Provence Wine Region

For a comprehensive guide to wineries and wine trails, see the Vins Rhone website. They have a map of all the wineries.

Most wineries in Provence offer free tastings and sell wine in any quantity, from one bottle upwards. As well as selling bottles and cases onsite, many vineyards sell wines straight from the vat (‘en vrac’). A few estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape request advance notice, but in most cases you can just turn up. Check specific winery websites if you’re unsure.

Within the growing areas, specialist wine shops (caves cooperatives) offer tastings from numerous local estates to help you decide which to buy, so these can be a good place to start.

The roads in these parts are very scenic, and numerous wine trails make touring by car a pleasure, although joining a tour means you don’t have to drive. Alternatively, hop on a bike: many of the wine roads are peaceful and away from main routes. Or just have a wander: the prettiest walking trails are around Beaumes-de-Venise and Gigondas.

You could also consider a ‘wine cruise’ taking in the vineyards of both Provence and Burgundy. These luxury river cruises usually last around 8 days, and will organise visits and tastings at the best vineyards.

April to July are good months to visit, when the vine bushes are lush; autumn is lovely for the colours and interesting for the busy harvest. Most wine estates are open during regular business hours.