshly cooked meal but it’s also to remember a simpler time of life.
The Provence region is known for its wine and it will not disappoint those who haven’t yet tasted its sensational flavors. If you’re in the Provence region, wine tasting is a must-do activity that won’t be forgotten.
That’s it. I hope you enjoyed this article on the best wine tours in Provence. If you are planning a trip to the South of France, be sure to check out my article on the best day trips from Nice
