Entrance ticket to the Brotte Wine Museum with tasting of 3 wines
Avignon

Price: €8
Min age: 18
Rating 4.82 / 5 [69 ratings]
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Travel bucket list idea:
Provence, France
|Sunny Provence has been making wine ever since grapes were introduced by the Ancient Greeks, circa 600 BC. Provence grows some of the most prestigious Cotes du Rhone wines, including the reds of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Beaumes-de-Venise, all located north of Avignon (more details below).
Famous for its quaffable roses, there are also notable AOC areas along the coasts (Bandol, with its Mourvedre wines, Cassis with its whites), while Les Baux-en-Provence is known for organic wines.
Grown on natural terraces under the ‘lacy’ mountains (the Dentelles de Montmirail), this wine-growing area – famous for Muscat – goes back to Roman times and remains both one of Provence’s most beautiful and prestigious.
Promoted by the wine-loving medieval popes of Avignon, the world-famous reds of Chateauneuf-du-Pape have steadily grown in reputation over the years. The 320 estates are distinctive for their bushy vines grown in large sun-soaked pebbles.
AOC Gigondas is a powerful red wine nicknamed ‘little brother’ of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, grown in a tiny area around the pretty little village of Gigondas, with beautiful vines and vertical views of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Avignon
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Min age: 18
Rating 4.82 / 5 [69 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Provence, France
A lively medieval town bursting with art and creativity, and centrally located for sightseeing in Provence. Host of the superb Avignon Festival.
Provence, France
Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.
Provence, France
Fascinating Roman, and medieval monuments and memories of Van Gogh, plus a winsome shabby-chic charm.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
The world’s greatest wine regions – where you can sip the world’s greatest wines at source, and tour the vineyards to learn how they’re made.